Lois Hannum

To Lois Hannum there was no greater calling than that of being a mother and no greater feeling than the love of her family. Lois was a woman of faith who viewed each day as a precious gift and she colored the world with her warm and compassionate personality each and every day. Lois had a genuine servants heart and often set aside her own needs to tend to the needs of others, brightening the days of everyone placed in her path. The 1920s were a time of great change within the culture of our nation as jazz was the hottest craze with clubs being packed nightly, and social dancing became popular as well, with dance marathons becoming all the rage. Melvin and Gertrude (Vanderstelt) Richardson, of Fremont, Michigan were also experiencing an exciting time in their own family; as Gertrude was due to give birth to their baby at any time. They were indeed blessed on February 7, 1926 with the healthy birth of their daugher, Lois. Lois grew up as one of seven children born to Melvin and Gertrude, however, Lois learned early that life is not without its trials and struggles as two of her siblings died in infancy and another sibling died as a youngster. The four remaining children lived a typical childhood enjoying times playing outdoors and forming close friendships with another family, the Robinsons. Lois graduated from Fremont High School, ready to face the world. Life took an exciting turn for Lois when she married a delightful young man named Eugene Hannum on April 20, 1946. Together they were blessed with the births of four children: Kathy, Michael, David, and Pamela. Tragedy again struck in Loiss life when her daughter Kathy tragically died in an automobile accident when she was only two years old. Although it was not easy, Lois persevered through this most trying time, treasuring her additional children as precious gems. Lois embraced her role as a mother, pouring herself into nurturing her children and caring for their needs. Both Lois and Eugene made spending time together as a family their first priority and many fond memories were made when they were camping, especially for weekend get-a-ways. Vacations provided another opportunity for precious family time including trips to Arizona to meet relatives for a big family reunion and a trip to Texas to visit family as well. Other memorable trips were to Mackinac Island, Cedar Point, and Six Flags. When Lois wasnt tending to the needs of her family , there were additional facets to Loiss personality that made her the unique person that her family knew and loved. She worked as an engineer for General Telephone for thirty years where she did quite a bit of traveling for the company. Lois and Eugene both had motorcycles and enjoyed riding together. Both Lois and Eugene enjoyed golfing together as well, especially with their sons Mike and Dave. Lois enjoyed going out to eat, shopping, square dancing, fishing, and traveling. In addition to her family, faith was also an important cornerstone in Loiss life and she was a long time member of Dalton Baptist Church where she enjoyed attending various Bible studies. When her grandchildren arrived, Lois delighted in them as she had in her own children. Life again took a drastic turn for Lois when her beloved Eugene died in 1986, leaving Lois to draw strength from both her faith and her family during these most difficult days. Following her husbands death, Lois retired leaving her with time to pursue some additional interests. She enjoyed spending time sewing, quilting, scrap booking, painting, and doing embroidery. Lois volunteered her time on handicap parking patrol and she volunteered at various hospitals as well. Lois continued to cherish the time she could spend with her family, delighting in just being in their warm company as often as she could. In September of 2007, Lois again began a new chapter in her life as she relocated to Day Spring Assisted Living where she could receive the more hands on care that her health had come to require. Just as she had done with the other adjustments in her life, Lois embraced this one as well, appreciating the tender care that she received until she drew her last breath. Lois Hannum was an extraordinary woman who lived her life with vibrancy and zest serving her God, her family, and others. She cherished every moment she was given, embracing both the joys and the trials of life. Lois was a woman of great compassion and generosity who leaves behind a legacy of faith and love that will be forever etched on the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Lois was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed. Lois H. Hannum, of Muskegon, MI, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. Loiss family includes her son, Michael (Theresa) Hannum of Muskegon; daughter, Pamela Olson of Twin Lake; grandchildren, Lori (Terry) Murphy, Jamie (Troy) Nedderman, Ryan Olson, Michael Jay Hannum Jr., Marissa Olson; great grandchild, Haileigh Murphy; daughter-in-law, Karen (Roger) Williams; several nieces & nephews. She was preceeded in death by her son, David, daughter, Kathy, and her brothers & sisters. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Dalton Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Keck officiating. Interment at East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. Visit with Loiss family and friends on Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI and on Friday, for 1 hour prior to the service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Dalton Baptist Church Memorial Fund.