Lois Mae Fonter

Ava, MO

Lois Mae Fonter, 86 years, passed to heaven on February 18, 2011 at her home in Ava, MO. She was a Christian and believed in God's grace.

Lois was born January 1, 1925 in Argo-Summit, IL to Oscar and Ethyl (Denny) Schmidt.

Lois was a longtime Ava resident. She was one of three children. She grew up and worked in the suburbs of Chicago and there meeting the love of her life, Walter W. Fonter, they married on October 18, 1947 after his return from WWII. To this union three children were born, Paul, Lizbeth and Laurie.

Lois' hobbies included working crossword puzzles, reading, roller skating, horses and many family activities. She developed many lasting friendships from her childhood and here in Ava. These friends, who live coast to coast, have maintained contact with her throughout her life and up to her last days.

As Lois and Wally planned their retirement, they chose this beautiful area of the Ozarks, near Ava to live. They moved here fulltime in 1984 and they loved it here!


Lois was preceded in death by her mother and sister, Mildred, who died in 1931 when she was a child. And her brother, Robert died as a young man in 1950. She is also preceded by her father, (1966), her husband,Walter in May of 2007, a grandson, Austin Brooke in Sept. of 2007, a son, Paul in July of 2008.


Lois is survived by two daughters, Lizbeth Hergenroeder & husband, Ed, Ava, MO, and Laurie Fonter, Sparta, MO, two grandchildren, Lisa Schaefer and Tina Perdue & husband, Troy, a granddaughter-in-law, Leota Brooke, seven great grandchildren, Lindsey, Jacob and Zoe Schaefer, Wyatt and Cassara Perdue and Shawn & Kara Brooke, nieces, nephew, various cousins and friends.

Cremation services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with a Graveside service on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at the Ava Cemetery. Officiating will be Chaplain Van Williams. Memorials may be made to Hospice Compassus, 807 North Main, Ste.1, Mtn. Grove, MO 65711.