Anna Lois Urbank

NORTHAMPTON -- Anna Lois Urbank, "Lois" to all who knew her, was born on March 30, 1927 in Akron, Ohio, lived a rich and full 85½ years, and passed away on September 17, 2012 while talking to her daughter on a beautiful day en route to an appointment. She was a kind, gentle, true, graceful, spiritually strong presence to all the lives she touched. As a student and professional, she won South High School's Chrysler Womanhood Award, was 1948 class president at St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing, and was a labor and delivery nurse. Lois, lovely in a blue satin gown, met her handsome and debonair husband Don at the Mistletoe Ball, and then was swept away from South Akron to the wilderness of Northampton Township where they lived on five acres with their five daughters, a herd of Scottish Highland cows, Norwich terriers and Jasper the dinosaur. Don and Lois's home was a frequent and welcoming place for visitors, picnic gatherings and hayrides.

Lois was the sweetest, most loyal, patient and sincere person who always had time for all people and was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. She was very involved in her children's school and was a PTA president. Lois played poker with the "Old Nurses" monthly for 45 years with her former classmates. Lois loved tennis, starting to play at age 50, was a league player, and played until she was 75 years old. She was an exceptional cook, rhubarb (or any) pie, peanut brittle, chocolate peanut clusters, strawberry jam, bread and butter pickles, cake decorator and homemade bread maker who added love to everything she prepared. Lois was a talented gardener who had a "Green Thumb" and she also upholstered furniture. Her positive and energetic attitude about life was conveyed in her motto "If you can see and walk in it, it's a good day."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Martha Payne; brother, G. Alton Payne; and son-in-law, Bob Bingham. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Donald E. Urbank; daughters, Ann (Pete) Tomasek, Mary (Jim) Woods, Martha Bingham, Donna (Peter) Schimmoeller, and Dorothy (Norman) Schertenleib; granddaughters, to whom she was "Granny", Alex, Emma, Kara, Hailey and Kate; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy (David, deceased) Porter of Orange City, Fla., "bosom friend", Pat Justice and faithful dog, Blue.

Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Eckman, Dr. Roger Chaffee and Dr. Richard Rasper who provided Lois expert and loving care. Many thanks too, to neighbors Kathy and Jerry Leek for their love and friendship.

Per Lois's wish, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Open M Free Health Clinic, c/o Sandy Trado OPEN M, 941 Princeton Street, Akron, Ohio 44311; (330) 434-0110; http://www.openm.org/support-open-m . Family and Friends may call on Friday, September 21st from 4 to 7 p.m. at Billow FALLS Chapel, 1907 23rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls 44223. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. this Saturday at Steels Corners Christian Church where Lois was a lifelong member, 3996 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls 44223 followed by inurnment at Northampton Cemetery.

(Billow FALLS Chapel)