Lois 'Lovie' Jean Stender, 93

Lois “Lovie” Jean Stender passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side August 22, 2026, at the age of 93.

Lois was born on March 23, 1933, in Clark Fork, Idaho, to Iver and Ethel (Creed) Anderson. The youngest of eight children, she grew up in Clark Fork, graduated from Clark Fork High School, played basketball, and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

As a teenager, Lois worked at the newly opened Hurschell’s Lighthouse Restaurant in Hope, Idaho. In 1952, she married Stan Stender and together they raised their four children in Clark Fork.

Lois devoted much of her life to her family and community. She led Girl Scout troops, was a 4-H leader, supported Stan’s baseball team “The Outlaws,” and rarely missed a school sporting event or fundraising activity. Once their children were in high school, she took a variety of local jobs, but her favorite was working at the Lighthouse Restaurant as a dessert chef making delicious baked goods, jams and breads. As the Lighthouse dressing business grew, she traveled throughout Utah and Idaho to demo their products in retail stores

Lois and Stan later lived in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, before settling in Clarkston, Washington, in the late 1980s to be closer to family. She worked at Lewis-Clark State College in the food service department until retirement, then returned to Lighthouse as a retail merchandiser, traveling throughout Idaho and Washington.

Lois loved staying busy and trying new things. She enjoyed camping, traveling, concerts, dancing, local sports, arts and crafts, lunch with friends and collecting recipes she cheerfully admitted she might never make.

Lovingly known as “Kisses Grandma,” Lois was happiest surrounded by family and showering her little ones with hugs, kisses, and unconditional love. Her smile, twinkling blue eyes, welcoming spirit, delicious baked goods, and love of Mickey Mouse will always be remembered.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Stan, as well as her parents and siblings.

She is survived by her children, Roxie (Bob) Lowther of Sandpoint, Idaho, Pamela (Pat) Corcoran of Missoula, Montana, Susie (Grant) Quarve of Priest River, Idaho, and Scott Stender of Clarkston, Washington; her grandchildren, Rebecca (Scott) Morrow, Marcus (Karley) Lowther, Chase Lowther, Stephen Flink, Chelsey (Phil) Pappas and Evan Flink; her great-grandchildren, Priscilla, Ryker, Remi, Sawyer, Clayton, Ford, and Myles; sister-in-law, Veneita Stender; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lois will be deeply missed by her family and friends, but the love, laughter, and kindness she shared will live on through all who knew her.

At Lois’s request, a private family gathering will be held.