A beautiful, vibrant lady, Lois Skinn, went home to be with Jesus after a very short, brave battle with cancer on March 1, 2016. Her final days were spent with her family, friends and her precious grand-kids and lovely little great grand-daughter. They together shared laughter, tears, memories, prayer and music and most importantly LOVE!
Lois Gayle Skinn was born on June 18, 1932 to parents, Elmer and Pearl Ash in Underwood, North Dakota. She was the youngest of five children. She had a big imagination and loved to pretend she was Ginger Rogers! Her love of music started at a early age, taking piano lessons and discovering the Baptist Church on her own, loving the music and eventually joining their choir. Lois eventually became a lifelong Methodist Church member, joining in many activities and singing in the choir.
Lois enjoyed all sports, being quite a star pitcher in fast pitch softball. She was quite proud of her finger she broke several times playing over the years! After graduating in 1950 from Underwood, North Dakota she went on to Minot State University and earned her degree in elementary education with a minor in physical education. Lois adored her college years and especially loved participating in several musicals.
Her first teaching position was in Westhope, North Dakota where she met a handsome “bad boy” that loved fast cars! She found herself quite intrigued with Donnie Skinn! While he served in Korea, he never forgot the love he left back in North Dakota and the two married August 28, 1955.
Lois and Don had three daughters, Dawn, Tory and Dana. Lois loved being a Mother first and foremost. While living in Forest Grove, Oregon, Lois would play the piano and the girls sang in many festivities. Many fond memories of going to Cannon Beach and Mount Hood were made. Lois taught school for 10 years in Oregon before moving to Miles City, Montana in 1969. Her first year in Miles City was spent substitute teaching until she was asked to fill in at Garberson Clinic while a employee was on leave…thus, beginning her 32 years with the clinic and eventually Holy Rosary Healthcare. She loved her work and made so many lifetime friendships over the years.
In her retirement years she loved spending time with her grand-children (whom lovingly called her G-Lo) and attending sporting and music events, traveling and being very active in the Methodist Church.
Throughout the years, Lois battled cancer three times and a severe auto-immune disease. She was private about her health and never wanted to complain. She was always very positive in her faith and attitude during times of tribulations.
She felt a great calling to give back to her community and with her great love of music, she created her beloved “Christmas with the Stars”! The response from the talent in this town and the community this became a yearly event she cherished. After 9 years of benefiting, Relay for Life, Hospice Care, Wake Up and Lace Up, Food Bank and the Soup Kitchen, she was thrilled to be honored with the “Senior Volunteer Award” by the Miles City Chamber of Commerce in January. She had a wonderful night with family and friends at a dinner held at the Town and Country Club! A few days after this exciting night she started to feel ill and the month of February was spent with many Doctor visits, tests and ending up having surgery in Billings, Montana confirming very sad news, a very rare and aggressive cancer. Her grace, attitude and faith continued through this time and touched her family and many lives.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Donnie in 2001. Her parents and 4 siblings, Claude, Ruth, Ralph and Inez along with other very dear relatives.
She is survived by her daughters, Dawn (Steve) Murphy, Tory Fields (Doug Larson), Dana Stern, all of Miles City. Her amazing grand-children, Taylor (Lee) Hatley and their beautiful daughter, Lux Hatley of Denver, CO, Trey Neumann of Sidney, MT, Stevie Murphy, attending college in Sheridan, WY. Her sweet doggie of 14 yrs, Jorgee! Numerous loving and dear nieces and nephews and cousins and so many special friends to her heart!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Bible Church. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m
Saturday March 5, 2016
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City , MT
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m
Saturday March 5, 2016
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower Street
Miles City , MT
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Cal and Cori Schock says
So very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
So sorry to hear about your mom. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. She was such a neat lady. God wrap his arms around you now and in the days to come.
Ginger Kiel says
Tory, Dana Dawn & families,
My heart goes out to all of you in this time of sorrow. Your mom was a Grand Lady who always held her head high. She was so proud of all of you and your famlies. Not once did I ever encounter her without a smile on her beautiful face. You will always have your treasured memories to help keep you at peace. My thoughts, prayers and love to all.
Marge & Rose says
Marge & Rose: My mother will for sure miss yours; they got along so well and had good laughs and I will miss her to; We will have each of you in our Prayers during this Journey. Prayer’s and God’s Blessings.
Mary & Tim Hurr says
Dana, Tory, Dawn & families,
My heart breaks in hearing this news. She was such an awesome lady and did so much for our community and for us personally. She was such an advocate for Gavin and his music and everything that he did. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Jody Burman says
So sorry for your loss. Lois was a wonderful, wonderful lady! Always loving, kind and smiling. She passed on so many precious traits to her family and through them we will be able to catch glimpses of her often. Love and prayers.
Brian and Maggie Dice says
Dana, Tory ,Dawn and families,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was such a happy and joyful person which she instilled in all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be greatly missed. Take Care, Brian and Maggie Dice
Amy Ronning says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. What a beautiful woman she was! Prayers to you all.
Deb Schmeling says
Dear Family of Lois Skinn,
I was sorry to hear that this beautiful lady has left us for a better place. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you.
Deb Schmeling
Jan Johnson says
I am saddened to see the passing of your sweet mom. A gracious and talented woman who will be missed for her upbeat personality and ready smile. I always enjoyed our visits at the store.
Marie LePoidevin says
Tory, Dawn, Dana & families,
Sorry to see the passing of your mom. I will miss seeing her and bantering back & forth with her. Oh how she loved to give me a hard time! I still remember those years of working together. Praying God will hold your hands and walk you through this tough time. We will hold your family in our prayers.
Bert & Marie LePoidevin
Glennda & Bill Wolf says
I am sorry to hear of the passing of such a sweet lady. I enjoyed working with Lois for many years.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
We were sad to learn of the passing of Lois. She was a treasure…..I will miss seeing her and sharing memories of working together. I will long remember Lois’ laugh!! Each of you are in our prayers!
Shorty and Judy Brush says
Our prayers are with you all what a great lady Lois was she has touched so many lives and will be remembered dearly. Praying God to give you girls the strength now and in the time to come
Kathy and Kyleigh Strub says
Oh my so sorry for your loss Dawn Tori and Dana what a beautiful lady inside and out your mom was. Heaven gained a wonderful angel. May your memories comfort you and God wrap his arms around each of you.
Val and Brian Thome says
So sorry to hear that Lois passed away. She was a very sweet lady. Our thoughts are with her family.
Val and Brian Thome
Dannette Cremer says
I just loved visiting with Lois for as long as I can remember. She was a smiling face at Garberson Clinic. I loved how she accepted her award at the Chamber Awards Banquet in January for the work she’s done on the Christmas program that has grown so quickly in the past few years. So many beautiful memories – keep them close to your heart.
Janet Buraas Klein says
Life becomes harder and harder as we age…and it is so very hard to let go of our loved ones. Lois was the ray of sunshine in everyone’s day, the sparkle in our lives and a one of a kind diamond that we found in our everyday lives! God gained another angel and it will have the sunshine, sparkle and a rare diamond in their midst with Lois’s arrival. May each of you find comfort from your memories of your special mother who shared her time and loyalty with our wonderful community…she will be missed not only by her wonderful family, but everyone who knew her. You all are in our thoughts and prayers….and a mighty big hug to all of you! Harley and Janet
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
I am so thankful to have had Lois as a friend. She was a beautiful person in everyway. My prayers are with all of you, her loving family.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Kathleen Corbin says
I am so sorry to hear of Lois passing on. She was a very classy lady and will be missed very much. I had the pleasure of working with Lois for several years and she always treated me with respect. My prayers and thoughts are with her and her family.
Misty Steadman says
Sweet Tori Dawn and Dana,
Lois – she was one of the greats!!!
We were greatly blessed in this life to have had her in our community. What a light she shown on every one around her, she made everybody else feel good in her presence! I loved seeing all of you at the sporting events at the high school- always looking wonderful, smiling and usually laughing!
I loved Lois and I hardly knew her? That’s how fabulous she was! Take good care, she will be greatly missed?
Sally Selle says
The Skinn sisters…I’m so sorry to see the loss of your Mom! Praying that your great memories Of her…help to get you thru the hurt and loss the next days, months and years ahead. Sending hugs to all of you!
eileen terhaar says
Music in heaven has stepped up a notch to be sure. My thoughts and prayers are with Lois’ family during this difficult time and know God is holding you all in the palm of His hand. May the “Sound of Music” carry you all and bring you peace.
Mary Ann & Jim Liles says
Dear Tory and family, What a privilege it was to be your mother’s friend. I was surprised that her age was listed at 83, because she surely didn’t seem that old, always having so much energy and love of life. May you be comforted by the number of lovely tributes written here in her honor. She will be sorely missed. God Bless.
Jim & Mary Ann
Cherie says
You all are in my prayers, please know the love of God is always there. Hugs and love
Jack, Karen, Christopher, Zach & Cooper Austin says
The Stars got a little brighter with our dear neighbor in the heavens. We will miss seeing her smiling face, chatting with her while the neighborhood kids play, her excitement over what the kids were doing, and her hugs. Zach summed up how we saw Lois when he said, “Lois loved us all.” You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Kevin and Sheila Krausz says
So sorry to hear about Lois. What a great lady. We will miss her. God bless you all.
James L. Arneson says
I sorry for the loss of your mom, May God be with you during this time of loss and always.
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
Tory, Dana, Dawn and families: There is truly nothing harder for a girl to do than say goodbye to her mother, especially when she is an exceptional lady like your Mom. May you all embrace the overwhelming love and support coming to you from your friends, family and the entire community. Remember all that your Mom taught you thru her words and actions. God’s love will help you thru all these difficult days.
Pam and Karl Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to you with the loss of a very special lady. She will be missed by many who loved and respected her for all she did for this community. She was always thinking of others and so very proud of her family. God Bless you in the days ahead and cherish those memories!
Tina Thompson says
So sorry – just loved your Mom!
Cori Munsell says
Sorry to hear of your mothers passing.
Doneta Skinn says
So many nice and dear things have been said about Lois, it is hard to come up with something
other than the fact I really appreciated being her sister in law and part of her life. I also grew up in Underwood and knew her there. My husband, Ron was Donnie’s brother and we made
several trips to Miles City from Minot to visit with her and her family. Her loss t was not only
to her family but the whole community. We learned that she was well known for her talent
in music and how many friends she made that cared about her. I am so sorry for her loss.
Rest in Peace, Lois, you will be missed.
Ron and Barbara Hunziker says
So sorry for your loss. Lois was a wonderful lady and will be missed by many. May your memories comfort you.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this difficult time!
KARI(SKINN)PORTER says
To my Skinn girl cousins, My heart aches for you. Your Mother was ONE OF A KIND!!!!! She was so full of life and laughter. She lite up the room when she walked in, giggled, smiled, and had a quick wit about her. I can remember many times Lois and my Dad (Ronnie) went back and forth teasing each other for hours. She was beyond proud of you girls, and her family. Keep steadfast in the LORD in the days to come. Aunt Lois is singing in HEAVEN with the LORD. LOVE TO ALL
Kelly(Skinn)Haugen says
To my beautiful girl cousins, my heart goes out to all of you! May you find some peace in the next weeks knowing that my dad(Ronnie)and yours will be waiting to welcome Lois into eternal life. Sympathy to all. Kelly
june opp says
Dawn, Tory , Dana, and all your families, So sorry to hear about the passing of your precious Mother she was a beautiful, cheerful woman Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during these difficult days and the days ahead. We pray that God will bless and comfort you all.
June and Ruben Opp
Toni Grenz says
So sorry to hear about Lois. My prayers are with you.
Jennifer Flynn and Lee Ridenour. says
I pray that the Lord wrap his arms around you all during this difficult time… Losing Lois is not only a loss for your family but for the Community of Miles City. She was an inspiration to all on how to live a life without any regrets. Knowing Lois I’m sure she’s rocking with Dad, Curt and the rest of the souls that we have lost close to our hearts…Sympathy to you Tori, Dawn and Dana and families.
Love you all:
Jennifer and Lee
Nadine (Warn) Whitehead says
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dennis & Susan Bakken says
So very, very sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed both Don and Lois as neighbors for many years. May they now be reunited in heaven.
Sally and Jim Wiggins says
Tory, I never met your mother but everything I’ve heard she was a amazing woman. How blessed you are to have had her as your mom. My deepest condolences to you your sisters and the rest of your family.. love and hugs
Deb Bartholomew says
Dawn, Tory, Dana and families
I am so sorry to about your Mom. She always had a smile on her face when she saw someone she knew. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your memories. Hugs to all of you during this difficult time.
Kelli Rooney Klein says
I loved working with Lois at Garberson clinic many years ago. She was so sweet and always smiling. Thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of this fine lady.
Brenda Esser Koski says
Dearest, Tory, Dawn, Dana & Family!
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother, Lois! May God’s presence comfort you when you’re missing Lois and may God’s love remind you all that you are never alone. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all, God Bless!
Debi Rapstad says
I always loved Lois, she and my mom worked together at Garberson for years. What a fun, vibrant soul she was! My condolences to you all
Joe, Amanda, Megan Bramhall says
Dana, Tory, Dawn & Family, I so enjoyed Lois as a neighbor. She was always so happy and upbeat. There were so many times of just shooting the breeze over the fence line. Can’t say enough good about this wonderful lady. God Bless
Lorna (Frye) Benner says
I knew “Lola” was an awesome lady but what an amazing story she had! I will always remember and cherish the memories of the many sleep-overs during high school years with you ladies. It was some of the most fun I’ve had in my life and Lois was wonderful at keeping us in line. What an angel she has been! Blessings to you as you wait for life to make sense again.
Jeanne Kuchynka says
My condolences to all of Lois’s family. I remember working with Lois over 40 yrs ago at the Garberson Clinic and let me tell you it was always a fun day when Lois was around! I always enjoyed running into Lois on my return visits to MC, Lois never forgot who you were! I am so glad Lois was able to do so many wonderful things for MC! I will miss my friend!
abigail kings says
May your family and friends find comfort in God’s promise to “swallow up death forever… and wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). Along with the promise of a time soon when “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4. Remember the hope of “a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous” (Acts 24:15). My sincere condolences to your family.
Linda and Jerry Ash says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Lois…
.please accept our sincere sympathy…..we will be missing Lois at the Ash Reunion in Underwood in June…..she was an integral part of that occasion… her smile and laugh made us happy instantly…she had everything under control….we will look forward to that Great Reunion in Heaven…and I’m sure she will have it all organized and be ready to welcome us there. …God Bless all of you and Rest In Peace Dear Lois …..
Shawna Rothaus says
Dearest Dawn, Tory, Dana, and Your Loving Families,
Our hearts are deeply saddened to hear about Lois’s death after such a brief illness. She was an exceptional person who genuinely cared about everyone and that’s why we all loved her. We knew she really cared about us! I say this based on knowing her from when I first knew you in high school to when I would be visiting Miles City and be fortunate enough to run into her for a short visit.
Many prayers and hugs are coming your way!!!!
Melanie Patch says
Beautiful Skinn Girls and your Families…My name is Melanie and since I was VERY young your family has surrounded me with love. Lois is such a shining light, I just can’t help but to smile upon even thinking of her. I want to send you all HUGE hugs and prayers. I will never forget her.
Wayne & Augustine Irion says
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose… All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dawn, Tory and Dana. So many wonderful memories to count. She was one in a million and touched so many lives. Sending many prayers your way.
Karla Lund says
I am so very grateful to have known Lois. Her generous spirit of love and service has made a difference in this community and will live on for many, many years. Peace be with all of you during this difficult time.
Sandi Updyke says
Dana, Tory, Dawn, and families; Lois was one of the sweetest most dear women I ever knew. Always a smile and a hello no matter how she was feeling. You girls inherited that beautiful outlook on life. I hope knowing she is no longer suffering and looking down with great love gets you through this difficult time. You never get “over” losing your mom, but time and memories help it not to hurt so badly. Love you all Sandi xoxo
Nicole Bakken and family says
Louis was a one of a kind sweet lady! Heaven gained a wonderful person. So sorry for ur loss! My family sends their love and prayers!
Merry and Armando says
So sorry to hear about your Mother. Our prayers are with you.
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Tori and family,
So, so sorry to learn of your loss–Lois was such a sweetheart and one of a kind.
Awesome Moms live in our hearts forever, so we just have to cherish all the wonderful memories:)
God Bless you all, Patsy Davis
Pam ( Moths) Nisley says
Oh how I wish I had known this woman more…..here on earth!!! Dawn, I remember your lovely mom from activities at the High School – But sadly, I did not know her like all of you~
Please know I care about your loss, but I look forward to a wonderful reunion on the other side, where I can truly get to know this sweet woman! Our prayers go with all of you~
Jeanette and Marty O'Dea says
Dawn,Tory,Dana and families,our deepest sympathy at your loss You are in our thoughts and prayers