Lois Bird Shell

LOIS LAVERN SHELLLois Shell 79, passed away on November 30.2009. Lois was a life long resident of Bertram, Texas. She was born April 7, 1930 in the Shady Grove community outside of Bertram, Texas. She was predeceased by her parents Elmer and Ruby Bird of Burnet, Texas, a son Dale Shell, and former husband William F. Shell. Also survived by brother Buddy Bird and wife Tacie of Buchanan Dam, brother Wade Bird and wife Carol of Bertram, sister Francis Boring and husband Gerald of Pflugerville, sister Lola Case and husband Melvin of Burnet, and sister Lila Wilson of Bertram. Also surviving Lois are daughter Peggy Shell Simon and husband Archie of Bertram; son Eddie Shell and wife Dale of Marble Falls; son Scott Shell of Bertram; and daughter-in-law Dawn Shell of Idaho. She was also survived by grandchildren Dr. Eddie Shell II, Austin Shell, Alex Shell, Morgan Shell, David Brune, Jessica Simon, Brandi Shell, Dusti Shell, and Toby Shell. She also had eight great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. For many years Lois owned and operated restaurants in Marble Falls and Bertram. She was famous for her great chicken fried steaks and many claimed she invented the huge doughnuts now served in several establishments in the surrounding Burnet County area. The loves of her life were her children and grandchildren. She occupied her time playing bingo. She loved Lincoln cars, flashy jewelry, dancing, singing and taking care of her grandchildren. Many times you could hear her beautiful voice singing the old folk song “On a Cold Winter Night” to her children and grandchildren. They requested that this song be sung at her services. Her children all credit her with instilling in them a fierce competitiveness, to make do with what you have, stand up for what you believe in, and above all, always put family first. She always had a soft spot in her heart for the down and out. It was a common practice in her restaurant for her to feed someone passing through that was down on their luck.Visitation will be Thursday, December 3rd from 6-8 p.m. at the Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet. Services will be held on Friday December 4th at 10 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Bertram Texas. Our precious Mother will be laid to rest at the Mahomet Cemetery in Burnet County. Pallbearers will be Archie Simon, Wayne Wilson, Dr. Eddie Shell, Austin Shell, Butch Case, Charles Shell, Steven Bird, Donny Schmidt, and Chris Tate. Honorary pallbearers are David Brune, Toby Shell, Red Taylor and Blackston Bird. The services will be conducted by Pastor Gordon Bergstrom and Clements-Wilcox Funeral Services. Please visit www.mem.com to post or view a tribute. The Shell family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Arrangements under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, Burnet, TX.