Lois Marie Criss

Lois Marie Criss was born Nov. 9, 1929 to Ray and Ethel (Brothers) Gill in Akron, Ohio. She loved playing in the orchestra in high school and college. In 1948, while attending the University of Akron, she met and married Everett Robert Criss. The couple had three sons, William, Robert and Karl.

The family moved to many states due to Everett’s career. Besides being chief mover, Lois lived life to the fullest. She was a Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout troop leader, Sunday School teacher and a champion of many causes. Her home was always filled with animals they took in.

When the family finally settled in Dublin, Ohio, Lois became a docent at the Columbus Zoo. Her favorite job was staying up at night with the babies. She could spend hours with her beloved okapis. One of the treasures of her life was meeting Jane Goodall. Lois would volunteer at the zoo for over 35 years, and in 2014 was honored as Docent Emeritus.

Lois and Everett were fortunate to have traveled the world. Her favorite stop was in Greece. Their dearest stop was in Belgium, where Everett received the Belgium War Cross for bravery in World War II. Lois appreciated all flora and was an enthusiastic member of the Muirfield Garden Club. She was an avid reader and volunteer at local libraries. While faithfully attending New Hope Church (the church by the Zoo), she enjoyed their Senior Sages.

Lois loved family celebrations. She prepared wonderful meals, gave generously, cared for everyone’s needs (pets included) and always had a good joke to tell. Even in her later years, Lois’ recollection of stories was astonishing to all and she could whip most folks in “Jeopardy!” She never met a stranger and everyone was welcome.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Everett, her brothers William Gill and Ray Gill Jr., and by her son, William Criss. She is survived by sons Robert Criss and Karl Criss; grandchildren Celina, David, Everett, Genevieve, Reinhardt and Jordan, and 6 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Sunday January 12. Service to immediately follow.

Newcomer Funeral Home Northwest Chapel 10051 Brewster Lane, Powell, OH 43065 614-964-0404

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Columbus Zoo Conservation Fund. https://www.columbuszoo.org/columbus-zoo-conservation-fund