Lois Jean Kempthorne, 80, of Lincoln Ave., Maquette, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, August 5, 2018 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility with her loving family by her side.

She has gone home to be with her Lord!

Lois was born May 26, 1938 in Ishpeming to William Mark and Irene Pearl (Hitchens) Kempthorne. It was May 26 of this very year that she turned 80 years old and celebrated this milestone with her family and closest friends.

Lois was a graduate of Negaunee High School, Class of 1956, and also a St. Luke’s Nursing graduate, Class of 1959. In 1992, she went back to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spring Arbor College in Spring Arbor, Michigan. She also received units of clinical Pastoral Education from St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. After her retirement from Six County Consortium in Marquette, she used her degree, education, and heartfelt passion to serve as an on-call chaplain at Marquette General Hospital.

Lois volunteered her time at Pregnancy Services, Beacon House and with the Christian Fellowship Group Ministry at Marquette Branch State Prison.

Surviving are four daughters: Dorene Lois Mathews of Brevort, Susan Lynn (Ed) Kwan of California, Lori Jean (John) Kirby of Chatham and Kristen Ann Derocha of Ishpeming; as well as eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Barbara Kempthorne, two nieces, one nephew, and several cousins. Preceding her in death were her parents; and a brother, Ernest Kempthorne.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, August 9th at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marquette with Rev. Daniel Ondov officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10am until the time of services at 12 noon at the church on Thursday. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Lois’ memory to Redeemer Lutheran Church or The Beacon House.

Lois’ family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility for their wonderful and compassionate care provided over the past five years.

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