Obituary - Lois Jantz-Howard
Obituary - Lois Jantz-Howard
by Covill Funeral Home
April 8, 2025
Lois Eleanor was born November 16, 1928, in Hydro, Oklahoma, to Milton Craig and Lola Edith Bradley. This date was not only significant because it marked her birth, but also because it was shared by her father and grandmother, a remarkable coincidence that earned recognition in Ripley’s Believe It or Not for three generations born on the same day. Later, Lois’s nephew Duane was also born November 16, making it a four-generation tradition. Lois was particularly proud to share her birthday with Mickey Mouse, reflected in her extensive collection of Mickey memorabilia.
Lois joined older brother Milton Calvin and later came younger brothers Harold Stanley and Gary Duane. Her mother, Lola, was a schoolteacher, milner and an artist, and her father, Milton, was a barber who helped run his father’s chicken farm. They were largely self-sufficient, thanks to a milk cow, large garden, fruit trees and the family farm. When Lois was 13, the family moved to San Bernardino, California. She was proud to be the lead PomPom girl at her high school and chosen to march in the Rose Parade. Although the dream was never fulfilled, it was one of many memorable times in her life.
After high school, Lois fell for the red-headed rebel Joe Bob Cobb, a smooth-talking schemer in a black leather jacket. They married in 1948, much to her mother’s dismay. Two children, Steven Craig (1949) and Cynthia Lynn (1951) were born. Joe was a dreamer and dreams do little to support a family - the marriage ended in 1957.
Lois was again swept off her feet by a charismatic charmer, Wyoming rancher Ted Newcomb, who brought her to Sublette County where she had to quickly transition from California girl to rancher’s wife. One of her first challenges was hosting a ranch branding. With instructions that the dinner had to be a big production, she prepared a gourmet spread complete with china, crystal, and linens. She soon learned her error when thirty filthy cowboys came to the table! Over time, she tried her best to sustain both the ranch and her marriage, but eventually moved into town when offered a job by Earl Crandall at Wyoming Telephone Company. She worked there over 28 years, starting in accounting and working her way up to management. As a single mother, Lois worked nights and weekends, managing books for both Highland Lumber and the Cowboy Bar while also waiting tables at the Stockman’s. During this time, her beloved son Steven was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident while home after his first year of college. Despite this being the saddest chapter in her life, she remained resilient, and dedicated herself to community projects. She took great pride in being instrumental in the founding of Rendezvous Meadows Golf Course, where she kept the records, finances, and correspondence in order.
Lois was active in both the Boat Club, and Snowmobile Club and never missed out on any fun, alongside daughter, Cynde, and her new son, Ron. Her competitive side came out in both cross-country and snowmobile drag races. Despite the fact she had no idea how to sail, she entered a regatta with granddaughter, Chelle, as 1st mate! She coxened river races down the Green and even "trained" a turtle for races at The Place! She often dressed in a period dress or squaw leathers of her own making in the annual Rendezvous pageant. Perhaps her greatest source of pride were the accomplishments achieved serving as the first woman County Commissioner of Sublette County.
Her involvement extended beyond local recreation and politics. At a professional conference in Denver, where she served as the Executive Secretary for the State Telephone Association, Lois met Myron Jantz, a fellow phone company manager from Dubois, Wyoming. They were married in 1988, but because neither had reached retirement age, they managed a commuter marriage for two years, with Lois traveling over Union Pass alone by snowmobile to be with Myron on weekends. Ron and Cynde would send her off from the cabin and wait for the call that she arrived safely and Myron would do the same in return on Sunday afternoons when she rode back to Pinedale. They eventually made Dubois their home and, after Myron’s retirement, moved to Star Valley Ranch. Together, they spent their years traveling, golfing, visiting family and grandchildren.
Myron passed away in 2013, but before his death, he asked his best friend, Jim Howard, to "take care of" Lois. In 2018, Jim and Lois were married, and he remained committed to her until his passing in 2024.
Lois was a woman of incredible talent and energy. Her sewing, knitting, needlework, cooking, and gardening skills were well-known and won numerous awards. She also enjoyed waterskiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling, and her favorite - golf. Lois consistently won her age division in State Senior tournaments, and at the age of 85, she achieved the rare feat of getting a hole-in- one!
Lois was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was also "Mom" and "Grandma" to numerous children and grandchildren by marriage who reciprocated her love. Those who knew her knew she did nothing halfway. She was a perfectionist and expected as much from those around her. Her grandchildren’s achievements were her greatest sources of pride and their accomplishments stood up to her high and unwavering standards.
She was preceded in death by her son, parents, four husbands, and two brothers. She is survived by her younger brother, Gary Craig, her daughter Cynthia (Ron) Wilson, granddaughter Michelle (Haans) Fisk, great-grandchildren Kaatje Elyse Fisk and Gannett Spencer Fisk, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was one tough little cookie, but her smile and quick wit melted hearts. We will miss her love, wisdom and guidance.
Memorial services are being planned for early to mid-June and an announcement will be made when scheduling is finalized.
|
