Lois Jean Dowd

Lois Dowd, age 89, of North Manchester, Indiana, died on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Born October 2, 1935, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Mary Gerhart and the beloved wife of the late Robert Dowd for 65 years.

Upon graduation as valedictorian from high school in Mt. Pleasant, PA, Lois took a bold step and moved to Kansas City, Missouri to begin employment with TWA. In addition, this is where she met her husband, Robert, “Bob”, married in 1957 and began their life together.

Lois was a devoted wife and mother throughout her life. She consistently showed kindness and gentleness towards everyone she met, but especially to her family. Who will not remember her tender smile, whether a brief hello or a conversation?

While in high school Lois enjoyed playing the clarinet in the marching band. Over the course of her life she brought her beautiful singing voice as she accompanied herself on the piano, into her home with her family. As her husband was transferred to many locations throughout his 30 year administrative career with the Reynolds Metals Company, she sang in multiple church choirs alongside him. She loved choral singing.

Lois worked outside of her home at different times in her life as an administrative assistant. Tennis was a favorite sport that she enjoyed as a teen and then with her husband for many years. She and Bob also enjoyed numerous trips to Spain, France, and England. Upon retirement, Lois and Bob settled into Timbercrest Senior Living Community in North Manchester, Indiana.

Lois is survived by her children, Barbara (late Edward) Adams, Laura Chipman, and William (Vicki) Dowd; seven grandchildren, Jordan Adams, Adriel Rivera, Bryant Chipman, Aaron Chipman, Christina Eddy, Dallas Thomas, and Dakota Hiller; and eight great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her brother, Robert Gerhart, and survived by her sister-in-law, Virginia Elliot.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life gathering on Friday, January 10, 2024 at 10:30 am at Timbercrest Senior Living Community, Fireplace room in Crestwood, North Manchester, Indiana. Lois will be interred with her husband, Bob, at 2:00 pm that afternoon at Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to Timbercrest Senior Living Community. Please designate specifically “for the choir”. Please visit www.advantagemungovan.com to leave condolences.