Obituary

Lois Ilene Eaton, 86, was born December 26, 1925 in St. Louis, MO to John and Jean Ridgeway. She moved many times throughout her life graduating from Chula Vista High School and then moving to Las Vegas, Nevada where she met her husband, Max Milan Eaton who was serving in the U.S. Army. While in Las Vegas, she enjoyed dancing and live performances by many of the big bands.

On December 29, 1944 Max and Lois married and eventually moved to Michigan to start a family. On August 17, 1952, they welcomed their first daughter, Denise Jean, and on October 1, 1953, they welcomed their second daughter, Janet Ilene. Shortly after Janet’s birth, they moved to Pomona, California where Lisa Louise was born on July 22, 1958. Lois dedicated her life to her children and served as a board member of the PTA and a leader for the Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Girls throughout their formative years. She spent countless hours playing board games, planning family outings, and serving as taxi driver to various children’s activities.

In 1966 the family relocated to Tustin, California and purchased their dream house. Mom spent many happy hours sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren, quilting, working in her beautiful gardens, and reading. She loved to collect things including stamps, coins, and dolls. She had an extensive collection of antique dolls and especially loved Barbie dolls.

Lois enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, Acacia Dawn Carras, Laura Ilene Kirchner, Arthur Crews Wells III, Krist Anton Biakanja IV, Bryson Chase Wells, Kevin William Biakanja, and her great-grandson, Zane Michael Carras. Her sister, Louise Brinkmeyer, lives in Louisiana. She is predecreased in death by her granddaughter, Kristy Louise Kirchner, and her husband, Max Milan Eaton.

She fulfilled her lifelong dream of living at the beach when she moved to San Clemente in the early 90s. While living there, she attended Bible Study groups and enjoyed long walks along the beach. Her health declined and she moved to Costa Mesa in 2007 to be closer to family. She spent the last 6 months living in Huntington Beach where she enjoyed listening to Braille books on tape and listening to her beloved Frank Sinatra music.

There are no words to express how much she will be missed by her family and friends. She was a great source of strength and support for all who knew her. Our only consolation is that she is free of a body that no longer served her.

The entire family of Lois wishes to thank all of you who have shown love, kindness, and concern for our mother and grandmother. Your sympathy and devotion is greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in her honor to Braille Institute of America, Inc., Office of Development & Planned Giving, 741 North Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90029.