Terrie Dietrich
I first met Lois in 1974 when my son, Greg Dietrich, was fortunate enough to start his learning journey in Lois's classroom. Lois was an amazing teacher who would become a wonderful friend.
We shared so many memorable times to together...I remember being so struck by the family vacation the Shouse's took in 1976 to commemorate our nation's 200th anniversary. Their travels covered all the historic spots in the East. and beyond and we loved hearing about those adventures.
Our families did travel together...Mothers with their children and we had some great adventures of our own. I remember a trip to the Russian River, Dorene Campanile (Lois's classroom aide and friend to all) and her
daughter Connie, Lois and David, and myself with my son Greg and daughter Erin. We stayed in a cabin which was owned by another Kindergarten teacher from the SSF School District. Our first evening as we all bedded down, there came a loud voice screaming, "the blood is gushing!". We sat up in fright only to see it was David who was dreaming and I don't believe the dream awakened him. It did the rest of the house!
Lois was competitive, loved to play and liked to win. Who doesn't? We had rented a canoe and planned a canoe race on the Russian River. She approached me and asked if I had ever canoed before. I told her, "yes, I had" and she said, good we'll be a team. What I failed to mention was, Yes, i had canoed but I didn't know how to canoe. The race began, we were off...but didn't do too well. We went down the River in circles rather than a straight line. She was not happy with me and, by the way, we did not win. We did laugh about it after and it was a trip I will never forget.
So many memorable moments with Lois & Bob and family. Even when we relocated to the East Coast we remained in touch and would visit when we were nearby. She was a truly special person with a very special family and she will be missed by all.
Thank you Lois for all you did...you're stellar teaching, wonderful Christmas poems, your quick wit, your devotion to family and friends and for all the memories of the times we were fortunate enough to spend with you. You're greatly missed dear friend.
We Love you,
Terrie & Joel Dietrich
