Lois Jean Philippone, a devoted music lover, whose band stopped playing and the dance of life ended at age 89, died on the evening of June 5, with her husband, devoted caretakers, and her Pastor Sharon Youngs of the First Presbyterian Church at her bedside. This was after a long and wonderful life as a teacher, musician, and patron of the arts, world traveler, devoted mother and wife, as well as my best friend for over 64 years.

Lois was born in Casper, Wyo., on March 4, 1924, the daughter of Clayton K. and Jean Reed.

Lois grew up in Wyoming while her parents operated the Oil City Printers in Casper and spent her summers homesteading property around a sheep camp in the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming. Lois and her mother would run the sheep camp through the week while her father, older sister, and brother would visit on weekends. This developed Lois’ adventurous spirit, as they ran sheep and rode horses through the week while living with other sheep herders and rugged outdoorsmen. I used to warn our friends not to mess with Lois because you have to be tough to survive the harsh winters in Wyoming, and Lois was one tough lady. [Read more…]