Lois M. Myers

Our beloved mother’s earthbound adventure began on 2/2/37 in Pounding Mill, VA, born to Jeff and Gladys Myers. After Jeff’s passing at a young age, Gladys and her children gypsied around the south and in 1952 loaded into a Cadillac with seven family members and headed to Fairbanks, AK in search of work. Settling in Fairbanks, Gladys, Lois, brother Jerry, and sister Brenda became Alaskans. In 1954, Lois ran for Miss Alaska and was honored as runner-up. She soon married Richard (Dick) Pope, a young handsome contractor and had 3 children, Patty, Rick, and Steve. After her divorce, Lois, as a single mother, often worked two or three jobs to support her children. In the mid 60’s she partnered with Andy Maestas and bought The Persian Room on 2 nd Avenue in Fairbanks. The Fairbanks Flood of ‘67 brought more change and after stops in New Mexico and California, Bellevue Washington became her new home. As a young, beautiful woman, mom had several loves and traveled the world to see places she only had read about. Her children affectionately referred to her as “Sky Queen” and our home became the Alaskan hotel for friends and family passing through.

Lois bought The Flame Steak & Seafood House in downtown Kirkland in 1976. The “Flame” days were a special time, seven day work weeks, and 12 hour days kept mom incredibly busy. Brenda and Patty helped run the Flame which was one of the finest full service restaurants on the Eastside. She found great joy in seeing customers, family, and friends enjoying a meal and cocktails. Her incredible laugh flowed through the building. In 1989 the Flame closed and Lois leased out the building so she could spend more time with her ailing mother and pursue other interests. After nearly 30 years apart, she reunited with Andy Maestas and he bailed out of Fairbanks to join her in Bellevue.

Lois was a voracious reader, and her Bible was always close. She enjoyed traveling, loved to fish like her mother and spoiled her poodles, Sweetpea and Sampson. Her garden became her oasis and the 40 rose bushes will miss her loving touch. She loved eating out and visiting with friends at Angelo’s and Steve’s Bar and Grill in Bellevue.

Lois spent the last four weeks of her life at Overlake Hospital surrounded by her children and caring friends. Our special thanks to the West 4 Th floor staff and the hospitalists at Overlake Hospital for their amazing care of our mother. Her spiritual journey began early in the morning of May 17 Th as she passed peacefully.

Lois was preceded in death by Andy Maestas and Dick Pope. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Brandt and husband David, sons, Richard J Pope and Steven C Pope wife Barbara Pope and grandson Justin D Brandt, sister Brenda Carlson husband Garvin, her extended family AJ Maestas and wife Lacey, Steve Prenesti and children Devin, Sophia and Noel. She will be greatly missed by her nieces Trish Tyler, Sharon and Karen Myers, nephews, Patrick O’Toole and Jeff Myers and her multitude of friends. She will be laid to rest beside Andy at Sunset Hills, close to her mother Gladys and father James “Red” Swisher and nephew Charles Myers.

Services will be held at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Bellevue, WA on June 1 st at 1 pm and following the graveside ceremony at 2:30 there will be a celebration of her life at Lois’s long time home. Mom always liked a good party. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Make a Wish Foundation or Hopelink.

Mother touched many people with her kindness and incredible generosity to those in need, be it money, job, meal, or a place to stay. She always gave hope to those that had little. Mom’s laughter was the joyous of sound as there ever was. The next time you hear thunder roll across the heavens, there is a great chance that the good Lord is sharing a laugh with a fine lady, Lois Marie Myers.