Obituary: Lois Dearing

Lois Dearing, of Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, September 23. In keeping with her wishes, her family is submitting a tribute to her.

Lois began her earthly life on November 13, 1922, in San Angelo, Texas and entered her Eternal one on September 23, 2014, in Oak Ridge.

Our Mom’s journey was enhanced when she married the love of her life, Frederick Earl Dearing Jr. Together, they made many memories that they could pass along to the family.

When asked, “What was your mother like?”: She was an amazing person. Our mother survived the Great Depression and what it brought to her family. She saw her husband, brother, and father go overseas during World War II and the subsequent news that her brother was killed and her husband taken as a POW. When Fred, her husband, was liberated by General Patton, she told us that the circle was once again complete.

Our Mom told us that adjusting to being a complete family was a huge learning experience after our father returned from the war. Being the trooper she was, she persevered. Perseverance came naturally to her. So many times she beat the odds. Her medical team and care givers always marveled at her “fighting spirit.” She was teased about having nine lives. Our Mom just took it all in stride and went on with life graciously.

She took Jesus as her Savior at the age of seven and built her foundation on His teachings. Her life was God, family, and her church. She loved to talk with people, no matter how badly she felt. Often she would listen to them, cry with them, and pray with them. I have been told she was a marvelous inspiration and a friend to many. She was the embodiment of a true friend, mentor, and a mother.

Lois was preceded in death by her brother, Lloyd Whitley; J.D. Whitley, her father; Wilberta Whitely, her mother; Frederick Dearing, her husband; and daughter, Elaine Dearing.

Those who are left to celebrate her life, are, Dr. Reverend Frederick and Libby Dearing, son and daughter-in-law; Anita Dearing, daughter; Ryan Butturini, grandson and his wife Ashley Butturini, and their children, James and Skylar; and Nathan Butturini, grandson and future wife, Sydney Nelson. Lois has an extended family that brought much joy to her. They are David Reeves, Nhut Reeves, and their daughters, Leigh Florio, her husband Jim and their four children, Maria, Anna, Christopher, and Eva; Alicia Haskell, her husband Craig, their two sons, Jackson and Spencer, and Elena Spencer and her husband Tom, and their two children, Drew and Avery.

A Celebration of Her Life was held Saturday, October 25, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. The Reverend Troy Forrester officiated and was assisted by Reverend Fred Dearing, her son, with the serving of Holy Communion, as was her wish. In lieu of flowers and if you wish to do so, please give to the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Emeritus ALF, Avalon Hospice, and all of those who sent cards and came by to visit. It helped our mother as her health began to decline and she no longer was able to get out. Those who knew her know how she loved to talk, laugh, and give hugs. She told me, “I will be waiting to give those hugs when I greet each of you.”

As the last tribute to our mother, here is a poem written by Ashley Butturini, her granddaughter:

“Mimi, through all the years, through endless laughter and even tears, through dreams and through fears, she was our rock, stable and firm. She was a teacher who helped and loved and never judged, she had endless love. She always said, “Can I help you?” Her heart was pure, her soul was beautiful. Her heart, she gave freely, never had to earn. Her love was strong. It has endured for so long. Her life sings a song; you have a place to belong. Whether giving chili, spinach, cheese, and rice casserole, her act of kindness through the fabrics of our lives, weaved a valuable, irreplaceable, strengthening thread.”

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.