Lois V. Dusthimer
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Lois V. Dusthimer, 82, of Elkhart died on November 6, 2020 at Hubbard Hill
Estates.
Lois was born to the late Stephen and Dolores (Drury) Young on March 13, 1938 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Lois grew up in Delphi, Indiana and attended Delphi Community High School.
After graduating as valedictorian, she attended Indiana University, where she
was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and the IU Student Foundation
and graduated with a BA degree in English. IU is where she met the love of
her life, Thomas Dusthimer.
On April 29, 1961 Lois married Tom in Delphi, and so began their beautiful
life together. Supporting Tom's endeavors from Indianapolis to St. Louis, from
Miami to Elkhart, Lois was a champion. Where Tom was the epitome of a
successful businessman, Lois was the backbone of the family. Behind every
great man there is an even greater woman, as the phrase goes.
In addition to her deep faith in God and her whole-hearted love and
commitment to her family, Lois was a pillar of the Elkhart Community. She
was dedicated to several local charities, including United Cancer, Elkhart
Humane Shelter and Samaritan Center, and she served on the Elkhart
General Hospital Auxiliary. Combining her keen sense of fashion and deep
commitment to service, Lois was instrumental in the organization and
success of the very first "United for Fashion" fundraiser and was honored at
the 2013 event. Lois was an active member of St. Mary's of the
Annunciation Catholic Church, Bristol, Indiana and Elcona Country Club. She
was very involved in her alumni Theta chapter, Thursday Club and her ladies'
Bridge Club.
She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, her pride and joy
and praying her daily rosary. Lois was crazy about sports; she was an avid
tennis player, a "9-hole" golfer, and a dedicated (if not, sometimes fanatical)
fan of IU basketball, and college and pro football. A few other of her favorite
things include Naples sunsets, traveling with family and friends, crossword
puzzles, being the first one on the dance floor, playing the piano, and any
type of dessert (especially chocolate and Allen's/Adam's cake). She adored
animals, taking in several dogs and many cats over the years. They were
always treated as first-class citizens in Lois' home.
In recent years, Lois resided in Hubbard Hill where she continued to fight her
long, courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Lois' grace, humility, and
strength of spirit throughout her illness (and her life) are both remarkable
and inspirational. Lois touched so many lives in so many ways and will be
greatly missed by all.
Left to cherish Lois' memory are her daughters, Lynn (Tom) King of New
Canaan, CT and Jill Dusthimer (Eric McMurry) of Indialantic, FL, three
grandchildren Catherine, Thomas, and Elizabeth, and many many grandcats.
She has also left behind her dedicated caregivers, Tammy Wyland, Jimmy
and Estefany DeJesus, Tammy Laws, Ashley Williams, Doncella Sheline and
Theresa Jiminez, among other staff members at Hubbard Hill. Their loving
care, support, and kindness brought Lois peace, contentment, and comfort
over the last several years. They are truly angels on earth.
Lois is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her beloved daughter
and special angel, Diane.
Private family services will take place at Rice Cemetery. A memorial service and celebration of life will take place at a later date. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations in memory of Lois may be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart
County, 54687 CR19, Bristol, Indiana 46507 (online donations at
Elkharthumanesociety.org) or to the University of Rochester Parkinson's
Project (make checks payable to the University of Rochester). Mail to:
University of Rochester
Larry and Cindy Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center
Attn: Parkinson's Project
300 East River Road, Box 278996
Rochester, NY 14627
To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.