Lois Thelma Glaspie

June 2, 2025, began as a typical morning for Lois, arising early after a calming night's rest. The sun was blossoming on the eastern horizon, its golden rays stretching upwards, slowly overcoming the darkness. It was a sublime and grandeur invitation to the dawning of another new day. Settling into her chair, a blanket over her lap, and always a mug of hot coffee at hand, little would Lois have possibly anticipated or imagined the glorious transformation that was very soon to transpire. In a matter of moments, she was about to experience a morning like none other, when Jesus would take her by the hand and say, "I’m taking you home, Lois, come with me.” Upon breathing her last earthly breath, Lois was ushered into the gates of heaven, angels singing and rejoicing, while she ran into the open outstretched arms of loved ones who had long been awaiting her arrival. Oh, what an exuberant reunion! Her body was whole! Her mind was clear! Death was swallowed up in victory!

Lois was born on November 23, 1946, in Iowa Falls, IA to Gale and Thelma Whisler. She was named after her mother as their first daughter, joining brothers Lowell and Daniel. Lois was a special anniversary gift for her parents, who had celebrated seven years of marriage the day before. She quickly became daddy's little girl. Later, the family grew with sister Ruth and brothers Paul and Stephen.

Growing up on a farm west of Alden, Lois learned the meaning of hard work. She saw her parents rise early and work late into the night, tending to crops, their livestock, (including a large number of dairy cows that they milked every morning and evening), and many other daily chores. Lois assisted her mother with household tasks, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, gardening, canning, and helping watch over her younger siblings. As much as Lois wanted to drive a tractor, her father never allowed the girls to do so. Her parents' example instilled within Lois a strong work ethic that remained throughout her entire life.

Lois started her education in a one-room country school for kindergarten, riding on a bike with her brothers. She attended first grade in a small Carnegie library basement and then a larger school in Alden from second grade, taking the school bus daily. Lois learned to read easily and taught her siblings as well. She played accordion and clarinet, joined the band and chorus, and contributed to editing the school newspaper. During high school, she was inspired by teachers like Mr. Hyde and Mr. Evans who helped her set goals for future success. Lois graduated from Alden Community Schools in 1965.

After high school, Lois attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, focusing on secretarial and insurance administration. Her successful on-the-job training led to a full-time job at Allied Mutual Insurance in Des Moines (later Nationwide Mutual), where she worked for forty years until retiring in April 2006. She never had to say she quit or was fired. Lois rarely missed a day of work and earned high admiration from her supervisors and co-workers. She exemplified the ideal employee.

At 20, while living in Des Moines, Lois lost her mother to cancer. Weekends saw her taking a Greyhound Bus back to the farm to support her father and two younger brothers, one of whom was just 9. She prepared meals, did laundry, ironed, mended clothes, baked bread, and mentored Paul, who took on the responsibilities of the cooking and household chores during the week. Her nurturing spirit provided great strength and comfort to her family during this difficult time.

Lois grew up in a devout Christian family where her parents instilled strong religious principles. The family attended church every Sunday morning and evening, also on Wednesday, depending on farm duties. Lois spent time with her paternal grandmother and aunt who lived in the upstairs rooms of the large farm home, learning Bible verses and reading the many Bible stories. Praying and reading scripture around the kitchen table was common, even during meals. Lois appreciated her loving family who guided her in accepting Jesus as her personal savior at a young age.

For years, Lois prayed to find the right man, and her prayers were answered at age 46 when she met Carman Eugene Glaspie in October 1992. They married on June 26, 1993, and shared a very happy life in West Des Moines. Lois said they never got into arguments or fought and were deeply devoted to each other. Sadly, Carman passed away on May 2, 2018, just weeks before their 25th anniversary. Lois adjusted to being alone once again, finding strength listening to Christian music, attending church services at New Hope Assembly of God, and watching the SonLife Broadcasting Network.

Lois loved reading and needed plenty of shelves for her books when house hunting with Carman. She enjoyed cooking and baking, often bringing homemade buns, pies, and salads to family gatherings. Collecting recipes was a passion, saving them from magazines or writing them out in notebooks. Lois aspired to be a writer and often expressed herself through her writing, even preparing notes for phone calls. She was quiet, reserved, thoughtful, and preferred listening over participating. She avoided being the center of attention, but a few close people could get her to share her thoughts and feelings. Lois was kind and gentle, defined by her faith, devotion to her husband Carman, contentment with simple pleasures, and love for her siblings. Recently, she frequently mentioned her deep gratitude and appreciation for her caring family.

Lois is survived by her brothers Lowell (JoAnn), Daniel (Christena), Paul (Kathryn), Stephen (Joyce), and sister Ruth Sweetser, along with 7 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Carman.

Family will greet friends and relatives from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Friday, June 13, 2025, at New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th Street, Urbandale, IA. The memorial service starts at 10:00 am, followed by the burial at Resthaven Cemetery, West Des Moines, IA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th Street, Urbandale, IA, 50322.