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Lois Ann VanDeraa-Griffith, passed away peacefully in Three Rivers on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on May 31, 1939 in Harvey, Illinois, Lois was a vibrant soul whose creativity and love for nature touched many lives.
As a self-employed artist, Lois channeled her passion for beauty into her handcrafted works, leaving behind a legacy of art that celebrated the simplicity and elegance of the natural world. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her hobbies, which included camping and visits to the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Lois found tranquility in canoeing, fishing, and tending to her garden, where flowers bloomed and birds sang, creating a sanctuary that reflected her inner grace.
Lois’s life was rich with love and laughter, shared with her brother, Charles Mueller, her children Cindy, Ronald (Carrie), and David (Terri) VanDeraa, and her cherished grandchildren Joseph (Julie) Timm, Stephanie (Kris Loomis) Timm, Louise (Michael) Furlong, Heather VanDeraa (Jimmy Laden), Shauna (Zach) Mears, David (Emily) VanDeraa, and Kody (Elin) VanDeraa. She was blessed to witness her family grow, including her great-grandchildren Amilia, Drake, Gunner, Gauge, Cierra, Dawson, Abi, Brooklyn, Madison, Benson, Jaxson, Owen, Juniper, James, Brynlee, Freya, and Sophie, and her great-great-grandchild Kamaree. Her life was a tapestry woven with the threads of her family’s milestones and everyday joys.
Lois was preceded in death by her adoring first husband, Ronald VanDeraa, and her second husband, Tommie Griffith. She was also welcomed into eternity by her loving parents Charles and Alice (Flanagin) Mueller and her sister-in-law Janet Mueller. Her spirit now reunites with them in a place of everlasting peace.
Known for her warmth, Lois’s presence was a comfort to her many nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. Her laughter was a fixture at the local coffee shop, where she shared stories and smiles with friends, old and new. Lois’s ability to connect with people over a cup of coffee and a shared love for life’s simple pleasures made her a beloved figure in her community.
Lois’s journey through life was marked by a deep appreciation for the connections she forged and the beauty she found in every corner of the world. Her spirit lives on in the memories of those she touched, the art she created, and the natural world she adored. As we remember Lois Ann VanDeraa-Griffith, we celebrate a life lived with passion, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to the things she loved most. Her legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
A private service for Lois will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Eley Funeral Homes.
