Lois Jean Venema

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She leaves behind the example of a woman who loved generously, welcomed others openly, delighted in family traditions, and began each day with faith.

Lois Jean Venema, of Centerville, Ohio, passed away on September 27, 2026, at the age of 102. Born on June 28, 1924, she lived a long and deeply meaningful life marked by faith, hospitality, family devotion, and simple daily joys that brought warmth to everyone around her.

Lois will be remembered as a consummate hostess who loved to welcome others into her home. For many years, she made Thanksgiving at her house a cherished family tradition, hosting the holiday annually until she was 100 years old and preparing the turkey herself until about age 92. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable and cared for, and her home was a place of gathering, celebration, and lasting memories.

She found happiness in life’s quieter pleasures as well. Lois enjoyed reading, especially historical novels set in the western or Alaskan frontier. There was nearly always a jigsaw puzzle in progress on the sunroom table, a familiar sight that reflected her patience and steady spirit. She loved spending time in her sunroom, reading or simply looking out the windows at the birds, squirrels, and ducks passing by. She also delighted in getting out for weekly card games, Dominoes, and Mahjong at the clubhouse with the girls, always ready for companionship and fun.

At the heart of Lois’s life was her faith. She cherished her quiet devotional time with her Lord every morning, reading her Bible, praying, and recalling verses to hymns. That steady spiritual life shaped the grace, kindness, and strength she carried through the years.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Venema; her sister, Ruth VanderKlok VanEck; and her brother, Roy VanderKlok.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Terry Venema of Dayton, Ohio; Rosemary Venema Slager of Cary, North Carolina; Robin Huizenga of Cincinnati, Ohio; Bryan Venema of Seattle, Washington; and Todd Venema of Dayton, Ohio. She also leaves a large and cherished family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Tammy Venema Kindel and her three children; Christopher Venema and his wife, Pamela, and their two children; Holly Venema Sokol and her husband, Jeremy, and their two children; Tracy Slager and her husband, Nat Lewis, and their two children; Rebecca Mayhew and her husband, Nicholas, and their five children; Katherine Slager and her husband, Kevin Schroeder, and their three children; Kelly Huizenga Stange and her three children; Charles Huizenga and his three children; Jordan Huizenga and his wife, Lauren, and their two children; as well as Sofi Venema, Peter Venema, Parker Venema, and Micah Venema. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marge VanderKlok.

Lois’s long life was a blessing to her family and to all who knew her. She leaves behind the example of a woman who loved generously, welcomed others openly, delighted in family traditions, and began each day with faith. Her memory will live on in holiday tables filled with loved ones, in sunlit rooms with open books and unfinished puzzles, and in the hearts of those who were grateful to call her mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, and friend.