Lois C. VanWhy

AUSTIN, Pa.---Lois C. VanWhy, 90, a longtime resident of Austin, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, in Cole Manor, Coudersport.

Born on Sunday, December 11, 1932 in Wharton, she was a daughter of Roy and Martha Bair Logue. She was married to James “Jim” VanWhy, who predeceased her.

Lois was a graduate of Austin Area High School. In her early working years, Lois was employed by Sylvania in Emporium and also worked in various local establishments, including Ginzo’s Game Room in Austin. For many years Lois was employed as a cafeteria lady in Austin. She then was employed at Coudersport Head Start until her retirement.

Lois was a member of the Austin United Methodist Church. She was an extremely active life member of the Austin Volunteer Fire Department where she was a first responder in her early years and in later years was one of their most active social members. She had previously served as President of the Board of Directors of the department. She spent many Saturday nights chairing, working, or playing Bingo. She worked nearly every fundraiser and also loved running the annual yard sale with her good friend, Ruby.

She loved all the members of the fire department and their families too. She was fondly known by the “kids” of the fire department and also the many students she touched the lives of at the school, as “Gramma Lo”. She truly had a way of making each and every one of them feel special. Lois’s greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren, and also loved spending time with her friend, Robin.

Left to cherish her memory are two sons, William “Bill” Wheaton of Spokane, Washington and Darren C. (Carla) VanWhy of Coudersport; four grandchildren, Shelly (Dale) Peters of Emporium, Gabrielle Helberg of Port Allegany, Nicholas (Kina) VanWhy of Houtzdale, and Connor (Kristen) VanWhy of Chattanooga, TN; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Harry Richard (Mary Jane) Logue of Sinnemahoning; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Lois was predeceased by a daughter, Amy; two sisters, Phylis Hudson and Jettie Bickford; and a brother, Jack Logue.

Family and friends may call from 4pm to 6pm on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Austin United Methodist Church, Turner Street, Austin where a memorial service will follow at 6pm with Pastor Todd Lamer, officiating. Private burial will be in Gilmore Cemetery next to her husband, Jim, and her beloved daughter, Amy.

Memorials may be made to Austin Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720.

Lois’ family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Lois, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.