She was born in Hemphill, Texas on August 12, 1920 to William Oliver McElroy and Rosa Lee (Horn) McElroy. The family moved to Houston in 1930, riding atop a mattress in the bed of a flatbed truck. She was graduated from Milby High School where she was a member of the Corps of Cadets and Class Historian.
Lois is predeceased by her parents, loving husband of almost 40 years, Fred Mohrhusen, son Paul Phillips, Jr., granddaughter Carla Jo Phillips, step grand daughter Holly Van Ness and step son in law Dale Van Ness.
Surviving relatives are son Carl Phillips, daughters April Rentz (husband Joe), Gail Binder, grandchildren Cheri Dunford (husband Kay), Michael Phillips, Trey Rentz, Molly Ferguson (husband Kip), Teisa Binder and Adam Binder (wife Sara). Lois leaves behind twelve great grandchildren, including Hunt, Ren and Magee Ferguson along with Houston Rentz who will greatly miss their “Meemaw Big Boats” at school events and family celebrations. Step children Fred Mohrhusen Jr. and DebbyAnn Van Ness also survive her, along with step grandson Dale Van Ness (wife Jennifer) and seven great-great grandchildren. Additionally, Aracely Salinas, Lois’ friend and caregiver for two years is left to mourn her.
Lois became an integral part of thousands of children’s lives when she opened, owned and successfully operated Pickwickian Schools (private schools and day care centers) for 25 years, beginning in 1951, while raising 4 children of her own. She achieved her goal of creating the best school possible, always putting the needs of the children first.
By 1965, her boys were on their own and it was just Lois and her two girls at home. In late August, she met Fred Mohrhusen. One week later, on September 4, they were married………….not kidding! Fred joined Lois in the schools and together they worked side by side.
They moved to Seabrook in 1969 and joined Lakewood Yacht Club in 1970; a move that would change their lives forever. Lois and Fred immediately became immersed in the community, volunteering when and where they could. Lois was involved in so many civic activities that it is difficult to list them all. A few are: Lunar Rendezvous Festival volunteer and Chairman (1975 and 1977 and later, Advisory Board Chairman), First Lady of Lakewood Yacht Club (1983), Founder and Chairman of Friends of Seabrook, President of Seabrook Association, Chairman of Fire and Rescue Boat Fundraising Committee (which resulted in the boat being christened the “Miss Lois” in her honor), established “Wednesdays in the Park” for children, Distinguished Citizen of Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce Award, Seabrook Parks Board member, Member of Seabrook City Council and Mayor Pro Tem, Seabrook Citizen of the Year Award, Recipient of Key to the City of Seabrook, Twice inducted into the Women of Heart Hall of Fame (Turning Point for Women), Eckerds National Top 100 Women of the Year, Featured in Life Magazine, Recipient of President George Bush’s Points of Light Award, Advisory Board of UHCL, Bay Area Bank and Transportation Board of Greater Houston, Charter Member of Bay Area Museum and Founder of Seabrook’s “Breakfast with Santa”. In true Lois fashion, she became concerned about an old oak tree being neglected in a lot close to the Seabrook Post Office. As a result of her efforts to save the tree and beautify the land, the city created a small “pocket” park in her honor and named it Mohrhusen Park.
In 1974, Lois and Fred decided to retire and travel. They cruised the waterways in their boat and drove the roadways in their motorhome, always with a passel of Yorkshire terriers, and always happiest when they were together. When not traveling, you could always find Lois in her studio, painting fashions for her ladies’ boutique, Lois M. Designs.
Lois leaves a legacy of behavior that she always tried to live by: Hard work never hurt anyone, take care of those who can’t take care of themselves and If you can correct an injustice, do it.
Lois was larger than life, both in heart and personality. Her absence will be deeply felt and her presence will be greatly missed every day.
A Memorial Service celebrating Lois’ life will be held on Wednesday, October 24 at 2:00 pm at Lakewood Yacht Club, 2322 Lakewood Yacht Club Drive, Seabrook, Texas, 77586.
If so desired, Floral tributes may be sent to Lakewood Yacht Club. Donations in Lois’ honor can be made to Lakewood Yacht Club, Seabrook Police Department, 1700 1st Street, Seabrook, Texas, 77586 or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in care of Sky High.Org., 9800 Richmond Ave., Houston Suite 335, Houston, 77042.
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