Lois Root

Lois Jean Austin Westfall Root, age 92 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 with family gathered around at her home.

She was born on September 29, 1925 in Niles to Arthur Claire and Gladys M. (Coons) Young.  She was graduated from Niles High School and worked in the offices of the former United Dairies and City Dairy.  Later she was employed in the offices of the City of Niles Utilities Department.  She has lived in Niles most of her life, but also lived in Forsyth, Missouri for several years.

Lois was a member of the First Baptist Church in Niles.  She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States - including Alaska and Hawai’i – and Europe.  She practiced a variety of arts and crafts including ceramics, knitting, and crochet.

On August 10, 1946 in Niles she married A. J. Austin who preceded her in death on April 30, 1969.  They were sadly also preceded in death by a 2 year old daughter, Sandra Jean Austin in 1962.  Later, on November 22, 1969 in Niles she married Virgil J. “Stubby” Westfall who preceded her in death on February 1, 1990.  She was also preceded in death by her siblings, May Dalbey, Ruth Dyer, Esther Moore, Kenneth Young, Helen Rupe, Robert Young, and Everett Young; and step-children, Mary Gilbert and Jean Roberson.

On April 20, 2002 in Niles she married Robert D. Root who survives.  Also surviving are her step-children, John (& Charlene) Austin of Dade City, Florida, Charles (& Nancy) Austin of Irving, Texas, Edith Elrod of Niles, Audrey Shannon of Louisville, Kentucky, Pat Thompson of Cocoa, Florida, Sandy (& Gary) Mihills of Niles, Gina (& Mike) Coty of Remington, Indiana, Lisa (& Tom) Griffore of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Karla (& Brian) Gallivan of Rockford, Illinois, and Roberta Kraus of Ludington, Michigan; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; Lois’ sister, Midge DePyl of Buchanan, Michigan and brother, Carl Young of Traverse City, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.