Lois M Wade

Lois May (Foulds) Wade, 91, joined her heavenly family at 9:58am, June 22, 2022. Born
March 27, 1931, to Kathryn Marie (May) Foulds and Thomas Henry Foulds in Sterling,
Illinois. She attended Wallace Grade School, Sterling High School (Class of 1949) and
Valpo College, Valparaiso, Indiana.
She married the love of her life, Edwin (Ed) Wade on October 25, 1951 at Messiah
Lutheran Church where she was a life-long, steadfastly devoted member. Lois (and Ed)
served the church through leading the Walther League (youth group), as Elder, Deacon,
Altar Guild, Christ Lutheran School supporters and volunteers, and volunteers at the
Rock Falls Thrift Store and more.
Lois, an accomplished seamstress and quilter, designed and created many, many quilts
over the years. Very special keepsakes to each of her children, grandchildren and so
many others. She also used her talent to make beautiful banners for all occasions for
Messiah. Lois also had a love for animals and worked as vet assistant for many years,
had a green thumb in the garden, a wonderful homemaker (cookies!), as well as a
wonderful caregiver.
Lois and Ed enjoyed early married life on Freeport Road, north of Sterling near Ed's
family and Jordan School where their children Kathryn (DuFour), Ed II (Debra Fritz), and
Patricia (Tim Mayer) attended grade school. They later moved to W. 13th Street,
Sterling near Lois's family, Kathryn (mother), brothers Neal and Wayne (Bud) Foulds
and their families. In retirement years the pair traveled the entire lower United States
and Alaska with their fun-loving friends Ken and Gwen Bradshaw. They loved camping
with their friends and family, the outdoors and spent many spring and fall months at the
Shady Rest cottage in Northern Wisconsin.
Lois was a shining example of faith and love to all. She never spoke ill of anyone and
was a fun-loving caring person. She was devoted to her family, church, friends and her
beloved husband, Edwin. The way she (and Ed) lived is an exemplary testament to
those of us waiting to see her again. You are missed Lois, Mom, Aunt Loie, Gram,
Great Grandma!
Lois is survived by her children: Kathryn DuFour and Tom Brown, Sheboygan,
Wisconsin; Ed II and Debra (Fritz) Wade, Sterling; Patricia (Tim) Mayer, Sheboygan,
Wisconsin. Grandchildren: C.J. and Kara Wade, Sterling; Emily (DuFour) and Jacob
Vanderheyden, St. Paul, Minnesota; Betony Wade and Coty Gluff, Prophetstown,
Illinois; Taylor (DuFour) and Bryan Schmaling, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Amanda Mayer,
Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Dylan Mayer, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Great Grandchildren:
Quentin (Q.) and Everly Wade, Lois (Loey) and Francis (Frankie) Vanderheyden and
Rory Timothy Schmaling.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Wayne Nelson Wade, Ft. Lauderdale Florida,
cousin Betty Cord, generations of nieces and nephews, your lifelong friends Ruth Bock
and Gwen Bradshaw and their families and more.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, parents Kathryn and Tom Foulds,
brothers, Neal and Bud Foulds, sister-in-laws Marg and Elaine, Aunt Harriet Jellericks,
niece Shelley Foulds, and son-in-law, Tim DuFour.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sterling with Reverend Chad Boloson, officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM, prior to services at the church. Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the caring and devoted staff at
Parkway Center, Sterling.
A memorial will be set in her name.
Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.