Lois L. Schnabel, 84, of Evansville, WI died June 11th at the New Glarus Home with her children and her grandchildren at her side. She had struggled for several years with Alzheimer's disease.

Lois was born in Frederick, SD on August 19,1929 to William W. and Charlotte Mae(Pew)Ashbaugh. She grew up there in a large, close knit family of 12 children and graduated from Frederick High School in 1947. It was at a Frederick High School dance that Lois, her sister Mary and friend Vera met three Schnabel brothers: Ruben, Walter and Leo. The three couples all went on to marry.

Lois and Ruben Schnabel were married in Webster, SD on April 20, 1949 and just recently observed their 65th wedding anniversary. Lois and Ruben lived in many states during the early years of their marriage including Washington, Alaska, Colorado, Montana and South Dakota before settling in Evansville in 1959 following Lois' parents. Lois spent most of her adult life at home lovingly raising her children and later worked at Wisconsin Physician's Service in Madison for 15 years.

Lois was, above all, a warm and loving mother and grandmother to her six children and seven grandchildren. She was an amazing cook and always kept her family and friends very well fed. She loved country music and she and Ruben enjoyed dancing. She was quick to make friends, had a beautiful smile, a hearty laugh, and a special ability to comfort those around her. Those lucky enough to get to know Lois would say she was one of the nicest, genuinely good-hearted people in this world.

Lois is survived by her husband, Ruben of Evansville, her six children and their families:Barbara Schnabel and her son Vincent Priekstas of Ithaca, NY; Donna Kimberley and her husband Richard of Evansville and their children Carly and Ryan; David Schnabel of Evansville; Janet Schnabel and her daughter Jeri of Albany,WI; Robert Schnabel and his wife Lisa of Evansville and their daughter Jena; Penny Schmidt and her husband Ken of Camas, WA and their children Liam and Natalie Fitzgerald and Tyler and Ally Schmidt. Lois also leaves behind two sisters: Genevieve Fellows of Whitewater, WI and Klee(Dave)Randolph of Marshall, WI and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday June 17, 2014 at the Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home Evansville with Reverend Kyung-Sook "Sue" Lee of the United Methodist Church Evansville officiating. Burial following in the Maple Hill Cemetery Evansville.