Lois Rose (Walkley) Rydahl

Lois Rydahl, 94, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility. She was born October 19, 1929, in Frankfort, Michigan, daughter of the late Harold M. and Marion (Beeman) Walkley. After graduating from Frankfort High School in 1947 Lois earned both a bachelor's and master's degree from Central Michigan University. She was an elementary teacher for 43 years (32 years at Mary McGuire in Mt. Pleasant), retiring in 1993. She also taught in Iowa City, IA, Chadron, NE, Greenville, MI and Saginaw, MI. She was a member of the Michigan Retired School Personnel and National Education Association. She was an active reader and country music enthusiast. She enjoyed baking, birdwatching, playing cards, and, in later years, game shows. Gracious, caring, and humble, Lois helped family, friends, and students without expecting anything in return. Lois is survived by her children Kathy Hendershot (David Shinabery) of Mt. Pleasant and Craig (Athina) Rydahl of Armada; daughter in-law, Cindy Rydahl of Traverse City; six grandchildren, Darius (Andrea Bruder) Rydahl, Jeremiah (Echo) Rydahl, Lindsay (Tyrell) Turnbull, Jennifer (Peter) Harris, Kelly (Anthony) Borgia, and Steven Rydahl; nine great grandchildren, Gemma Lau, Harlan Turnbull, Thaden Turnbull, Delyla Borgia, Luca Borgia, Lucy Harris, Calvin Harris, Mia Rydahl, and Ava Rydahl; siblings, Larry (Denise) Walkley of Severin, MD and Sharon (Garth) Stowe of Traverse City; in-laws, Karen Walkley of Frankfort and Dee Walkley of Fountain Run, KY; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Christopher Rydahl; siblings, Harold "Bud" Walkley, George Walkley, Clifford Walkley, Linda Elsenheimer, Dorothy Hanna, Priscilla Thompson, and John Walkley; son in-law, Michael Hendershot; and grandson, Kevin Rydahl. Her memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, October 5, at Charles R. Lux Funeral Home with nephew in-law Doug Sprik officiating. A luncheon will follow in Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation or Mt. Pleasant Public Schools Education Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.