Born in Toronto, Ohio on June 24, 1928; after a lengthy illness, Lois Elaine Pierce Nilson died at her home in Wellston, Ohio on August 23, 2014.
She is survived by children, Eric Nilson (Shelley), Kathleen Porter (George), Karen Lee (Mark) and Kim Thompson (Garry). Lois has eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Merry Jane Pierce Ingalls (Charles), of Wellston; and the many dear friends she made after moving to the area from Pittsburgh, PA, where she raised her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Daniel Nilson; her daughter, Christine E. Pritchard; and her parents, Esther Bender Pierce and Oland Eugene Pierce.
During World War II, her father, who was in the Navy, was stationed in Rhode Island, where she worked in a torpedo plant. For many years, Lois rescued, loved and cared for abandoned animals. She loved opera, was an accomplished pianist, excelled in needle arts, and enjoyed painting and taking art classes at the Senior Center. In the community, Lois loved to play Bridge and enjoyed the Welsh Historical Society concerts. At various times she held memberships in the Southern Hills Arts Council, the Wellston Historical Association, and the Red Hats.
All final arrangements and the memorial service are private and are under the direction of Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson, Ohio. The family thanks all those who have helped in these last days.