Lois Aileen Ames

Lois was born December 29, 1921 in Clovis, CA, and went home to Heaven on October 21, 2019 in Fresno, CA. Born to Alice and Glen Cate, she was one of four siblings. The Cate Family were one of the founding families of Clovis, CA. Lois grew up on an original homestead where her dad grew and dried stone fruit. She helped her brothers deliver milk from her uncle’s dairy to neighbors and recalled delivering milk to Millerton Camp to the men and families working on the dam. She also worked at the bank in downtown Clovis. Lois was swept off her feet when she met her future husband, Bill Ames, at the ice skating rink. Bill was stationed at the Fresno Fair Grounds and their relationship blossomed over the time he was there. Then he was relocated to Monroe, North Carolina. Having never been out of the state, she bravely boarded a train and spent five days heading east to marry the love of her life. When Bill was shipped over seas during WWII, she once again bravely boarded a train to meet Bill’s family in Arkansas before heading back to Clovis.

When the war was over and Bill came home, they purchased a home a couple of blocks from Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, which became their home away from home. It was here that Lois became the secretary of the church. She trained and groomed many new pastors over the decades and kept in touch with many after they moved on to other churches. She was a true believer and servant of God.

Except for the war, Bill and Lois were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their friends and family. There were many trips taken back to Arkansas to visit Bill’s family. There were also trips to Cayucos with the children and grandchildren. For many years, Sundays were spent out at the ranch where she grew up having dinner with her daddy and stepmother, Doris, whom she adored.

The friendships that were made at Sierra Vista were lifelong, and Lois cherished each and every one of them. The Lunch Bunch, as they endearingly call themselves, exemplify what true friendship is.

Lois enjoyed sewing and was an incredible seamstress, sewing her own wedding dress, and making her children and grandchildren clothes for Christmas and Easter. She also picked up the hobby of needlepoint. Her cooking was beyond compare and she generously shared recipes with her family.

Family meant everything to Lois. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and time spent with them brought her the greatest joy. She was always there to listen and give advice if asked. She was interested, involved, and attended as many activities and life events as she could. She made you feel special just being around her.

Lois will be remembered as a genuine, kind, loving, extraordinary woman; a true lady, whose influence cannot possibly be measured.

She has been reunited with her parents, siblings, her loving husband, Bill, and grandson-in-law, Robert. Her legacy lives on in her children Larry Ames and wife Janet, Jerry Ames and wife Sue, her grandchildren Lynette McBride and husband Tom, Chris Ames and wife Lynn, Jeannine VanDolah, Patrick Ames and husband Brad, and great-grandchildren Ethan, William, Ashley, Carson, and Matthew. Her legacy also lives on in the many extended family members that surrounded, loved, and called her Grandma Ames.

A Memorial Service celebrating Lois’ life will be held on November 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, 4609 East Illinois Ave. Fresno.

In lieu of flowers, Remembrances can be made to Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, St. Agnes Hospice or Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Museum.