Obituary for Lois R. Elliott

Lois Rose Elliott, 84, of West Salem, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020, at Mayo Health System in La Crosse. She was born June 15, 1936, to Fritz and Myrtle (Hauser) Schomburg, at St. Ann’s Hospital in La Crosse and they preceded her in death. On March 8, 1955, she married Robert A Elliott and he survives along with their three children, Laurie (Bruce)Hawkins, David (Karen) Elliott, and Roberta (Kevin) Johnson. Their fourth child, Arlene, passed away in 2019. Lois had five grandchildren, Jenn (Dom) Conti, Katie (Seth) Christianson, Reannon (Rich) Nailor, Ryan (Kristen) Elliott, and Kylee (Trent) Brooks, and nine great-grandchildren, Ashley, Shelby, Joe, and Vince Conti, Elly and Bennett Christianson, Jordan Nailor, Brody Elliott, and Lanie Brooks. Lois was the oldest child in her family and was preceded in death by her brothers Carl, Richard, and Arlen Schomburg. She is survived by her sister Linda (Dave) Werner, brother Gary (Pam) Schomburg, and sisters-in-law Barbara Schomburg, Colleen (Laverne) Dunnum, Joanne (Yoel) Esquivel, and Mickey Osgood, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lois’ interests included gardening, bird watching, going for rides, and surrounding her with family and friends. She cultivated her flower gardens for many years, specializing in roses. She grew experimental roses one year, suggesting names and making growing recommendations to the company that supplied the rose bushes. She referred to gardening as her therapy along with watching and identifying the many song birds in her yard and at the bird feeders. Lois worked for many years at Northern Engraving in Quality Control before she and Bob retired. They spent many winters in Apache Junction, AZ, where she started quilting and writing about her family memories and growing up in West Salem. She was well known by her Arizona friends for her fresh lemon pies, macaroni salad, and ginger cookies. Lois was always the one with her camera out at family gatherings. While in Arizona they made trips to Hawaii, and to seethe Rose Bowl Parade in person. She and Bob also enjoyed a Caribbean cruise. She loved going on rides and exploring new and familiar antique shops while traveling. She started collecting rocks from the various places they visited and placed them in her gardens when they returned home. As a family, when we see a rose we will always think of Lois. Graveside services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Neshonoc Cemetery, West Salem. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate. Burial to follow services. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem is assisting the family in their time of loss.