Lois Luzena Bright
October 26, 2013
Lois Bright, age 102, of The Lodge on Ashworth in West Des Moines, IA, died October 26, 2013 at Wesley Acres in Des Moines.
Lois was born January 1, 1911 on a farm in the “Big Springs” area near Clio, IA - one of three children born to Edgar Otis Rynor and Cora Estella Riddle. Her older brother was Claire William and her younger sister was Vallie Lucy. Lois attended one-room country schools in Wayne County followed by graduation from Lineville, IA High School in 1929. After moving to Des Moines, she was employed for 12 years at the Rollins Hosiery Mill. On September 28, 1930, Lois married Homer Dale Bright at her parent’s farm home near Lineville.
Lois was active in women’s programs at Grant Park Christian Church from 1936 until its recent closure at which time she joined Wakonda Christian Church. She served quietly and faithfully in many capacities, volunteering at Ramsey Home and for over 50 years and was a member of East Gate Chapter Eastern Star where she was named Worthy Matron in 1949. She enjoyed flower arranging, sewing, playing bridge and golf, traveling and time with her large extended family.
Family and friends knew Lois to be compassionate, caring and generous. A shining example is the Bright Foundation founded by Lois and Dale in 1957 that has provided support for a wide variety of causes in serving young people.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, sister and one nephew, Max Rynor of Woodstock, GA. Left to cherish her memory are her nieces, Beverly Apel of West Des Moines, Connie Gould of St. Charles, IA, Carren (Gordon) Sturm of Ankeny, IA, Jean (Gerald) Beemer of Lenox, IA, Judy (William) Fleming of Mayflower, AR, Rose Ann (Stanley) Hearn of Hot Springs, CA, Barbara (David) Fell of Jackson, MN, and Margie Rynor (wife of Max); nephews, Larry Rynor of Royse City, TX, Ronald (Joyce) Miller of Orange, CA, William (Nancy) Leach of Johnston, IA, James (Linda) Leach of St. Charles, IA, and Kerry (Deb) Leach of Ankeny, IA. Lois is also survived by over 50 great-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, November 1 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA (www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com). Services celebrating Lois’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 2 at the same location, with interment to follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial donation to the Bright Foundation Scholarship Fund; c/o D. M. Kelly, 3900 Ingersoll Ave, Suite 300, Des Moines, IA 50312. Online condolences may be expressed to Lois’s family through the Hamilton’s website listed above.
Laurie Ehrich, Wayne County Hospital
11/04/2013
We are a small rural hospital located close to the Bright's hometown. Mrs. Bright listened to our need for funding to improve our outdated 1955 built patient care wing. It was through her generosity and vision that we were able to build a beautiful, new patient care wing which opened in 2009. At the age of 98 Mrs. Bright came to the open house and walked through the entire facility. We were so honored to have her come to the dedication ceremony. We will forever be indebted to her for her kindness and generosity. Truly a remarkable woman. From all of us at Wayne County Hospital and this community, thank you for caring.
William Frye
11/04/2013
I want to say again how much I have appreciated the friendship both Lois and Dale had with our family, the help they gave us, and the fun we had, even in those depression days. I see clearly in my minds eye the croquet games in the back yard, the taffy pulls, the card games, the Eastern Star activities, and the every day activities at those houses on Capital Avenue in the 1930s.
Mary and I always remembered the scene at our Wedding Reception at her parents house. It was crowded, and Lois and Dale were standing in the corner of the Dining Room. He was so tall, he had to stand bent over so his head would not hit the area where the stairway to the upstairs angled up. We were cutting the cake, and Lois and Dale were watching. He had a big grin on his face, and he was making that little that chuckle he had. The image is clear. Love, Bill Frye
Peggy Leonardo
11/01/2013
Lois' dedication to improving the lives of young people was an inspiration to me over the years. I worked with programs she supported through the Des Moines Art Center and saw first-hand the difference she made in the lives of these students. There must be a bright star in the heavens for the Bright family and their good works.
The Walling Family
11/01/2013
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Gandhi---
Mr. and Mrs. Bright were the "CHANGE" in so many lives and communities! The Bright Family will be missed!
Be welcomed into the loving arms of your family and friends in heaven!
Family of Lila Cibolski
11/01/2013
Lois was an amazing lady and a wonderful friend & neighbor to our mother, Lila Cibolski. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Terry & Vicki Conder
Nick & Diane Cibolski
Ron & Jo Cibolski
Sharon Kaye (Lewis) Omvig
10/31/2013
I grew up on the East Side of Des Moines in the 50s and 60s. Grant Park Christian Church was my home church. I felt at home there, was baptized there and loved the people there. Dale and Lois were certainly part of that group of people. My husband and I lived in other cities and towns for the past 35 years before returning to Des Moines to retire. The first Sunday we visited back at the Church, I was so happy to see the sweet smile of Lois Bright. I wouldn't say that I was close to Lois but on the other hand, I just loved her--she was a shining example for all of us to live by. It grieves me to know that she no longer walks in our midst, but I do know all the angels of Heaven are singing.
Dan Ivis
10/31/2013
Lois, your support of DMACC and all institutions of higher learning, has made a huge difference in so many young person's lives. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Myrna Dixon
10/31/2013
I knew Lois only 2 years since I moved into the Lodge but she was certainly one of my favorite people. She would flash that impish smile and crack a joke every time I saw her. I have problems getting around and we used to laugh about who was going to help the other stand up. I know of no one else who would be missed as much as she is.
Lee Klein
10/31/2013
Lois was a very loving, giving friend to so many. We thought so much of her here at The Lodge of Ashworth and certainly miss her smile and cute remarks. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.
Shirley Patterson
10/30/2013
In the ten plus years that I knew Lois I fell in love with her sense of humor, compassion and shining light. She lived and loved the way we all should. I will miss you Lois.