Lois Porath died peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 24, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Lois was born Feb. 4, 1935, in rural Alta, Iowa, to Anton and Viola Carlson. She was the youngest of four children including Daryl (Red) Carlson, Duane Carlson and Dale Carlson.
She graduated from Alta High School in 1953 where she was involved in school choir, musicals and flags.
Lois was united in marriage to Dean Porath on Feb. 21, 1954. They were blessed with three children: Toni Ovalle of San Antonio, Texas; Curtis Porath of Cle Elum, Washington; and Jolene Goodman of Johnston, Iowa.
Lois and Dean resided in Ames, Iowa, for several decades. They also spent summers at Lake Panorama until retirement, when they lived at the lake year round. They moved frequently during their retirement years, enjoying homes in Arizona, Texas, Nebraska and Iowa.
She had five grandchildren: Travis (Kelly) Sampson of San Angelo, Texas; Jessica (Joseph) Boyd of San Antonio, Texas; Sara Goodman of Des Moines, Iowa; Samantha Goodman of Johnston, Iowa; and Abigail Goodman of Johnston, Iowa. She also had nine great-grandchildren: Cade Sampson, Reid Sampson, Clark Sampson, Alexis Andrews, Camrie Sampson, Taranique Sampson, A.J. Boyd, Joseph Boyd, Jr., and Anastasia Boyd; and four great-great grandchildren.
Lois enjoyed playing various games and cards with friends and family, loved her sports, especially cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones, and working in her gardens.
Lake Panorama was a place of peace and tranquility for Lois where she and Dean would entertain friends and family, take frequent boat rides, golf on the par-3 course, grill on the deck and enjoy the scenic sunsets.
In recent years, Lois resided at Glenstone Village in Grimes, Iowa, where she made many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband and her daughter Toni.
A celebration of life will be held Monday, Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel. You may view the service live or anytime after the service by going here: https://player.vimeo.com/video/483682908
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Lois’ name to Friends of Lake Panorama, P.O. Box 488, Panora, IA 50216.
