"I just watched the video below. In almost ever picture you notice the smile. You all have been blessed with that smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
In loving memory of
Lois Waldron
October 6, 1931 - October 12, 2012
Lois Mae Waldron, 81, of Keokuk died on October 12, 2012.
She was born on October 6, 1931 in Anamosa, IA a daughter to Raymond & Clara Larson Cole. Lois married Stanley Vincent Waldron on July 4, 1949 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Anamosa, IA. He preceded her in death on September 5, 2005.
Lois owned and operated Stan's Pastry Shop in Keokuk, IA, alongside her husband and children, since 1967. After the passing of husband, Lois was able to maintain the bakery operation with the help of her family, specifically her daughter and son-in-law, Madonna and Dick Kirchner. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church. Lois was involved in many charitable and community organizations. She was a proud supporter of Keokuk Catholic Schools and was a former board member. Lois was past president of Ladies of Charity and also organized their Christmas Baskets. She was the co-founder of 800 Block Party for Easter Seals. Lois was a volunteer for Birthright and the Democratic Headquarters. She was also a recipient of BPW Woman of Achievement and the Spirit of Keokuk Award. Her proudest moments were framed by a loving family and her strong faith in God.
Lois is survived by six daughters and one son: Madonna Kirchner and her husband Dick of Hamilton, IL, Colleen Gredell and her husband Ed of Keokuk, IA, Maureen Kull and her husband Kevin of Keokuk, IA, Elaine Gray (Reggie Underwood) of Waxahachie, TX, Theresa Davidson and her husband Eugene of Oxford, IA, Mary Costa and her husband Kevin of Arlington, TX, and Patrick Waldron and his wife Kari of Adel, IA; one sister: Jean Cook; three brothers: Ed (Pat) Lubben, Jim (Maureen) Lubben and John (Pat) Lubben; sixteen grandchildren: Edward (Debbie) Gredell, Jason (Chastity) Kull, Erica (Joe) Babinski, Angela (Jontae Anderson) Gredell, Erin (Mike) Weber, Nathan Kull, Dustin (Mindy) Davidson, Emily Kull, Vincent (Laura) Davidson, Josh (Carolyn) Gray, Jacob Gray, Anthony Davidson, Jonah, Sam, and Clara Waldron and Angelia Costa; eight great grandchildren: Olivia & Nick Babinski, Ian Gredell, Taeja Anderson, Elijah, Ethan, and Emma Kull and Erana Kull and also her dog Precious. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, Lois was preceded in death by her parents, step father, one sister, and a great grandson in infancy.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 20 at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk with Rev. Robert Lathrop and Rev. Marty Goetz officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.
Visitation is after 3:00 pm on Friday with family meeting with friends from 6 to 8 at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers located at 1212 Concert St. in Keokuk. There will be a Rosary recited at 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Keokuk Catholic Schools or Ladies of Charity.
Tributes
"We are so very sad to hear of Lois' passing. She was a wonderful woman and a role model to many. She will be dearly missed."
"I am so saddened by the loss of Lois. Though she has went on to her reward she will live forever in our hearts. I always loved her welcomed smile when you would walk into the Pastry Shop, she didn't have to say a word the smile on her face was enough to embrace you. She was the most kind and generous woman I have ever met and she lived her life making a difference for the life of someone else. Though she physically left this earth, she shall live on forever through all her labor and good deeds. One could only imagine all her silent acts of generosity and kindness she showed to others. She is truely and Angel!"
"Sorry to hear about your loss. We will always remember your mother's smile and easy going way. We will remember her and all the family in our prayers. John & Annette Waldron"
"My thoughts and prayers are being sent to you today and in the months that lie ahead.Just knowing that she is with the angels now and all are rejoicing is a blessing.Hold onto those beautiful memories she was a one of a kind.Love and hugs Erica and Erin luv ya,Dick and Madonna my prayers for you are that you continue to keep getting stronger with your healing "
"I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. Waldron. She embodied the best that any person could strive to be. Her thoughtfulness touched the lives of each person who was lucky enough to know her. God bless you, Mrs. Waldron. "
"To the Waldron Family, Sorry to hear about the loss of Lois. Our condolences go out to all of your family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. "
"To the Waldron family, your loss is a loss to the whole community. Lois and your family have touched so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. God bless you all."
"To the Waldron Family, may your strong sense of family & faith help pull you through this difficult time. Your mom was truly an angel with such a beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers for strength & comfort are with you all."
"My mother, Betty Norton, just emailed me to tell me about the loss of your mom. My deepest sympathy to all of you. I have great Anamosa memories of playing at your house after school, the trips to the bakery and of course every Feb. 23 I think of you, Elaine. Again, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Stay strong, take care, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Janet Norton Burrow"
"There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Cherish your memories and hold them close to your hearts forever. Lois was an amazing woman and will be missed by many. Your family bakery has provided so much love and memories for all of us in Keokuk. With our deepest sympathy. Much love-"
"I am so glad I got to meet this wonderful hardworking,lady. It helps me to see that through her and by example she lives in her daughter Madonna, and granddaughters Erica and Erin. We are very sad with you at this time, but know that memories are about to unfold....Waldron Strong! We are praying for your strength and healing through time,friendships and the love of Jesus. Hugs to you all! Extra hugs for Nick and Olivia from Mardee n Cooper!"
"What a tremendous loss for the Keokuk community and the entire Waldron family. My heart goes out to all of you during this time. Thinking of you with my deepest prayers and sympathy."
"What an AMAZING woman, she will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family."
"Such a sad event, but I know Lois will have the most kind, loving, and warmest send off as you say goodbye this weekend. Your entire family is a symbol of strength, and Lois should be very proud of her many accomplishments. May you find solace during these trying times, and may you feel the same peace she feels on the other side. "
"My husband and I were in town recently and stopped by the shop to pick up cream horns and cookies. I have been out of the area for 40 years, but each time I visit, I always stop at the bakery. Lois had the warmest, most wonderful smile and demeanor I have ever encountered. She will be missed. May God bless you. "
"A visit to Stan's Bakery gave us an extra lift along with the delicious food because of the joyful spirit we found there with Mrs. Waldron. We loved hearing her stories about special objects in the shop. Our days and lives are blessed because we know her. "
"So sorry for the loss of your mother. Both she and your dad were such wonderful people and such great pillars of the community. May God hold her in his care as she joins your dad. They can bake together again. God Bless Your Whole Family and let your faith be your strength, and continued prayers for Madonna's recovery."
"We are so sorry about your mother, we think the world of her and your family. We are praying for the quick healing of Madonna and Dick and even more so for your hearts over the loss of your amazing mother. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. Love, Diane & Katie Eddingfield I am sorry that I will not be able to make it to the visitation or funeral, I was unable to get off from work. I really appreciate all of the support you gave us in my father's passing and feel terrible that I can't do the same for you. I hope you find peace and understanding for the things happening in your life. -Katie Eddingfield "
"The community has lost an angel. God has received an angel in Lois and she will be making sure all the other angels in heaven are watching over those who are in need and are troubled. She and her husband were wonderful people who made a difference in the community and in others lives as well. Our DEEPEST sympathy goes out to her wonderful family who will carry on her legacy."
"Lois, was such a great lady, and everyone loved her wonderful spirit. You enjoyed going to the bakery just to see and talk to her. Dick and Madonna have the same wonderful spirit that will get them and all of the family through this time of sorrow. Just praying for all the family!"
"Mere words cannot express the love, faith, compassion, generosity, and compassions of this special lady! She was a true role model for the tri-state area. Our memories of her will continue as she resides in Heaven. Love and prayers to all the family."
"Heaven just gained an incredible, lovely soul. God Bless the family, and prayers for Madonna & Dick."
"Lois was the closest person to a Saint I have ever known. If she ever complained, you wouldn't know it.Always with a smile and "how are all your kids?" And she always knew what I wanted when I went in the door...pineapple rolls for my Mom..or Crispies for me..Your family was blest to have her as 'MOM' and your Dad too..Praying for peace and comfort for all of you.."
"No one can light a candle to the smile of Aunt Lois. She smiled and everyone smiled, she laughed and everyone laughed. Wish we could be there to help you through. Love you all. Our prayers are with you in yout time of need. "
"We are so sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lovely lady."
"I am so sorry for your loss. Lois was a beautiful lady who gave so much to others. Her charitable acts to her community will be sorely missed."
"Aunt Lois was a special person. She had the most beautiful, sweetest smile of anyone I have ever met. When she smiled, it made everyone smile. Even though I will not be able to be with in this time of grief, my prayers will be with all of you! Madonna, you have special prayers coming your way!"
"Erica and family, I am so sorry to hear about the accident and I wish to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Grandmother. Although I did not know her personally I can understand your loss as I know she must have been an extremely special lady to you all."
"We bought the first cake auctioned from the bakery for The March of Dimes and Lois never forgot. She was a special lady."
"The family of Lois, my heart goes out to you. Lois was such a light to all that knew her. I remember each time I stopped in the bakery. She will be missed. God bless you all."
"Reenie, and the whole Waldron family, my condolences. Your mom is one the the sweetest people I've ever known. I believe it was your mom and dad's friendly natures, that made the bakery treats so good! Please know you are in my prayers."
"Lois we thank God above for you shinning example of his endless love. your memories will shine on in our hearts forever. you will be missed but never forgotten"
"So sorry for the loss of your Mother. She will be greatly missed. Please know that my families thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"I remember how good Lois was to my motherinlaw Pearl Ewers who lived for many years as a neighbor. Lois was always kind and thoughtful. Bonnie Ewers"
"Who could not remember each and every time you went in to the bakery. Crescents, cream horns, cookies and the sweet smile of Mrs. Waldron. She was the best! Prayers for the entire Waldron family. May God watch over each and every one of you. Lois and Stan are probably baking right now. "
"I am deeply sorry for your lost. Ms. Lois was the most friendly Lady. I always enjoyed talking to her, Stan's bakery was my first stop and she always knew to be prepared when I came to town to get my 12 dozen "Cream Horns" to take back to California., she would always smile and said they will be ready. She will be missed dearly. "
"I will miss Lois's friendly smile. She had a kind word for everyone she met. I will miss seeing her at the bakery. My condolences to the family."
"Rene, prayers for your family during this time of loss. Your Mom will be missed by many she was a special lady."
"Lois Waldron was such a treasure for the community of Keokuk and her church family also at All Saints. Our sincere sympathy goes to the entire family. Being Dick & Madonna's neighbors for many years, we wish that their recovery is a quick one. "
"Such a loss to Keokuk. Sorry for the family's loss too. We'll all be praying for her daughter and husband,and hope they will heal physically and mentally, with time. "
"Condolences from the Robert Mason (BO's) family. You will be so missed, and may you rest in peace. "
"Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Kirk Breakbill and family."
"to the waldron family please know we are sorry for your loss your mother was a very kind women, she will be greatly miss by everyone in this community...it will not be same without her...were all thinking of you all and our prayers all with you all.....may god wrap his arms around each and everyone of you thru this time of healing...dennis and connie mcginnis family....."
"Pat, Kari, Jonah, Sam, little Clara and family, we are very sorry for your loss. Lois could have been nothing less than a saint to have raised such a compassionate son and wonderful grand children. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "
"Lois was a "Spirit of Keokuk" award winner, she also was a "Spirit of Motherhood" winner and a "Most Valuable Wife and Business Partner", but the thing that I'll remember most is the example she set for all of us in the way she lived her life...selfless, devoted & loving! What a wonderful person, what a terrible loss!"
"Heaven has gained a Saint! Mrs. Waldron was such a sweet lady! Always doing for others with the sweetest smile! Thinking of you all and praying that all will be well! "
"Pat, Kari & family - we are so sorry for the tragic loss of Lois. Please know that we are here for you and you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Kevin & Jane Pratt"
"My thoughts and prayers to the entire family for their tragic loss. She was a truly a family minded individual that treated the whole community as one of her own!!! I remember going to the shop after getting off work at midnite with Madonna and baking cookies with Lois and Stan and I had a ball. God bless the family knowing her loss has been felt beyond the town of Keokuk. "
"Dear Pat, Kari and Family: My deepest deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Im so very sorry to hear about your loss. If I can do anything, please let me know. You all will be in my prayers! "
"What a special person. Great sadness for those who have lost her. Great joy for Stan and those receiving her. My condolences"
"My heart goes out to the family. Keokuk has lost and angel and I know Stan was waiting for her on the other side. "
"So sorry for your loss. Lois was a very special person, so giving & always had a great smile. She was a Keokuk icon. Stan & Lois did so much for the Catholic church & school and the City of Keokuk. It makes me smile to know that Stan & Lois are together again. Our thoughts & prayers go out to the entire family. She will be missed!!!!"
"We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She will be greatly missed. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"I am so sorry about the loss of Lois. She was an icon in Keokuk and was truly an inspiration to many. Stan's bakery has been a part of my family my whole life. It was so fun to see Lois there in the mornings making our favorite treats and always greating us with a smile. I think one of my favorite things was seeing all the pictures from faraway places of people eating Stan's famous cream horns! Lois was a true Keokuk supporter from her Easter Seal parties to her Purple PT Cruiser. She will be missed, but never forgotten."
"The community has lost a wonderful lady. I have fond memories of my school days with Theresa going to the bakery and the Waldron home. They always made you feel welcome. She was such a pleasant lady, hard worker and always had a smile. So sorry for your loss. She will be missed and never forgotten ! Thought's and Prayer's with all the family."
"Lois was a very nice lady and a wonderful asset to the Catholic community, and the general community of Keokuk. To her family she was the staple that holds a family together. She will be missed by many, not just her family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Know we are thinking of you at this sad time. God has a great person with him now, and now Stan and Lois can make cream puffs for him to enjoy like we all have. With deepest sympathy, Mike and Paula Hogan and family"
"Our hearts go out to Lois's family. She was such a wonderful, kind lady with a beautiful smile. We so enjoyed going into the shop to get those wonderful cream puffs and cream horns and visiting with her, she was the perfect example of kindness, and will be so missed by all."
"Truly sorry for the loss of your Mother. Sincere condolences and prayers from our family to your. Sheila Winkler Ealey and Paul Ealey"
"Over the last 38 years there has been many.... Lois to made Tom and my wedding cake!! We have been friends with the family for many many years before Erica was even born... Lois was a wonderful woman. and, loving parent!!! She also devoted her life to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!!!! No matter what was going on in her life she always had time to speak to you with a smile on her face... We have lost one Amazing lady and friend to meany..... As we know she will now be reunited with the love of her life! !! "Stan" Home at last!!! Our deepest sympathy goes out to all the family !!! I strongley believe Lois was the angle!!!!!
She had too...Lois watched over her daughter Madonna her son in law Dick..... Lois you we'll be missed by meany. ..... R.I.P.
"
"My sincere sympathy to the Waldron family. Her sweet smile, cherub-pink cheeks and heart of gold are with all of the Angels now. Beautiful, earthly Angel taken from a wonderful family. Love, thoughts and prayers are with you all! "
"Lois was always smiling when you entered the bakery. She helped in choosing my wedding cake. She and Stan were upstanding business persons and added much to our community. Prayers to the Family."
"Lois' passing is such a loss for the community, the church and especially her family. Lois really embodied the values of The Ladies of Charity, a group to which she was so dedicated. She will be missed by many; my condolences to the Waldron family. "