Obituary: Kummer, Lois M.
Her parents were Alson and Mabel (Skold) Benner, who homesteaded during the early 1900’s in that part of the state.
Her father was originally from La Crosse, WA and her mother, a teacher, in Montana and North Dakota, was from Cokato, Minnesota.
Both claimed land in Montana for the purpose of homesteading and me while Mabel was teaching there.
Her brother Raymond, and only sibling, joined the family on August 6, 1921, born near Hobson, Montana.
Due to poor weather conditions and grasshopper infestation, it was not profitable to stay in Montana and the young family was forced to leave the state.
The family traveled to La Crosse, Washington, to stay with her uncle Allen Benner, for the winter of 1921.
Her father, Alson, worked there in a mill for the Potlatch Lumber Company.
In the spring of 1922, the family then moved to a humble home in the country, near Colfax.
They lived there until the spring of 1928, at which time they moved to a farm on Highland Hill situated between Kettle Falls and Colville, Washington.
Lois attended a country school and then the Colville junior and senior high schools, graduating 79 years ago, in May, 1936.
She has worked in various insurance companies during the years from 1937 to 1977.
She was by one of the largest firms in Spokane, the McGovern and Carroll Co, for several years.
She was also a payroll clerk, early in her work experience for the Pittsburg Pipe and Equipment Co, Trentwood Aluminum Plant.
She saw the first piece of steel put in place for the plant and the first sheet of aluminum rolled out!
Lois was married to Herbert C. Kummer, May 1943, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Spokane, Washington.
She then moved to the farm that had been owned and operated by the (German) Kummer family of Waterville, Washington, since 1920.
She and Herb operated a dairy farm, along with son, Rande, until the time of Herb’s death, April, 1984.
Rande continued the dairy operation until 1997 and then developed a hay and beef business.
She has continued to live on the farm for the past 72 years.
Lois has been known for her many friends and interest in maintaining a beautiful yard with flower gardens, around her home and the farm buildings.
Her children are Rande A.
(wife Naureen) Kummer and Marilynn L. (husband Roger) Russ.
Rande has continued to manage the farm and Naureen taught school and retired after 38 years.
Her daughter, Marilynn has lived in Ottumwa, Iowa, since her marriage in 1973.
Her husband worked for John Deere Co. and retired from John Deere after 29 years.
Marilynn, having worked as a school psychologist for 25 years retired in 2004.
Currently, she continues part-time employment as a licensed mental health therapist.
Lois has five grandchildren: Andrea Kummer, Darcia Taylor, Alissa Russ, Matthew Kummer, John Kummer and one great-granddaughter, Mollee Jean Taylor.
All of them reside in the Deer Park/Spokane area, except for John, residing in Pasco, WA and Alissa, living in Indianapolis, IN.
Lois and Herb were always supporting members of the Chattaroy Community Church, since the time of their marriage.
She expresses deep gratitude for the blessings God has granted with her family and friends over these many years.
Memorial contributions to Chattaroy Community Church, 3711 E. Chattaroy Rd., Chattaroy, WA 99003 or Hospice of Spokane, Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210-2215 in her memory.
A private family burial will be held at Fairmount Memorial Park.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 7, at the Chattaroy Community Church, 3711 E. Chattaroy Rd., Chattaroy, WA, followed by a meal.
LAUER FUNERAL HOME in Deer Park Washington