Lois Lee Hlusak
Lois was born February 28, 1947, to Richard and Anne Yappel and raised on a farm in West Richfield, Ohio near Cleveland. Here she developed a great appreciation of nature and a love for animals. Her mother enjoyed listening to Opera and Lois grew to love music and began singing lessons at an early age.
After high school Lois attended vocational school to learn keypunching. At her first job Lois met Don, her husband of 49 years. They married in 1966 and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where she continued her voice training with the former director of the Rome Opera and for a couple years performed Arias and Broadway show tunes at an Italian restaurant. Lois was offered the opportunity to perform in concerts and competitions in Europe, but instead decided to begin a family. Her first child Janelle was born about a year later and the family relocated back home to the Cleveland, Ohio area. While raising a family, Lois continued to enjoy opportunities to sing and perform in community theaters. Lois also sang in choruses, has been a church song leader and Cantor and soloist for Church services, weddings and other events. Lois attended Alexander’s Floral Design School and worked part time for many years as a floral designer.
In 1996 Lois and Don moved into PebbleCreek. Lois immediately became involved with stained glass and ceramics, tap dancing and the PebbleCreek Chorus. Lois served on the Social and Entertainment Committee, helped with Mystery Nights, joined PC Church Choir and DJ’d several dances and functions in PebbleCreek. Lois was one of the originators of ShowTime Productions of PebbleCreek. She recommended the name ShowTime for the group and appeared in many musical productions for 15 years. Also since coming to PebbleCreek, Lois performed throughout the valley singing as a member of the Desert Xpress Trio and later with her partner as the Vocal Xpress.
On September 20, 2014, Lois received her fondest gift equaled only by the births of her two children. Her first grandchild, Kingston John Hill, was born. Kingston brought a joy and new purpose to her life. Being able to see and care for Kingston nearly every day made her final year on earth, although tainted by her illness, filled with joy, love, laughter and her captivating smile.
Lois is survived by her husband Don, daughter Janelle Hill, son-in-law Kenya Hill, son Daniel, grandson Kingston Hill, brother Richard Yappel, three dogs and two cats.
Johanna Theodora Schmucker
Johanna Theodora Schmucker 83, of Goodyear, Arizona died November 11, 2015. Johanna was born November 20, 1931 in Brunsom, Holland. She was the youngest child of a large family.
Johanna left Holland for Toronto, Canada where she met her husband of 61 years, Albert Schmucker. She was a loving wife and mother to her four children. She was an excellent cook and specialized in preparing German and Dutch dishes for Albert and other guests to enjoy. Albert especially loved to eat her schnitzel.
Johanna and Albert enjoyed travel. They traveled back to Holland to visit children and grandchildren and to Australia to visit with her daughter and grandchildren living there.
Johanna appreciated music. She loved to sing and dance and learned to play the organ. After moving to PebbleCreek, Johanna taught line dancing.
Johanna is survived by her husband Albert, who lovingly cared for her when she became bedridden; daughters Sissy and Clara; sons Jose and Jan and seven grandchildren. Condolences for the family can be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.