Lois Smith

Ilion - Lois J. Smith best known as “Gram” 94 of Ilion, NY passed away peacefully on Monday January 7, 2019 at Folts Brook Center, Herkimer, NY with her loving and devoted family by her side.

She was born September 7, 1924 in Jamestown, NY the daughter of the late Harry and Mildred (Keppel) Lillie. Lois was a graduate of Jamestown High School.

Lois was married to Glenn Smith who preceded her in death.

For over 10 years, Lois, along with her husband, Glenn, owned and operated the Mohican Restaurant, in Mohawk, NY. She also was employed as a nurse's aide at the former Ilion Hospital and later worked as a home healthcare provider. Lois was a Lady Elk and a 55 year member of the former Ilion Moose Lodge and past senior regent treasurer. For 13 years, Lois was on the Tennant's Board Association of London Towers in Ilion.

Lois was the true matriarch of her family and leaves behind shoes that will be impossible to fill.  A woman devoted to her family, she gave 100%. Lois was the happiest when she was with her loved ones. She was a loving mother, a doting grandmother and was always there to listen and give anything she could when someone in the family needed it. She loved cooking for her family. Lois loved people, socializing and spending time with her friends. While living at London Towers, she enjoyed playing cards and bingo with the other residents and prior to that liked playing cards with “the boys”.  Lois was a fierce competitor.  She even enjoyed an “occasional cocktail”

Survivors include a son, Robert E. Horning of Frankfort; a daughter, Linda Tulloch - Puleo of Mohawk; a step-daughter; Sally Smith-Bernal.  Six grandchildren and their spouses; David Parker, Dwayne and Cora Parker, Cathy Zabry, Edward Horning, Robert “Bubba” and Mary Horning and Gideon and Kathryn Tulloch. Several great grandchildren; Catrina and Jason Noffer, Amy Zabry, Kayla and Shawna Parker, Travis, Luke and Gracie Tulloch, and Evan Gideon Horning, better known as “stuntman” . Lois also had great- great grandchildren to include Tiffany, Veronica, Christina and Samantha and many nieces and nephews and a grand dog Rocco all of which will miss her dearly.

She was pre-deceased by her daughter, Carolyn Sommers; a step-son, James “Smitty” Smith; and three brothers, Fred, Edward and Wally Lillie and her first husband, Edward J. Horning.

A celebration of Lois' life will take place on Saturday January 12th  2018 at the Knights of Columbus in Ilion from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Graveside services will take place in the spring, where she will be buried next to her husband Glenn at Mohawk Cemetery. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 East Albany St., Herkimer, NY.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the compassionate care that was provided to Lois by the staff at the Folts Brook Center. They would also especially like to thank Lois’s daughter Linda for the exceptional job she did in caring for her mother until the end. Linda’s devotion allowed Lois to live out the majority of her life as she wished, at home.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.