Lois (Ashburn) Carmichael

Lois Marie (Ashburn) Carmichael passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on Monday, August 26, 2019 at the age of 81. Lois was born October 1, 1937 to devoted parents Velva (Elston) and Monroe Ashburn in Lamoni, IA.

She graduated from Lamoni High School in 1956, then set out to find a career as an independent working woman. Lois had a heart for connecting with others and easily fell into the communications industry where she spent 60 years in various roles touching and uplifting everyone around her.

Lois was kind and welcoming to every person she encountered and never met a stranger. She had a passion for family values and always had an open home for friends and family. Her iconic fudge, peanut brittle and margaritas were always the hit of the party (and so was she) - always keeping those around her laughing.

Lois was always up for an adventure. She was an avid billiards player for numerous years and collected many tournament and championship trophies. She would never shy away from a chance to sing karaoke and you could count on her bright green hair each St. Patrick’s Day. Lois enjoyed the thrill of bungee jumping well into her sixties.

She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, sassy wit and joyful spirit. Survivors include: daughter Karla (Don) Coe, son Jerry Ashburn, step-son Jack Carmichael; brothers Bert (Kathy) Ashburn and Richard Ashburn; sisters Wilma Derick and Melba (Dwayne) Smith; sister-in-law Vicki Ashburn and brother-in-law Chick (Pat) Carmichael; grandchildren Felicia, Valerie, Brian, Ryan, Kelsey, Dylan and Gunner; 10 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Preceding Lois in death besides her parents were: sons Oscar Gile Jr and Keith Testerman; husbands Oscar Gile Sr and Don Carmichael; brothers Leonard Ashburn and James Ashburn; infant sister Ellen Ashburn and brother-in-law Elbert Derick Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. The family will receive visitors Friday evening at the funeral home from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you hug, call or take a walk with a loved one – time waits for no one.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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