Lois Maxine Foster

Lois Maxine (Carman) Foster was born on December 27th 1925 to Ila and Fred Carman in Kit Carson County, Colorado. The nearest town was Stratton. Lois had two older sisters, Dorothy and Esther, when she came into the world. The Carman family moved to Washington in 1929 and grew to include a brother, Thaine and another sister, Phyllis. During the Great Depression the family lived near Gig Harbor, WA where Lois's father worked on a dairy farm. Lois's father's death in 1937 created severe hardship for the family. Lois, her mother and two younger siblings moved around finding whatever work they could to survive, finally settling in Tacoma, WA.

In 1942 Lois met the one and only love of her life, Max Foster. They fell in love and had six wonderful months together before Max shipped off to North Africa and Europe. When Max returned home in 1945 he was greeted by Lois and a daughter, Karen, born shortly after he left for war in 1943. Max and Lois purchased a home in Tacoma and settled down to raise their family. A second daughter, Kathryn came next, then Karel, and finally, Dan in 1955.

Sensing the potential for a better life in rural Lewis County, Max and Lois sold their home in Tacoma and lived in a tent through the summer of 1963 while searching for a suitable place to live. They moved to Napavine, WA and began their life's work together by starting a helicopter business. Lois was a full time gopher/ truck driver/book keeper/ tax advisor for the business as well as a very available and loving wife, mother, and grandmother by that time. She had a wonderful business, personal, and family life with no regrets. Lois collected many life-long friends along the way and was always grateful for the blessings bestowed upon her.

After her husband passed in 2001, Lois continued to live well and enjoy her four children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Daughter, Kathryn Kramer passed away in December 2011. Lois is survived by her youngest sibling Phyllis Vandegrift of Chehalis, Daughter Karen Evans of Tucson, AZ, Daughter Karel Brumfield and Son-in-Law Mark Brumfield of Rochester, Son Dan Foster and Lynne Pehl of Chehalis, and Son-in-Law, Ward Kramer of Olympia. Grandchildren are Douglas Nelson, Jennifer Hinkle and her husband Allen Hinkle, Charlie Walker, Trever Walker, Heather Christopher, Colin Brumfield, and Darcy Foster. Great-grandchildren are Christopher Ridgway, Lisa Baxter, Chandler Walker, and Oriah Walker. Great-great-grandchildren are Abby, DJ, and Ariah.

Susie Cleek- Foster is Lois's daughter of the heart and was her close friend for many years filled with special memories. Lois also forged a close relationship with the Pehl family and felt loved and accepted by them, especially Caitlin Linehan, Cheryl Kostick, and Mary Lynne Kostick.

Lois lived well her entire life and never said a discouraging word about anyone. Lois truly lived by the Golden Rule. She strived to be the best wife, mother, grandmother and friend she could be. Everyone who knew Lois agrees she succeeded.

Memorials may be donations to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center PO Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109.