Lois Ruth Cheole

Lois was born on August 21, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Grace O’Brien Harvey and John Harvey. Her father died before her birth, and her mother later married James Leich, who lovingly helped raise Lois as his own. From an early age, she embodied the love, strength, and devotion that would define her throughout her life.

Lois shared 59 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Albert Cheole. Together, they built a family rooted in love, commitment, and caring for one another. Lois and Albert raised two daughters, Karen Martinelli (Tom Martinelli) and Kimberley Powell (Jody Powell).

Affectionately known as “Nana,” Lois was deeply loved by her grandchildren, Justin Powell, Brittany Dubroc, Kori Vaughan, and Kimberly Cullum, and by her great-grandchildren, Gavin Wilke, Dakota Perkins, Kinsley Szekes-Powell, Calla Dubroc, Weston Dubroc, Sophia Brannon, Damon Brannon, and Bella Cullum. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

As a wife, mother, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend, Lois built her life around family. She was the heart of every gathering and the steady presence her loved ones could always depend on. Her generous spirit and caring nature touched everyone who knew her, leaving a lasting impression of warmth, kindness, and unwavering support.

Lois was a wonderful wife and the best mother her daughters could have asked for. She was Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but in many ways, she was “Mom” to everyone who knew her. Whether family, friend, or neighbor, people knew they could turn to Lois. She was always there to help, offer support, lend an ear, or simply make someone feel loved. Nana’s gift was her ability to listen.

Her family was her greatest joy. She loved having babies around and treasured watching her family grow through the generations. Some of her happiest moments were spent surrounded by her people. The day always ended with a warm hug and a ; “Goodnight, sleep tight, and God bless you.”

Lois also knew how to enjoy life. She treasured trips to the beach, visits to casinos, cruises, eating out, and, above all, doing these things with her family. It mattered less where she was than who was there beside her.

Throughout her life, Lois showed remarkable resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Even through life’s challenges, she continued to give freely of herself. Her unconditional love, loyalty, and devotion to the people she cared about remained constant. Her life was measured not simply in years, but in the generations she loved, the people she cared for, and the countless lives made better because she was there.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Grace O’Brien Harvey, John Harvey, James Leich; her devoted husband, Albert Cheole; her brother, John Harvey Jr.; and her sister, Grace Harvey Fries.

A celebration of Lois’s life will be held on October 17, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Ralph’s Zucca Pizza, 4290 Bells Ferry Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144, where everyone knows her name.

For additional information, please contact Karen Martinelli at [email protected]