Lois Paullin

Lois was born April 15, 1926 to Elvis J. Maynard II and Louise (Larson) Maynard. She spent most of her life in Guthrie County. At the age of 15, after her father suffered a severe heart attack, it fell to her to run the family farm for the next year. Rising early to do chores before school, and ending her day with evening chores as well as managing the hired men, buying and selling cattle and crops were heavy responsibilities for a young girl, but Lois was up to the task. The experience formed her into a strong, independent woman. After graduating from Guthrie Center High School, Lois taught for ten years in one-room schools throughout Guthrie County. She was s strict but fun-loving teacher who was always ready to join in a ball game at recess. After teaching school, she became a bookkeeper for a local tractor repair and supply shop. She continued this career for many years, working at various businesses, including her husband’s auto repair shop. On May 18, 1946 Lois was united in marriage with Verl Arthur Paullin and in 1956 they had a daughter, Lucinda (Cindy). Lois accepted Christ as her Savior in 1947. She loved life and cherished her family and friends. As an active member of First Baptist Church, she served as mission secretary, and for many years taught children’s Bible clubs, Sunday School and Youth classes. Lois had a passion for sharing her Savior, Jesus Christ. After retirement, Lois and Verl spent their summers doing volunteer work at bible camps in Iowa, New Mexico, Quebec and Manitoba, Canada. During the winter they would head south to the Rio Grande Bible Institute where Lois helped wherever she was needed, often cleaning and painting student housing or tying quilts. Throughout her life, Lois had a passion for fishing; and she loved to camp, boat and water ski with her best friend, Verl. She always had a big garden and found great pleasure in sharing its produce with others. Lois lived life with gusto. She and Verl travelled all over the United States touring historic sights. It was important to her to visit as many state capitols as possible. Her zest for adventure did not dim with age. In her 60’s she still water-skied. She always dreamed of going skydiving, hang-gliding or riding in a hot air balloon; and though those dreams didn’t come true, she did take a jet boat ride on the Columbia River in Oregon and later on her 80th birthday she soared in a glider plane thousands of feet over the Arizona desert. In her 90’s Lois found small ways to enjoy life - she loved chatting on the phone with friends and her 7-day pill organizer was filled with candy. In the fall of 2017, after the death of her husband, Lois moved to Arizona to be closer to her daughter. During her early days in Arizona Lois enjoyed swimming, walking and trips to the library. These outings always ended with a hot fudge sundae at McDonalds. Later, as her health failed, she led a quieter life doing puzzles and reading. Lois is survived by daughter Lucinda and son-in-law Roger Herrick of Sun City, Arizona; grandson Adam Herrick (and Katherine) of Scottsdale, AZ; granddaughter Maria Herrick (and Ben Callanta) of Chicago, IL; four great grandchildren (Garin, Emiko, Lila, Kai); a sister Ayleen Smith of Panora, and many nieces and nephews. Lois also leaves behind many friends for whom she cared deeply and encouraged with her faith in Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband Verl, sister Eunice Whitney and brother Elvis Maynard Jr. (Jimmy). Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial funds may be directed to Missions through First Baptist Church, Guthrie Center, Iowa.