Lois R. Stay

Lois R. Stay, age 87, of Mondovi, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the American Lutheran Communities in Mondovi.

She was born on April 25, 1939, to George and Alverne (Dahl) Schroeder.

Lois attended school in Whitehall and was a graduate of the Whitehall high school class of 1957. Soon after graduation, Lois worked at Presto, while living with friends. She was later united in marriage to Marvin Leo Stay. To this union, four daughters were born. Marvin preceded Lois in death on August 7, 2025.

Lois was a longtime and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Mondovi where she served in several capacities, most notably the Ladies Aid and the Altar Guild. Lois also enjoyed her many years working at the American Lutheran Home and still gathered with that group for breakfast after retirement.

For several decades, Lois stood side by side with her husband on their farm in Gilman Valley. Together passionately farmed the land and cared for their livestock. Lois not only helped milk the cows and take care of the financial side of the farm but also provided a loving, well-kept and nurturing home for her entire family. If not assisting her husband with daily chores, you would see Lois outside either mowing and manicuring their expansive lawn or tending to her many gardens. Lois would even find time to sew clothing for her daughters and provide wonderful meals for them. Many will remember her as a superb cook and a gracious host. Anyone who was fortunate enough to sit at her table to partake in her wonderful homecooked meals would never leave hungry. She was very well known for her homemade pie crusts and lasagna that even individuals who didn’t like lasagna would come back for. Her recipes were not on index cards or in cookbooks, they were in her heart. Lois enjoyed bowling and in her later years would like to sit down with a book or put together jigsaw puzzles.

Lois will be remembered for her faith, selflessness and love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Teresa (Charles) Odegard, Cynthia Manthei and Cheryl (Eric) Johnson; grandchildren, Tracy (John) Smith, Travis (Crystal) Odegard, David (Emily) Manthei, Sarah (William) Steahr, Tanner Johnson and Alex Johnson; great grandchildren, Colton, Jocelyn, Raelyn, Willa, Keegan, Parker, Miles, Ryan and Emma; sisters, Phyllis Olson and Gretchen Heim; brother in law, Lavern Johnson; also by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides her parents and beloved husband, Marvin she was preceded in death by her daughter Rochelle; sister, Joanne Johnson and brother-in-law, Everett Olson.

A memorial gathering and service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Mondovi on Wednesday October 14 at 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at Riverside Lutheran Cemetery, Mondovi.