Lois Cox

[December 31, 2012]  EMDEN -- Lois Marilyn Hinman Cox, 81, of Emden, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at 8:06 p.m. at home.

(Below is a copy of the obituary from the funeral home.)

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Lois Marilyn Hinman Cox, 81, passed away at home in Emden, IL Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 8:06 p.m.

Lois was born on June 15, 1931 at her parents' home in rural Bardolph, IL. She was the daughter of Ross and Rose Thorman Hinman. She married Robert Markley on September 4, 1948. She later married Rev. Henry L. Cox on July 31, 1966.

She is survived by two sisters, Margaret (Bernard) Lewis of Colchester, IL, Reta Foley of Macomb, IL; one brother, Wade (Barbara) Hinman of Macomb, IL; six sons, Dale (Stacey) Markley of Macomb, IL, Jerry (Vicki) Markley of Table Grove, IL, David (Jacqueline) Cox of Newberg, OR, Mark (Angie) Cox of St. Pete's Beach, FL, Matthew (Linda) Cox of Peoria, IL, Kevin (Mary) Cox of Davenport, IA; three daughters, Patricia (Stephen) Sparks of Emden, IL, Donna (Mike) Ewing of Macomb, IL, Lynn Gregory of Moline, IL; twenty grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry; her brother-in-law, Robert Foley; and two granddaughters, JoLee Cox and Kelly Cox.

Lois grew up on a farm near Bardolph, IL with her parents and siblings. She attended a one room school house for grade school with her brother and sisters. She graduated valedictorian from Bardolph High School in 1948. After their marriage, she and Bob rented a home in Bardolph. They later moved to a farm outside of town where they lived along with their children until a tornado destroyed the family home.

In 1966, she married Rev. Henry Cox and moved into the Methodist parsonage in Bushnell, along with Hank's six kids. Together, they served churches at Cambridge, State Road, Emden, Hartsburg, and Colfax until his retirement in 1987. After retirement, they returned to Emden where they spent their remaining years. Retirement was short-lived as Preacher Hank began serving the Middletown United Methodist Church in 1989, a post he served until he passed away in October, 2004. Lotie remained a member of their church, still printing the bulletin and newsletters, until her passing.

Lotie was very involved with the United Methodist Women over the years, serving many different offices at both the local and district levels. She also served as Hank's church secretary for many years. She taught both Sunday and Bible school for years, as well as serving at church camps and work mission trips. When the Middletown United Methodist Women dissolved their unit, they founded the Helping Hands, which often met at her house to sew lap robes and other items for area nursing homes.

Family was always a big part of her life. She loved family get-togethers in the "Great Room". Games and always lots of food were standards at her house, where everyone was welcome.

Funeral service will be Friday, January 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Middletown United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Ervin officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery, rural Emden, IL.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 3, 2013 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln, IL.

Memorials may be made to Middletown United Methodist Church and/or Emden Fire and Rescue.