Lois May Bale was born at home on Christmas Day, 1932 and a few minutes later her twin sister, Mary Lou was born. The twins were inseparable and even got their first jobs together at the Fennville movie theater. While working there, Lois met a handsome young man, Robert Hartsuiker. He soon became the love of her life. They shared more than 50 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 1999. They enjoyed spending time together taking road trips (where they would often find a casino), playing cards, gardening, bowling and many other activities; but most of all, they enjoyed their family. Family was their world.
After Robert’s passing, Lois continued to bowl with her longtime friend, Bev Hagger in Douglas and then with her daughters, Nancy and Pat, on a league in Allegan where she made many new friends. Soon she was invited to join a cribbage group in Fennville and they became a very special part of Lois’ life. She enjoyed watching and feeding the birds, sports on television, and her beloved dog, Buddy.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, Lawrence and Freda Bale; her siblings, Helen Hutchins, Bob Bale, Dick Bale, Anna Walker, Margaret Hartsuiker, and Ruth Adkins; and by her brothers-in-law, Jim and Pete (Trevah) Hartsuiker.
She is survived by her daughters, Pat (Lonn) Ashbrook of Bloomingdale, Kathy (Mike) Herbert of Saugatuck, Debbie Wells of Fennville, and Nancy (Roger) Billings of Allegan. (Sadly, daughter Nancy Billings passed away just three days after Lois on January 18, 2021 following a brave, and difficult, yearlong battle with ovarian cancer). Lois is also survived by her twin sister, Mary Lou Sisson and her sister-in-law Thelma Hartsuiker. Many grandchildren, several great grandchildren and even great great grandchildren also survive her. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews, along with special friends Tim Brenner and Bob Sliwoski.
The family regrets that due to COVID, they are only allowed a small private service but are pleased to be laying Lois to rest on January 23, which would have been Robert and Lois’ 72nd wedding anniversary. They became life partners on January 23, 1949 and will be joined together again, in Fennville Cemetery, on January 23, 2021….a true celebration of their lifelong love story.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in Lois’ memory, please consider Wings of Hope Hospice; 530 Linn Street; Allegan, MI 49010 or Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance; P. O. Box 124; Douglas MI 49406.
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