Lois J. Schifer

Being involved in everything and anything possible, treating others as people rather than objects and all while having fun, keeps one’s mind sharp and the body feeling young. This is how Lois Jean Schifer lived her life, and this past Friday, July 13, 2018, at the young age of 97, her earthly life ended.



She was born February 26, 1921, in Bucyrus to the late Arthur and Edith (Campbell) Ensminger and was a 1939 graduate of Bucyrus High School where she was active in athletics, especially basketball. She continued her schooling for a brief period at Bliss College before returning home and working as a bookkeeper for Lutz Trucking. On January 17, 1943, she married Wayne G. “Pete” Schifer whom she originally met on a blind date while in high school, and their 53-year marriage was filled with many fond memories until his passing in 1996.



Lois cared for her family as a homemaker and whether it be sporting events, music programs, church activities, or 4-H projects, she was actively there to support and help them grow. She also worked at JC Penney, Norton’s Flowers, and Mac’s Drive-In. She was raised as a Methodist but spent much of her adult life worshiping at Martin Luther Lutheran Church. Recently, she became a member of Bucyrus United Methodist Church, which was made official by Pastor Mike Corwin at Bob Evans while eating breakfast with her close friends.



Lois was always on the go and most everywhere she was, so was Rose Mary Morrison. There were others but these two did breakfast, lunch, and dinner together and made the most of their longtime friendship. Lois was a fierce competitor, and whether playing cards, Bingo, or bowling, she did not like to lose. She also crocheted and did ceramics for many years.



Sports were a daily part of her life. One might say she even “bled blue” as she was a longtime fan of Wynford athletics and was passionate about Duke University basketball, having great respect for Coach K. Even recently, while watching Ohio State, the Tribe, or the Cavaliers, she wanted to know all the details of the games and expected wins. She enjoyed Dairy Crest chocolate sodas and preferred ending her days early so she could tackle the next.



Lois was a former 4-H Advisor, helping youth with their baking projects and led them to many blue ribbons at the county fair. She was a member of Mothers Club, Farm Bureau Council, Twig, church circles, bowling leagues, and card clubs. She also worked on the board of elections for more than 25 years in the Bucyrus Township and Bucyrus City precinct. She will be remembered for her fabulous pies, which she baked for Wynford coaches and staff, her doctors, friends, and family. She and Pete enjoyed many travels throughout their lives, and she cherished time spent with family at cookouts, parties and holidays.



Lois leaves behind her biggest fans including four children: Beverly (Richard) Green of Sterling Heights, MI; Michael (Wendy) Schifer of Pawleys Island, SC; Greg (Verna) Schifer and Gary (Patti) Schifer both of Bucyrus; nine grandchildren: Lee (Susan) Schifer, Lori (Glen) Flowers, Collin (Kelly) Schifer, Nicole (Ryan) Pelter, Shane (Megan) Schifer, AJ (Gary) Reichard, Megan Schifer, Jeremy Rowoldt, and Rhiannon (Nico) Frasca; 18 great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Edwin (Margaret) Schifer and Darl Orewiler as well as her many dear friends. She was preceded in death by one great-grandchild and three sisters, Ruth Guinther, Isabelle Christopher and Helen Orewiler.



Her family will first gather for their time this Tuesday and will be ready to receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Tuesday, July 17, at Wise Funeral Service. Funeral services for Lois will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday at Bucyrus United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Corwin officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made payable to either Bucyrus United Methodist Church (Building Fund) or to Wynford Athletic Boosters. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home or at the church on the morning of her service.