Lois A. Newell

Age 92 of Morris, Illinois, died Friday, January 17, 2025 at Serenity Care in Morris.

Born May 3, 1932 in Deer Park, Illinois, Lois Arlene was the daughter of Sigurd and Delia (Voll) Ostby. She was raised and educated in Serena, Illinois where she graduated from high school with the Class of 1950. On June 28, 1960 Lois married Elmer Newell in Morris where together they built their home and raised their family.

She made her family her number one priority, working hard to raise the children and maintain the family home. Lois was a familiar face at Dairy Queen in Morris where she worked part-time for twenty-five years, and hired out her ironing services to help make ends meet. She was a long time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morris and featured her lovely singing voice with the Sweet Adeline Ladies singing group. Lois took pleasure in hand crafts such as latch hooking and crochet, and would often collaborate with her husband painting the wooden crafts he would create.

She could be described as "an angel on Earth", whose giving nature and generous spirit was readily available for anyone in need. Lois' happy disposition was infectious, often able to brighten anyone's day simply by being in her presence. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren, and though it is difficult to say goodbye to her, all can find comfort that she is reunited with her beloved Elmer.

Survivors include her three children: Cathy (Dan) Odell and Pam (the late Chris) Jonesen, both of Morris, and Brian (Vicki) Newell of Newark, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Nicholas (Tara) Odell, Ben Odell, Pete Odell, Nikki Hardecopf (Eric Bebar), Brandon Newell (Missy Pumphrey), Ryan (Katie) Newell, and Brianna (Eric) Koester; nine great grandchildren: Tayton, Kendon, Brayden, Gannon, Bryson, Kaden, Keeli, Colton, and Alex; one sister-in-law, Loretta (the late Marion) Ostby of Marseilles, and one brother-in-law, Richard Newell of Los Angeles, California; and several nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Albert Newell, and two grandsons: Albert, Jr. and Josh Newell; and two brothers: Harry (Kathy) Ostby and Dale (Carol) Ostby.

Per Lois' wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Fruland Funeral Home, 121 West Jefferson Street, in Morris on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Pastor Steve Larson will officiate, and burial will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Lois' memory to the family for distribution to local charities of their choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Lois' memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Baskerville & Fruland Funeral Homes and Crematory (815) 942-0700.