Ahrens, Lois

Lois Ahrens, age 87, of Springfield, passed away on Monday March 11, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her children.

Her family includes her children; Terry (Judy) Ahrens of Springfield, Todd (Margaret) Ahrens of Springfield, Kerry Franke of Springfield, and Barb (Brian) Brewer of Springfield; fifteen grandchildren, Terry’s: Heather (Ryan) Hicks of Riverton, Audra (James) Banister of Springfield, Chad Ahrens (deceased), and Ryan Andrew (fianc√© Aimee Juliano) of Springfield; Todd’s: Emily Ahrens of Springfield, Benjamin Ahrens of Austin, TX, Rachel Ahrens of Springfield, and David Ahrens of Springfield; Kerry’s: Jessica (Cory) Skaaren of Phoenix, AZ, Jaclyn Franke of Springfield, Jenelle (Chris) Collins of Ashland, and Joshua (Katie Spence) Franke of Springfield; Barb’s: Chelsey Brewer of Kennett, MO, Courtney Brewer of Springfield, and Carson Brewer of Springfield; eight great-grandchildren, Trinity Franke (mother Jaclyn), Chad Michael and James Hicks (mother Heather), Brayden and Mason Banister (mother Audra), Myles Franke (father Joshua), Brooklynn Brewer (birthmother Chelsey/mother Barb), and baby Ahrens (father-to-be Ryan); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Allen in 2008; a grandson, Chad Allen Ahrens; and one sister, Dorothy Marr. Lois was born December 20, 1925 in rural Athens, the daughter of Albert T. and Cora L. (Culver) Johnson.

Lois graduated from Athens High School in 1943.

She married Allen W. Ahrens on October 29, 1944 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield by Pastor William Roth.

She worked as a bookkeeper, secretary, real estate agent, and most importantly a stay-at-home mom, where she enjoyed sewing, decorating, remodeling, and creating a “special” home for her family.

Lois grew up as a member of the Indian Point Presbyterian Church in rural Athens. After her marriage to Allen, she became a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield. There, she and Allen were actively involved in the choir, Group LOYAL, and other various groups.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. On Thursday, March 14, 2013 an additional visitation will be held from 1:00 until time of funeral service at 2:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield. Rev. Ladd Sonnenberg will be officiating.

Burial will be held at Indian Point Cemetery near Athens.

Memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.