Lois J. Lash, 86, Sherman, TX

Lois Jeannine (Ragel) Lash, 86, passed away on December 2, 2023, in Sherman, Texas.

Lois Lash, right, with her husband, the late Merle E. Lash

She was born in rural Loogootee, Illinois on June 1, 1937, to the late Willard and Pauline (Odell) Ragel. After graduating St. Elmo High School in 1954, she attended and graduated college at Lincoln Bible Institute in Lincoln, Illinois. Lois married the late Merle Eugene Lash on February 20, 1959. They built a wonderful life together in Springfield, Illinois and had three children.

Lois was a devoted wife and mother, a talented piano player, an excellent seamstress, and a delightful cook. She was a Consultant and Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics for over 20 years. Most notably, she and Merle were active members of the South Side Christian Church in Springfield, Illinois, serving as leaders in Youth Bible Bowl for 10 years and in the Stephen Ministry for several years in which they reached out to individuals who were troubled and in need of support.

She is survived by her children: Marcia (Steve) Gehle of St. Elmo, Illinois; Mark (Tammy) Lash of St. Elmo, Illinois; Max (Sherry) Lash of Sherman, Texas. Also surviving are grandchildren: Melissa (Eric) Doan, Amanda Watson, Sara Milburn, Brooke (Sean) Lunt, Ryan (Lindsay) Lash, Mindy (Jason) Roe, Isaac Lash, Kelly (Tommy) Baumgardner, and Pam (Danny) Rodriquez. “Gramy” treasured her 15 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who remain. Lois is survived by one sister, Donna Ragel (Randy) Boschulte in Springfield, Illinois and one sister-in-law, Betty (Galen) Underwood in Warrensburg, Illinois.

Lois was preceded in death by her loving husband Merle Lash on 12/14/2021 in Sherman, Texas. Merle worked most of his adult life in the Parts Department at Capitol Airport in Springfield, Illinois. He was a meticulous organizer, a precise thinker, mechanic, bookkeeper, and all-around problem solver. He would help anyone in need. Merle worked at various local automotive businesses after retirement, assisted Lois in the Mary Kay business, and served in several church ministries.

Also foregoing Lois in death were: siblings, Carl Ragel, Ardith (Ragel) Rector and Alan Ragel; son-in-law Clinton Milburn, and great-grandbabies Alexa and Hayden Doan.

A memorial service will be held on December 10, 2023, at Brookdale Willows in Sherman, Texas.