LOIS LUELLA (LAWTON) PHILO-INCE

Lois, also known as Lou to people in the Willow/Talkeetna area, passed away Wednesday August 6, 2014, at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage.

A Celebration of Life will be held oat 3 p.m. Sunday, August 17, at Upper Susitna Senior Center, 16463 E Helena Drive in Talkeetna.

Lois was renowned for her homemade bread, giant cinnamon rolls, loaded pizzas, and big smile. She worked with her husband, Jack Ince, at The Store, Mile 98 Parks Hwy, for many years prior to opening Lou’s Bakery. Together, they welcomed people from all over the Valley. Due to health reasons, Lois retired about five years ago, but people still talk about her great cooking.

Lois was born November 11, 1936, and grew up in Manton, Michigan. She was a tomboy and never lost her love of the farm, dairy cows and gardening. She was short and tough, but always dreamed of being tall.

She and husband Bill Philo travelled the Alcan in a converted bus in 1962 and fell in love with Alaska. Even though she had to leave in 1965 to get medical help for her daughter, she always dreamed of returning to “God’s Country.” Lois had an adventurous spirit and made several cross-country trips, moving her family frequently until she made it back to Alaska in 1976. She lived here the rest of her life.

Lois had five children and was a single mom for many years. She told everyone that her kids were the most important things in her life, and there was no doubt that was true. She made many sacrifices, often working two jobs and putting in long hours, but there was no shortage of love in their home. Her five kids always knew they were well loved, and her 13 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren adored their Grandma Meemee.

Lois was a volunteer firefighter in Talkeetna, a member of the Talkeetna Assembly of God and the Montana Creek Baptist Church and a member of the Upper Susitna Senior Center. She loved Jesus with all her heart. Until recently, Lois enjoyed hunting and fishing, and she never tired of collecting old things and visiting with friends. She was a fighter until the end, but died from COPD. Lois embodies the true spirit of an Alaska woman: tough, hardworking, loyal and big-hearted. She will be dearly missed.

Lois was survived by her husband, Jack Ince, of Willow; daughter Lori Philo-Cook and her husband, William James Cook, of Yukon, Oklahoma; daughter Kelley Philo of Houston; daughter Mary (Philo) and her husband Douglas Powers of Talkeetna; son Alfred (Bill) and his wife Jammy Philo of North Dakota; and son Thomas and his wife Charlene Philo of Greensboro, North Carolina.