Lois was born to Lela Cecile Harness Wingate and Richard Mack Wingate on May 9, 1931 at the Harper County Hospital. She graduated as co-valedictorian from Attica High School in 1949 then attended Emporia Teachers College from 1949-1951, majoring in Education with concentration in Home Economics. She took a short break from attending school to teach 4th grade at Argonia grade school in 1951-1952, saving enough money to finish her degree at Emporia Teachers College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1954, majoring in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics at Claflin Jr./Sr. High School from 1954-1957 where she was also served as the sponsor for the Pep Club and Junior Class.
She began teaching at Clay Center High School in the fall of 1957 and remained there until December 1961. While teaching she completed her Master’s Degree in Home Economics at Kansas State University in 1959.
She met her husband, Don, on April Fool’s Day in 1960, they were married on December 28, 1960 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center.
From this union there were 6 children. Francine Jo, Roy Scott, Angela Jean, Steven Bruce, Melanie Marguerite, Timothy Micheal Pat. Next to raising six kids, Lois’ greatest accomplishments included helping Don build the farm operation, managing the bookkeeping of the farm, while also providing hearty meals for the employees and family for over 40 years.
Because of Lois’ dedication to the family, farm, and community, she was awarded Master Homemaker Award in 2015, and she and Don were named Friends of 4-H in 2019.
Lois served as the Clay County Extension agent for one year commencing in 1989, which she thoroughly enjoyed, but being a mom and grandmother was her favorite job.
She was a member of St. Peter and Paul Catholic church, was active in the CWO which helped build the the Parish Hall kitchen. She was a member of EHU and a leader for the Grant-Go-Getters 4-H club.
Lois is survived by her husband of 60 years Don, children Francine Martin of Topeka, Scott (Polly) of Aurora Colorado, Angela Martin of Manhattan, Steven (Charity) of Terrell, Texas, Melanie (Dave) Ramsey of Manhattan and Tim (Roxie) of Clay Center. She has eleven grandchildren: Andy (Tori), Emily, Tyler Martin, Matthew and Courtney Martin, Ryan and Cole Ramsey, Amanda, Luke, Sarabeth and Kelly Martin. Her sister Loree Bergerhouse and brother Richard Wingate.
She was preceded in death by parents Richard and Lela; in-laws Roy Sr. and Marguerite Martin; sister Betty Heidt; brother-in-law Glen Bergerhouse, and brother-in-law Roy Martin Jr.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lois Martin Memorial Fund c/o the Funeral Home to be shared with Meadowlark Hospice and the handicap restroom fund at Sts. Peter and Paul Church.
Visitation will be from Friday, January 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Neill Schwensen-Rook funeral home with Rosary at 6:00 p.m..
Due to COVID restrictions the funeral mass will be limited to family only.