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LOIS MARIE TRIGGS

Lois Marie (Brand) Triggs was born January 4, 1927, in Union County, IA, to Lewis and Madge (Crittenden) Brand. She was welcomed by brothers Harold, Clyde and Earl.
Lois went to school on the ‘bus’ — a horse drawn sleigh, picking up hot stones from neighbors on the way to keep the kids all warm.
In 1937 the family moved to the Mount Ayr area. The family had now grown to include Margaret, Dean, Paul, Wilma, Lee and Jean. Little sister, Betty, joined the family in 1942. Lois attended the Urbana Poe #9 country school just a half mile from their home. She attended high school in Mount Ayr, walking the four miles most days.
Lois graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1945. While she was in high school, she took normal training course work to become a teacher. She taught country school for several years and was noted in the Mount Ayr Record News as one of Ringgold County’s most successful teachers.
She married Ainslee Triggs August 4, 1946. They initially farmed in Ringgold County. Lois later managed the Clinton Motel, the Shamrock Café, the Mount Ayr Hotel and was the early morning Casey’s donut maker and was known for those donuts.
She was a Caregiver for the entire family. This started early in her life — she was the oldest daughter of the 11 children. She was ‘in charge’ of the younger siblings. This carried through her lifetime.
She loved traveling and took multiple trips across the USA…. even going to the Ukraine to visit niece, Laura Kisarets. She wanted to research and know all the details of each location.
She was a long-time member of the Mount Ayr United Methodist Church where she was the wedding coordinator for several years. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Lois passed away October 14, 2021, at the Ringgold County Hospital. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Ainslee, her parents, her brothers, Harold, Dean, Clyde and Earl, and sister, Margaret.
She is survived by brothers, Paul, and Lee; sisters, Wilma Schafer, Jean Gilliland, and Betty Cobb; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, IA.
Services were at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021, at the United Methodist Church in Mount Ayr, IA
Officiating were Rev. Emily Peasley and Pastor Dennis Reynolds.
Pianist and Vocalist were Deb Cannon and Aaron Comer.
Songs were “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art”.
Casketbearers were James Brand, David Brand, Gary Brand, Allen Schafer, Duane Schafer, Kenneth Brand, Ron Brand, Mike Gilliland, and Steve Gilliland.
Burial was at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr, IA.
Memorials are to the United Methodist Church and Senior Citizens Center.

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