Lois Elaine Bode, nee Schaefer, age 87, of O'Fallon, born November 15, 1923 in O'Fallon, passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011.

Lois was born in the historic landmark home of Elizabeth Penn Scott, now Wolfersberger Funeral Home. She grew up in the home, and lived there with her husband until the mid-1940s. Continuing to hold dear the memory of her early home, she proudly attended the O'Fallon Historical Society's landmark designation ceremony in 2006, and easily recounted her childhood memories. She was a lifelong resident of O'Fallon, where she raised her four children and supported her husband's community endeavors over the years. She was a founding member of the O'Fallon Historical Society and was dedicated to historical preservation. Her professional career began in 1943 when she worked as an assistant clerk-stenographer in Washington, D.C. Later she transferred to Scott AFB, where she held various positions, finally being promoted to writer-editor of the Command Post, where she worked until her retirement in 1985. She took a break from her civil service career and worked at the O'Fallon Progress 1961 – 1966 as a proofreader. While working for the federal government, she received numerous awards for writing and as editor of the Command Post. She enjoyed travelling and was a voracious reader. Lois loved caring for all animals, especially her pet cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Schaefer and Della, nee Pearson, Schaefer; her husband, Howard Bode, whom she married July 25, 1942 in O'Fallon, and who passed away February 12, 2002; and her brother Roy D. Schaefer.

Surviving are her children, Howard (Judith) Bode, Jr., of Seattle, Wash., Carol Bode, of O'Fallon, Diane (Kenneth) Neukam of Swansea, and Kent C. Bode of O'Fallon; her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, Sara (Stephen) Shirk, Jack Dinges, Jr., Ann Marie Dinges, Howard (Kathy) Bode, III, Todd (Heather) Bode, Roy (Julie) Bode, and Laurel (Gary Britton) Bode; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Lois truly loved being with her 14 great-grandchildren, who called her "GG", and found her to be very inspirational.

The family requests memorial donations in honor of Mrs. Bode be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to O'Fallon Historical Society.

Visitation: Friends may call from 9:00 – 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St, O'Fallon, Ill.

Funeral: 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at the funeral home with Rev. Ron Dickinson officiating. Burial will follow at O'Fallon City Cemetery.