Lois Joan Backus, 93, of Three Oaks, died peacefully Monday, October 10, 2022.
Her life began June 26, 1929 in Niles, Michigan, the oldest child born to Emmett and Magles Pitchford. She married Melvin John Backus, Sr. May 6, 1950 in Niles, Michigan. After forty-seven years of marriage, he preceded her in death July 19, 1997.
Lois enjoyed making afghans for every member of her family. She was an avid gardener and loved to can fruits and vegetables that she grew. She grew up during the depression and learned to can everything. She had a love of bowling and playing bingo. She was an outdoors person and enjoyed fishing and camping. Lois was also a talented polka dancer. She enjoyed shopping with her late sister-in-law Lucille Daron.
Lois will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by one daughter, Joyce (Jim) Yech of Bridgman; grandchildren, Erica (David Boddorf) Morse, David Morse, both of Michigan City, Indiana, Dustin (Emily Horvath) Backus of Buchanan, Dana (Kevin) Kittleson of Crystal Falls, Cody (Justine) Backus of South Bend, Indiana, Kyle (Mindy) Backus of Three Oaks; one step-granddaughter, Tracy (John) Doyle of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; great grandchildren, Lauren, Ruger, Browning, Ellie, Bella, Presley, Kinsley, Brynn, Cole, Garrett, Reed, Ana; six step-great grandchildren; one sister, Lori (Ed) Blake of Buchanan; one sister-in-law, Ursula Phillipi of Buchanan; one brother-in-law, Leo Backus of Niles; former daughter-in-law, Angela Backus of Three Oaks; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; two sons, Melvin John Backus, Jr., Allen Backus; son-in-law, Alan Morse; two sisters, Phyllis Fisher, Bonnie Phillipi; and two brothers, Larry Phillipi, and Darrell Phillipi.
Family and friends will gather Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 12:00 noon until time of service at 2:00 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer.
Lois will be entombed with her beloved husband, at a later date, in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Lois be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, Michigan 49125 or Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Debbie and Richard Ruff of Country Manor. They appreciate their kind and exceptional care of Lois over the years. The family also profusely thanks Meagan Frye and her outstanding staff at A Place Called Home in Stevensville for the love and care they gave Lois throughout the last eight months.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
Services
VISITATION
Saturday
October 15, 2022
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer
5791 Sawyer Road
Sawyer, MI 49125
FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday
October 15, 2022
2:00 PM
Trinity Lutheran Church of Sawyer
5791 Sawyer Road
Sawyer, MI 49125
Posted On: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 3:32 PM
