Lois Sandra Moyer Tow

Lois Sandra Moyer Tow

(September 10, 1926 – February 25, 2025)

Lois Sandra Moyer Tow passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, after a long and fulfilling life filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

She was born on September 10, 1926, in Ochelata, Oklahoma, to Carl Moyer and Kathryn Winans Moyer. The youngest of four children, Lois experienced an unconventional upbringing. After her parents divorced during her childhood, she lived with her grandmother, Ida Moyer, in Townville, Pennsylvania, and later with her sister, Rachel Moyer Goolsbay, in Ochelata.

Lois had a vivid imagination and an adventurous spirit from an early age. She often pretended to be a horse, galloping between her grandmother’s house and the distant home of their closest neighbor. She delighted in playing pranks. While visiting her Winan grandparents, she was asked to pick apples in their orchard. Not wanting to be stuck with the chore, she cleverly took a bite out of each apple she picked. Much to her satisfaction, she was never asked to pick apples again. In high school, she convinced half her classmates to skip school. When the school administration uncovered the scheme, Lois immediately owned up to her actions and accepted a paddling as punishment, proving early on her integrity and willingness to take responsibility.

After graduating high school, Lois pursued a career in nursing and enlisted in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, training at Hillcrest Memorial Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was during this time that she met David Eugene Tow, a handsome Army veteran of World War II. Their first encounter was at a bar while Lois was out celebrating with her friends. When David approached her group, she assumed he would ask one of her friends to dance—but he chose her. That night was the beginning of their life together.

Lois and David married and soon welcomed their first child, Linda Jo, born on May 1, 1947, in Tulsa. Shortly after Linda’s birth, they moved to Southern California, where Lois gave birth to their second child, David Mark, followed by their youngest, Brad Frederick. In 1957, the family settled in Tehama County, California, where Lois spent the majority of her life.

Lois was a devoted mother, pouring her energy into raising her children and creating a home filled with warmth and adventure. She planned exciting activities for her children and later for her eight grandchildren, ensuring her home was a place of joy and discovery. She always kept a freezer full of ice cream and treats, maintained a room full of toys, and meticulously recorded episodes of The Cosby Show so her grandchildren could watch them when they visited.

Beyond her family, Lois was an active and dedicated member of her community. She served as a Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, and minister at the El Camino Methodist Church. She was so beloved by her students that many wished to call her “Grandma” as well. She also worked as a teacher’s aide at Gerber Elementary School, where she supported and encouraged countless students throughout the years.

She and David shared a passion for camping and traveling, embarking on road trips across the country in their various camping trailers. She also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and cats, and was known for her ability to find joy in life’s simplest pleasures.

After David’s passing in 1997, Lois sold their home and moved to her daughter Linda’s ranch, just a mile away. Lois and Linda were more than mother and daughter—they were best friends. They spent their time camping, going to yard sales, and engaging in their community. Alongside other like-minded individuals, they protested the Iraq War, standing on a street corner in Red Bluff, California, every Saturday for several years.

Even in her 90s, Lois remained active, continuing to exercise, volunteer, and participate in community activities. However, after Linda’s passing in 2016, Lois moved to live with her son, David Mark, in Ammon, Idaho. She later relocated to Lincoln Court in Idaho Falls, where she made new friends and enjoyed the activities available to her. She was also a beloved member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where she found spiritual nourishment and community.

Though she gradually lost her hearing, eyesight, and some mobility, Lois never lost her love for life. She continued attending church, movies, music events, and most importantly, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished every moment with them, and she especially enjoyed watching her great-grandchildren play, finding joy in their laughter and energy.

By the time February 25, 2025, arrived, Lois was ready for her next adventure—one where she could see, hear, and move freely once again. Though her family would never be truly ready to say goodbye, she was at peace, knowing she had lived a life full of love, laughter, and purpose.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings (Rachel, Doris, and Merle), husband, and children (Linda, David Mark, and Brad). She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Constance Christine, her eight grandchildren—Nolan, Rachel, Sarah, Elisha, Aubrey, Sven, Nathan, and Emily—and her great-grandchildren, Ian, Tessa, Sasha, and Kira.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the love she poured into her family and community.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, March 22, at 1:30 PM, at Lincoln Court to celebrate her life and share stories.