Lois Peabody

Lois Jean Rooks Peabody, age 91 years, of Niles, Michigan died Monday, January 2, 2017 at West Woods of Niles of a brief illness.

Lois was born March 8, 1925 in Holland, Michigan to Albert and Maude (Miller) Rooks. Her family moved to Niles when she was 5 years of age. She attended Niles Schools, and was the Salutatorian of the Niles High School graduating class of 1943. Her good friend Jane Zabel Waxman was Valedictorian.

On May 30, 1952, she married Arthur Lee Peabody in Niles. He preceded her in death on January 30, 2007, after 55 years of marriage.

Lois retired after 23 years of service from Old Kent Bank in 1990. She was active her whole life as a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles, serving as a Trustee and Deacon, singing in choirs, and as a member of various Bible study groups, and the What-So-Ever Class. She was also active in the Niles-Buchanan Meals on Wheels organization as Treasurer of their Board of Directors, and as a meals driver. She was a member of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery, a former Girl Scout leader, and as a tutor for the Michiana Literacy Council, and volunteer at Eastside School and the Friends of Niles Community Library.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, her parents Maude and Albert Rooks, her brothers Leon and Leslie Rooks, her sisters-in-law Shirley and Hazel Rooks, and a granddaughter Carrie Ann Tyler.

Lois is survived by her brother, Lloyd Rooks of South Bend, Indiana, and her children, Virginia “Ginny” (&Todd) Tyler of Cassopolis, Michigan and Robert “Bob” (& Jane) Peabody of Scroggins, Texas; grandchildren Patrick (& Monica) Tyler of Dublin, Ohio, Daniel (& Michelle) Tyler of Chicago, Illinois, Rob (& Medea) Peabody of Plano, Texas, Drew (& Lindsay) Peabody of Dallas, Texas, Joel (& Allison) Peabody of Richardson, Texas, and Laura Jane Peabody of Seattle, Washington; great-grandchildren Graham, Hadley, Caroline, Max, and Luca Tyler and Liam, Tate, Eloise, and James Peabody, and one on the way.

There will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery. The family will meet privately to honor Lois’ wishes, and would like to thank her neighbors on Regent Street, Martha & Tom Rockhill, Linda & Ed Gourlay, Taryn & Joe Ray, and June & Wayne Jonas, for helping her to live in her home and enjoy their families as they grew. Martha Rockhill cared for her daily. The staff at Lakeland Niles ICU and West Woods of Niles Nursing Care Center were also extremely caring.

Contributions in memory of Lois may be made to the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church, 13 South Fourth Street, Niles, Michigan 49120 or to Meals on Wheels of Niles-Buchanan c/o Lakeland Hospital-Niles, 31 North Saint Joseph Avenue, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements were completed at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Service in Niles. www.halbritterfunerals.com.