Lois Jean (McCormick) Gearhart

Lois Jean (McCormick) Gearhart was born on December 17, 1925 to Eugene H. McCormick and Clara (Roseland) McCormick in Eagle Grove, IA.  She attended country school and graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1943. 

After graduation Lois worked as a receptionist for Dr. H. G. Riley and at Sutton’s Market.  She and Merle (Bud) Gearhart were united in marriage on January 17, 1946 at Fort Dodge, IA and made their home in Eagle Grove.  They were long time members of the United Methodist Church.  Lois was a member of the Rebecca Circle, V.F.W. Auxiliary and Chapter EJ P.E.O.  While living on West Broadway Lois enjoyed neighborhood coffees, sewing, bridge playing, shopping, selling Avon, growing roses, baking, playing bingo, and hosting family holidays.  After raising their children Lois began working as a receptionist at Boone Valley (AGP) for 17 years, a job she thoroughly enjoyed.  Bud passed away in 1981 and being widowed at age 55 Lois was forced to become independent. She took care of her house, yardwork, traveled to see friends, baking for church functions and was willing to help others by giving rides and delivering Meals on Wheels.  She was faced with hearing loss and later impaired vision making her life much more challenging for many years.    

Lois passed away May 2, 2020 at the age of 94 at the Rotary Senior Living.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Phyllis Strain, brothers Arnold and Roger McCormick, brother-in-law Allen Strain, sister-in-law Donna McCormick; son-in-law Don Hicks and and her granddaughter, Karrie Gearhart ,husband Mario Rosales. 

Survivors include her three children: Kent L. Gearhart (Muriel) of Eagle Grove, Marcia Hicks of Centrailia, IL, and LuAnn (Gordy) Mersch of Eagle Grove. eight Grandchildren, Kris (Yolanda) Gearhart of Urbandale, Karrie Gearhart of West Des Moines, Kendrick Gearhart of Eagle Grove, Tony (Colleen) Hicks of O’Fallon, IL, Jim Hicks of Centralia, IL, Sheri (Trent) Pauley of Council Bluffs, IA,  Randall (Joice) Mersch of Colorado Springs, CO and Scott Mersch of Humboldt, IA, twelve great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Sebastian and Maria Gearhart, Karlehna Gearhart, Austin and Cody Gearhart, Jessica and Kayla Hicks, Myles and Clara Pauley, and Abbey and Lana Mersch, sister-in-law Ethel Guion, Colorado and many nephews and nieces.

Private family services will be held at Foust Funeral home in Eagle Grove on May 7 with Pastor Jim Roth officiating.  Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery. 

Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family.

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