Lois Ware, 91

Lois A. Ware, age 91, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 11, 2021, at Thurston Woods Villa in Sturgis.
She was born Nov. 4, 1929, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Ray B. and Phoebe (Rhode) Webster.
Lois resided in Sturgis her entire life and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1947. She furthered her education at Fort Wayne Business College.
On Dec. 6, 1952, she married Ernest C. “Smudge” Ware in Sturgis. He preceded her in death Jan. 4, 1993.
Lois retired from Midwest Tool & Cutlery in Sturgis following 25 years of dedicated employment as a bookkeeper. She also had worked at A&P, Harvey Paper Company and KVP Sutherland Paper Company.
Lois was always highly active and involved in the community. Some of her memberships included Trinity Lutheran Church in Sturgis, Eagles Auxiliary Lodge #1314, Women of the Moose Sturgis Chapter #613, Pythian Sisters Pocahontas Temple #121 and Capt. John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW Auxiliary. For more than 25 years, she served as a 4-H leader. For many years, she was a league bowler, her highest single game score being a 267, and she was inducted into the Sturgis Bowl Hall of Fame. She enjoyed playing cards, knitting, crocheting and was a talented seamstress.
She is survived by a daughter, Kristine (David) Kirsch of Sturgis; a son, Jerry (Diane) Ware of Sturgis; a grandson, Matthew (Jenn) Haack of Sturgis; and five great-grandchildren, Zach, Ava, Landon, Colton and Hudson.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and limitation of gatherings, services will be private. The Rev. Calvin Kolzow of Trinity Lutheran Church of Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Ware’s memory consider Sturgis Fire Department, 124 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091; St. Joseph County 4-H, 612 E. Main St., Centreville, MI 49032; or St. Joseph County Grange Fair Legacy Fund, 316 E. Charlotte St., Centreville, MI 49032.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where relatives and friends may share memories and leave condolences for the family.