Lois Hoiness
Lois Hoiness passed into the light on December 17, 2009 at the age of 77 after suffering from many physical ailments, but eventually passing from a broken heart with the recent loss of her beloved husband, Pete of 56 years, 6 days earlier.
Lois was born on February 25, 1932, the daughter of Elvin and Lillian (Cahill) Weeks in Hornell New York.
Lois’s family moved west to Billings, MT in 1940 where she graduated from Billings Senior High-School. During this time Lois met the love of her life Melvin “Pete” Hoiness. After high school Lois attended Montana State University, pursuing a nursing degree – Go Bobcats. While in college she was a member of Spurs and the Pi Phi sorority.
Lois was a dedicated wife, mother and friend, raising two sons Chris and Steve Hoiness. Lois spent her life supporting her family, friends and helping others. She dedicated time to organizations such as Pink Ladies at St. Vincent’s hospital and local schools helping children learn to read. Lois and her husband Pete believed strongly in supporting the local community. Upon the passing of both Lois and Pete Hoiness it was their desire to establish a philanthropic foundation to continue to serve the needs of others.
Lois enjoyed a rich life with her husband and family traveling the world and living life. Many of their favorite memories were from time spent at the family ranch located in Boyd, MT, raising pure bred longhorn, Black Angus cattle and fun times creating family memories
Lois is survived her brother Dr. Richard Weeks (wife Pat) of Rochester MN, her two sons Chris (Wife Tracy, Children Tara, Brady, Brad and Devan) and Steven (Wife Kas, Children Meghan and Adam).
Her family will miss her greatly, but know that she is at peace. A special thanks to the staff at the St. John’s Lutheran Transitional Care Unit for their loving care, respect and friendship of our mom.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 21, 10:00 AM at the American Lutheran Church in Billings, MT. Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
My heart breaks for all of the family, and I find comfort in knowing Pete and Lois will remain together forever. As Pete used to have a cute saying, "There is a special place in heaven for you." And now, there is also a special place in heaven for the two of them, side-by-side. God was kind to us for giving us two wonderful people to share our lives with. And now, I know how much they will be missed, and I share in your grief. Gretchen Wagner
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dale and Kathy Longfellow
Dear Steve and Chris,
I first met your mother when I was about 9 years old. My parents and I were spending the evening at the Kelly's. In walked Lois and Clarice in their very fancy prom dresses and I thought they were the most sophisticated girls I had ever seen! When David and I moved back to Billings, I had the pleasure of meeting her again through the Thomas' on Clark Ave. and then again many times at American Lutheran. She was always very friendly warm, and caring. And I know how proud she was of her sons.
God Bless, Judy Johnson
Chris, Steve and families,
It has been said, behind every good man is a good woman and Lois surely fits the bill. Lois was one of the toughest yet caring, and hardest working woman I have known. She was always very supportive of her family as well as ours and we will never forget her. We will remember her most for her famous rosette cookies that we have consumed many pounds of over the years. Lois always jokingly said I always seemed to show up after a fresh batch was made and that I must be able to smell them for miles away. It is sad to lose them both in such a short time however they are now once again together forever and that is surely what they would have wanted.
God bless you all,
Jason, Annette, Hunter, and Jade Harrison
To the Hoiness family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Such a double loss is really hard to take I'm sure. Pete was a pleasure to work with on insurance matters and his able and faithful sidekick, Lois was a joy to be around. I miss them both, but I'm so grateful that we had the pleasure of knowing them both. They will be remembered always.
Dick and Rita Fish, Bozeman