Lois Ann (Motz) Fenker, age 67, of Lacey, Washington, formerly of Seattle, died unexpectedly February 10, 2016. She was born June 22, 1948, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Merle "Bud" and Joan (Leeper) Motz, the third of five daughters. She was a librarian, devoted to improving systems and services in public libraries, and defending the right to read for all. She retired from the Seattle Public Library in 2009, having served as Assistant Director during the building of the renowned downtown library.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, John A. Fenker; her mother, Joan (Leeper) Motz; and her sisters, Janet Motz of Lone Tree, Colorado; Myrna Kennedy of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Eulee Motz of Glendale, Wisconsin; and Beverly Fett of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was predeceased by her father Merle Motz. She had no children.

Lois grew up along the Colorado River on a peach ranch on Orchard Mesa, attending Central High School in Grand Junction. She earned her BA from the Univ. of Colorado at Boulder, and her MLS from the Univ. of Denver. She began her library career at the Longview, Washington, Public Library in 1971, where she fell in love with her husband John and the Pacific Northwest. She stayed with both of them the rest of her life, working in public libraries in Vancouver, Washington; Corvallis, Oregon; and Seattle.

Lois was quick-witted, intelligent, and a kind and loving wife, daughter, sister, and aunt. She was a loyal and caring friend. She enjoyed reading, traveling along the Oregon Coast, and was a serious walker, especially around Green Lake and up and down the hills of downtown Seattle. She and John adored the cats in their life: KiChi in Vancouver and Corvallis, Ashley in Corvallis and Seattle, and her black twins Bix and Daphne in Seattle.

Her husband and a few close friends witnessed her cremation on February 18 at Funeral Alternatives in Lacey, Washington, and gathered afterwards for a memorial reception at the welcoming home of generous local friends.

A bench in her memory is planned for the public library in Corvallis. Donations towards this may be sent to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Foundation, 645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis, OR 97330, In Memory of Lois Fenker.

Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.FuneralAlternatives.org

Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington, Lacey. 360-491-2222.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Mar. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Lois Fenker

Sponsored by anonymous.

6 Entries

Eulee Motz

March 18, 2016

My sister, Lois, was the third of five daughters, and I was the fourth. With five siblings, there were a fair number of fights and lots of good-natured (and sometimes not-so-good-natured) teasing and pranks. However, I can't remember a single time when Lois was mean spirited. She was a kinder, gentler soul from the beginning. She always loved to read and, not surprisingly, fell in love with a man who shared that passion. Lois and John sent books to my daughter for each Christmas and birthday, and most of her favorite books came from them. Lois was also an excellent source of recommendations for me. I am not sure how I will ever again know what books to read. I will always miss her, but I will also always celebrate her life. She was a wonderful person.

A. M.

March 15, 2016

My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)

DAB

March 10, 2016

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for those ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.

Petey Fleischmann (Larson)

March 7, 2016

John,

I didn't know Lois, but she she sounds absolutely lovely. I wish I had met her.

She sounds like a reflection of what I recall you being. The few times we worked together you went out of your way to be so helpful. I recall thinking that I hoped you stayed on at BPA.

John, I'm so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. I'll keep you and Lois in my prayers.

God Bless You and your family.

Love,

Janey Eoff

March 6, 2016

My thoughts are with the family at this sad time . As a good friend of one of Lois' younger sister Eulee , I spent a lot of time at their house . My favorite memory is watching her slowly walking towards the barn ,to do some chore , with her nose in a book . While we would be swimming , riding horses or just roaming the farm , Lois would be found reading . How appropriate to have her honored with a library bench .

Megan and Jim Taylor

March 5, 2016

We do love Lois, an amazing and generous friend, cheery and smart conversationalist and walking and night out companion, rallying for good political practices and candidates and gun control. Noticing bird song and turtles and flowering plants on walks. Brilliant , ethical and calm problem solver with that heart big as all outdoors, fretting and caring for friends and neighbors and pets and offspring. We loved and shall miss Scrabble nights, meeting for walks and drinks , being able to call at any time, and the comfort and fun of being with Lois and John, a fun, kind, aware and smart pair. Our love and bright memories of shared times with Lois and John are a joy and comfort now.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results