Lois Pell

Lois was the tenth child of Peter J. and Anna (Herema) Pell. She was born into a bustling household of 4 brothers: Peter, Will, Claude and Jerold and five sisters: Tena, Anna, Grace, Tillie and Ruth. None of the sisters ever married. They all stayed together in the family home with their brother, Will. Not having to focus on their own families gave them more time to devote to the Lord and others.

Lois grew up in an active Christian family where the Bible was read and thanks was offered at each meal. Her family was involved in the beginnings of North West Gospel Hall (formerly Evangel Hall). Lois accepted the Lord Jesus as her Savior as a young person and it changed her life. She loved children. Lois taught Sunday school and had a joy-bringers group for many years. She loved and took interest in others, always carrying tracts and leaving them with various people God put in her path. She read missionary biographies and wanted to be a missionary when she grew up. Being particularly interested in Alaska and praying about the possibility of going there to serve, the Lord gave her an answer when she read a verse about serving the King’s table (1Kings 4:27). Later in life someone said to her, “There you are slaving away in the kitchen,” she replied, “not slaving, serving.”

After finishing school, Lois went to work beside her mother in the kitchen. She made delicious meals and enjoyed trying nuaputin (new ideas in the head) as her mother said. Her mother died when Lois was in her 20’s and Lois took over running the household. She presented her meals beautifully and developed a repertoire of favorite recipes. She was gifted at bringing out the best in people and knowing what job they would be best suited for. Lois taught many young girls how to cook, clean, and run a household over the years. In later life, many came back to thank her.

She went to the old country in 1953, and it was the trip of a life-time. Her brother, Peter, was preaching there and took her and her niece along. She never forgot the wonder of it all. Lois enjoyed photography and nature and has many pictures of her trip.

Her education included Creston Christian school and later a school near Pine Street N.W. While a student, she won a writing contest and was encouraged to write by her teacher, and later by her brother Will. She took a writing course and started writing Sunday school papers, and wherever her talent was needed in her family’s printing business, Gospel Folio Press. At 89 years old, she wrote her own tract - and at various times during her life contributed to the Choice Gleanings calendar.

She helped in her family’s bookstore and became involved in the beginnings of Rest Haven Homes while it was yet in its infancy. The sisters often took turns staying all night at the Stadt’s - the original Rest Haven Homes location off of Alpine. After her sister Grace took over running the home, Lois was a scheduler. In those days, the family picked up workers who had no way to get to work. Lois helped in the home, decorating and planning celebrations and events. She was the editor of Beams - Rest Haven’s monthly publication. She was later on the board of Rest Haven Homes and ended her life as president emeritus of the board.

Lois was known for her hospitality. Daily she served lunch to most of the workers at Gospel Folio Press and had something ready for tea-time every afternoon. Many missionaries and gospel workers stayed at the Pell home when they were passing through. Various believers were taken in, and stayed a time as guests in their home. Lois had a heart big enough to share what she had with the poor and needy God put in her path. Later in life, she was the glue that brought the family together. There was always a welcome at the Pells’. Despite the hustle and bustle of a household busy for the Lord, when a visitor entered, someone would set aside their work and call out, “Look who’s here!” There was time, not only for works of service, but for the people God brought through the doors, for there was “no night there.”

Lois Esther Pell passed into the Lord's presence from Rest Haven Homes on February 21, 2011 after a full and blessed life. She is survived by many friends, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and their children. She was preceded in death by all of her siblings. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Rest Haven Homes, 1424 Union N.E. Private Interment will be held in Greenwood Cemetery. Relatives and Friends are invited to meet with her family on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, VanStrien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield N.E. Memorial Contributions may be made to Rest Haven Homes, Gospel Folio Press, or Uplook Ministries. To share a memory with the family or sign the online register book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.

Rambling Thoughts on Psalm 23 - by Lois Pell

I am His and He is mine,

this Shepherd of Psalm 23.

He leads

He feeds

He guides

An "all-the-way-home" Shepherd is He.

He knows

He loves

He cares

this Shepherd of Psalm 23.

Then why should I anxious be?

For an "all-the-way-home" Shepherd is He.

He died

He lives

He's gone

This Shepherd of Psalm 23.

He's coming again, He promised,

for an "all-the-way-home" Shepherd is He.

He and I together

entering those bright courts above.

He and I together

sharing all the Father's love.

Home at last

with the Shepherd of Psalm 23.