Lois P Emerson

Lois was born in Yakima, Washington on January 3, 1930 to Gurnsey and Elizabeth VanWormer. Both of her parents were from Washington pioneer families. Lois exhibited that pioneer spirit her entire life.

Lois passed peacefully, surrounded by her family on November 27, 2015.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Glen Crabtree, her grandson, Erik Lebak and her sisters Barbara Payne and Doris Boger. Lois is survived by her husband of 46 years, Jerry Emerson, five children; Alan Crabtree, Jeani and Paul Engstrom, Rex Crabtree, Gaylene and Chuck Lebak and Patti Jo and Pete Peters. Five grandchildren; Heidi and Nick Thomas, Veronica Delisle, Alison and Bryan Warner, Adam Engstrom and Camille Malland. Four great-grandchildren; Hagen and Makenna Lebak, and Sawyer and Poppy Thomas. Her brother Dale and Betty VanWormer and sister Carol Bower and many nieces and nephews.

Lois graduated from Zillah High School in 1948. She married Glen Crabtree on February 9, 1949, he was a local boy returning from WW II. They started their family of five children in November of 1949. On October 27, 1962 Glen was killed in a power line construction accident on the Shasta/Trinity divide, near French Gulch. Soon after the accident Lois took employment at the Central Valley Post Office.

Lois and Jerry were introduced by a mutual friend and Jerry knew immediately that Lois was the woman of his dreams. Jerry was persistent in pursuit of making Lois his wife, but she made him court her for almost five years making sure he understood what he was getting himself into with five children still in the house. Jerry's persistence paid off and they were married on July 12, 1969. Jerry was able to convince Lois that she had a full time job at home, and she left the post office in 1972.

For the last forty six years Lois and Jerry were rarely seen apart. They shared the love of big family gatherings , camping in their trailer from the Canadian border to Cabo San Lucas. They enjoyed their many beloved pets through the years, along with sitting on their patio each night, with a glass of wine to discuss the day's events. Through the years Lois always had a large group of friends. For many years she was a faithful member of "The Sewing Club". Lois never stopped sewing. Everyone of her grandchildren, great grandchildren and some grandnephews and grandnieces received a hand made quilt. Lois's latest passion was her swimming class, with the "Vibra Mermaids". She loved socializing.

Lois had the ability to make everyone her friend, and each one of her children feel special.

We would be remiss if we didn't mention the many friends of her children, that they brought into her home, and they were treated as her own. Several of her temporary boarders have referred to Lois as their second mom. Finally, we recognized the many mothers that were asked by their children,"Why can't you make chocolate chip cookies as good as Lois's."

Lois's passing leaves much sadness in our hearts but the smiles and the laughter she created will live on forever.

The family would like to invite all of Lois's friends and family to a Celebration of Life, on January 10, 2016, at the Redding Elks Lodge at 11:00 AM.

A lunch will be served after the service. We ask you RSVP by December 21st (530) 604-7637 or on FB.