Lois Ann Marx of Chesterland, age 87, passed away on Dec. 2, 2018. She was born in East Cleveland on Dec. 17, 1930, the daughter of Earl and Harriet (Wisner) Stegkemper. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Marx, who passed in 2006. For the last few years she lived at Holly Hill Health Care Residence in Newbury, OH.
Lois attended Shaw Junior High School in East Cleveland. It was there that she met Bill, a classmate of hers. They were attracted to each other and became sweethearts. Lois thrived in academics, becoming a member of the National Honor Society. With the vitality Lois exuded, and Bill’s drive, they were destined to make a difference in this world. They both graduated from Shaw High School in January 1949 and married that following March. Lois and Bill were devoted to one another in marriage for 57 years. They worked tirelessly together on their two-fold dream to raise a family and own a business.
Lois had qualities that kindled her family to flourish, and she suggested insights that complemented Bill’s natural sense for business. With the intuitive perspective of a woman, she supported Bill behind the scenes to establish Chesterland Auto Body & Service, which began in 1957. Together, they labored for multiple decades and achieved their goals. As a fulltime Mom, Lois raised a family who loved and respected her. As a faithful life-friend, she was the inspiration behind a successful business.
In their retirement years, Lois was involved with Bill in the Early Ford V8 Club of America, and the Nifty Fifties Ford Club. Both of them often frequented meetings with the Shaw Lunch Bunch. As others will attest, Lois was attractive, had a good-natured disposition, and always had a smile on her face. Club events provided many opportunities for travel and occasions to build numerous friendships. Lois was also a spiritually-minded person. She used the temporary things that are seen in this world – houses, cars, stores, and shops – to build the unseen but eternal things: faith, love, and hope in relationships.
Lois was a loving mother with a genuine interest in her family. All of her offspring have been the fortunate recipients of her love and devotion. Her surviving five children are William E. (LouAnn Chambers), of Chardon, Linda A. Mikus (David), of Chesterland, James A. (Jana Bavender) of Chesterland, Glenn L. (Linda Meinch) of North Canton, and Karen Muehlheim (Michael) of Eastlake. Lois is also survived by thirteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and was anticipating another great grandchild in the Spring of 2019. Preceding her passing was a grandson everybody loved (Grant L. Marx).
Friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chester Twp. on Saturday, December 8, 2018, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, where a Funeral Service will immediately follow at 11:00 am. Private Interment at a later date in Knollwood Cemetery, Mayfield Hts.
