Lois Jessie Holt Thayer

Lois Jessie (Holt) Thayer passed away on December 9, 2018 in her home at the Beehive in Great Falls, Montana. She was 92 years old. Lois was born in Salt Lake City, UT on February 11, 1926. She moved with her parents to Pocatello, ID where she spent her childhood and graduated from Pocatello High School. She married Gerald B. Thayer in 1946. They were married for 57 years. Shortly after graduating from high school, she worked during WWII building war planes in California. The women doing this type of work were famously known through the symbolic icon Rosie the Riveter. After getting married and moving to Great Falls, she stayed at home while raising seven children. She was devoted to volunteering in her kids’ schools and with their activities. She was the PTA President at Longfellow Elementary School for many years as well as being a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader. Once her children were in full time school, she worked at the neighborhood Starway Superette and Bantam Market. She then worked for 4 B’s Cafeteria in the Holiday Village Shopping Center until she retired in 1979. Along with being devoted to her children, who were the center of her life, she enjoyed raising poodles, unconditional love for Whiskey, Muffy and Lexi! She also enjoyed collecting dolls, cross-stitching, bird watching, ranching and gardening. Lois was a former member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was also a former member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. After retirement, she and her husband enjoyed working the family ranch near Belt where they enjoyed their time together until his death. During this time, she considered all of their calves’ as pets and gave them all a name. She is survived by her children, Carol (Bill) Pfennigs of Great Falls, Connie (Bob) McDonald of Portland, OR, Bob (Vicki) Thayer of Minneapolis, MN, Rich (Kathy) Thayer of Great Falls, Ralph (Keely) Thayer of Spokane, WA, Ross (Janet) Thayer of Belt, and Corinne (Todd) Ringhouse of New Braunfels, TX; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Lois was preceded in death by her husband; parents William and Josephine Holt; and grandson Ryan Burton Thayer. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff and residents at the Beehive Linden Home, as well as the staff of Benefis Peace Hospice, for the care and support. A celebration of Lois’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, December 14, 2018 at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel in Great Falls. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Great Falls Animal Shelter.