Delois Boxer

There are many women who are privileged to be called mother, but there are few that embrace that role in its entirety. DeLois Boxer was one of these extraordinary mothers who completely sacrificed and dedicated herself to the needs of her children. Her personality was quiet and private, yet she was very outspoken when communicating love to the people who meant the most to her, her family. The year 1925 was a monumental one within the world of international department stores; as the first Sears retail store opened in Chicago on February 2, 1925. Located in the Merchandise building, this store included an optical shop and a soda fountain. Frank and Selma (Lund) Shepherd, of Muskegon, Michigan were looking forward to their own monumental event as well; as Selma was due to give birth to their baby at any time. They were indeed blessed on February 22, 1925 with the healthy birth of their daughter De Lois. DeLois spent most of her days with her mother and four sisters while her father worked in maintenance for the city of Muskegon in order to support his family. As a young woman, DeLois found employment at the Curtain Roll Brenneman-Hartshorn in Muskegon where she worked as a laborer. This job would prove to bring DeLois more than just a paycheck as she also was introduced to a man named William Charles Boxer. A romance soon ensued and they were later united in marriage. Together DeLois and William experienced a fulfilling marriage until Williams death in 1979. DeLois and William were blessed with the births of eight children who brought DeLois tremendous fulfillment and joy throughout her entire lifetime. She poured herself into nurturing and caring for her husband and children, providing them with memories that will be forever cherished. DeLois flawlessly ran her household, keeping everything and everyone running smoothly, not an easy task with such a large family! She cooked scrumptious dinners for her army of kids including Sunday dinners complete with six chickens, mashed potatoes and gravy, and real milk. DeLois linked her children with her past when she bathed them in the kitchen using the same round tub that she washed the laundry in with the scrub board. Not only did DeLois care for the needs of her children, but she displayed her love for them in special ways that told each and every one of her children that they were loved in their own unique way. When back to school time came, the big box from Sears arrived that contained seven outfits for each child, complete with belts, socks, and underwear. There was a time that DeLoiss son Paul so badly wanted a dog; he was initially declined, but later Paul was granted permission for a dog, a dog that DeLois ended up falling in love with! In addition to her role as a wife and mother, DeLois found time to pursue some of her own interests as well. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing; she even made several baby doll flannel pajamas and knitted Barbie doll clothes! DeLois also enjoyed the companionship of her various cats over the years, especially her beloved Zipper. Education was important to DeLois; as an adult, she graduated as an honor student from Muskegon High School along with her daughter Amy, in 1976. This accomplishment was a great source of pride not only for DeLois, but for her children as well. She enjoyed watching television; soap operas and The Price is Right with Bob Barker were among her favorites. As much as she enjoyed making a home for her family, DeLois also liked taking in the sights of new places through the traveling that she experienced. DeLois enjoyed sitting around her kitchen table with her sisters, drinking coffee and talking; so much talking in fact, that her children couldnt get a word in edgewise! When grandchildren arrived on the scene, DeLois delighted in them all, as was evidenced through her various loving gestures. Her hands were always busy with the grandchildren around, especially when she crocheted them all mice wearing their school colors. DeLois treasured spending time with these children which resulted from a love story that began so many years ago. Later in life, DeLoiss youngest son Gary moved in with her in order to provide her with more hands on care. Together, they traveled extensively, which brought DeLois much joy. One of her favorite trips was their three week trip to the southern section of the Blue Ridge Mountains where they visited Smoky Mountain National Park. DeLois Boxer was an honest woman who was clothed with tenderness and compassion, especially for her family. She continually set aside her own needs to tend to the needs of her family. She instilled in her children the value of perseverance when she received her high school diploma, much later in her adult life. DeLois filled her family with delicious meals, but more importantly, she filled their hearts with love. Her memory will be forever etched on the hearts of those she leaves behind. DeLois will be dearly missed. DeLois Arlene Boxer died on December 23, 2008. DeLoiss family includes her sons: Larry (Jean) Boxer of Twin Lake, Steven (Mary) Boxer of N. Muskegon, Frank (Nancy) Boxer of Muskegon, Robin (Young) Boxer of Muskegon, Paul (Peggy) Boxer of N. Muskegon, David (Denise) Boxer of Muskegon, Gary Boxer of Muskegon; daughter, Amy (Don) Riegler of Muskegon; 27 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; sisters, Alice Swartout of Muskegon & Judith Comes of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Carol & Bernadine; grandsons, Jacob, Luke & Zachary Martin. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI, with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating. Interment at Mona View. Visit with DeLoiss family and friends on Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at the same location. Please visit DeLoiss memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Harbor Hospice.