Lois F. Churchill

Lois F. Churchill, 93, of Perrysburg, passed away Thursday, May 26, at Swan Creek surrounded by family, including her loving husband, Walter A. Churchill Jr. Lois was born April 27, 1929, in Toledo to Julius C. and Edith (Gould) Fralich. Lois married Mason C. Rowley in 1951; they were married 21 years and raised three daughters. Lois married Walt on April 19, 1974; they shared 48 years together. She graduated from Toledo’s Libbey High School in 1947 and earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Toledo in 1951.

Lois, who was extraordinarily active and involved in numerous organizations, causes, and business ventures over her lifetime, was first and foremost the joyful and outspoken matriarch of her family. With a wide smile and generous spirit, she radiated a joy for life. It was often difficult to say “no” to Lois, even as she asked, for example, to get her jolly black lab into a pet-free hotel as a “service animal.” She was sharp, dynamic, and never afraid to speak her mind. She touched many lives and leaves a vibrant legacy of service to community and family, laughter, and a sense of adventure.

A constant and well-loved figure at Walt Churchill’s Market, Lois was not only on the Board of Directors for 21 years but loved talking to customers and was called a “guiding light” by staff. Her other business involvements include Walt Churchill Adventure Shops, President; Sports Specialists Ltd., National Buying Group board member; University of Toledo Business Council; and Dow/wager Investment Club charter member.

Lois held leadership positions in many Perrysburg and Toledo organizations, expressing her lifelong commitment to learning and community service: The Junior League of Toledo starting in the 1950s; Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Kobacker Psychoeducational Center at the Medical College of Ohio for more than 30 years; Kobacker Sculpture Committee Chairman; Medical College of Ohio Foundation Board, Development Committee, and Community Health Project Advisory Committee; Cummings School Board; and City of Perrysburg, Zoning Board of Appeals. She was a very active member of the Toledo Country Club for more than 60 years and held positions including Treasurer of the Board of the Trustees; Finance Committee Chairman; and 18 Hole Lady Golfers, Treasurer and Chairman. She was also involved in Red Cross/Community Chest, United Way of Perrysburg Township, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Toledo Symphony Women’s League, Toledo Mental Health Association, Perrysburg Garden Club, and Perrysburg League of Women Voters. She was president of her sorority, Tri Delta, at the University of Toledo, and remained involved in it for most of her life. She told the Junior League of Toledo in 2002, “Do avail yourselves of the opportunity to be a part of ‘the movers and the shakers.’ It will enrich you as a person and also benefit many others. The rewards are immeasurable.”

A sporting enthusiast, Lois enjoyed sailing, boating, skiing, and golf. She and Walt ran the Walt Churchill Adventure Shops for 25 years, and they were members of Catawba Island Club for 40 years, spending many summer weekends on their boat New Adventure, even into their 90s. They made many dear friends on B Dock and hosted family events and reunions at the club. Lois often enjoyed a rum and coke around 5 o’clock on the back of their boat. She loved travel, especially to Spain and Utah. A supporter of the 577 Foundation, she participated in their pottery program for years. She and Walt found dear companions in black Labradors; Lois had had four over her lifetime, each named Cid.

Despite her incredible calendar of activities, Lois’s greatest fulfillment came from her family. During family gatherings, when the room was humming with conversation, Lois—or “Nana”—often observed the room with a beaming smile, full of pride for the loving family she helped create. She and Walt hosted family for the Christmas holiday every year, including last year, welcoming relatives from as far away as France, New York, Chicago, and Boston to partake in this cherished tradition, which involved wine tastings, walks to the 577 Foundation, a Christmas buffet at Toledo Country Club, Christmas Eve dinner, an enormous Christmas tree that took six grown men to get into the house, and games—Lois played bridge with friends and passed on her love of healthy competition to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never letting them win a game of cards. Lois also passed on an appreciation for good food and wine; she and Walt were great connoisseurs, and the family often enjoyed meals around the fire in their den. But perhaps her most indelible mark on family is her unwavering loyalty and support.

Along with her husband, Walt, Lois is survived by her daughters Cynthia (Dean) Conway, Lynn Darr, and Leigh (David) Tremp; stepchildren Gail (Louis) Churchill and David Churchill; grandchildren Jessica, Trevor, Sarah, and Megan; step-grandchildren David, Anne, and Joe; five great-grandchildren; and her beloved black lab, Cid. She was preceded in death by her parents, step-son Walter Churchill III, step-granddaughter Jessalyn, and many dear friends.

Friends and family will be received Friday, June 24, at 12–2 p.m. with a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133). Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Lois’s name to the 577 Foundation or the Toledo Art Museum. Condolences may be made to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com .