Lois T. Herr

Carbondale – Lois T. Herr, 88, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at home.



Lois was born November 18, 1927 in Mattituck, New York to Laura (Fanning) and Ralph Tuthill Sr. She was a 1949 graduate of the State University of New York at Cortland where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She taught elementary school in Malvern, New York from 1949-1951. She married William McDaniel Herr on September 1, 1951 in Mattituck, NY.



Lois had broad and varied experience as a librarian. She worked in the Education Library at the University of Illinois, the Agriculture Library at Cornell University, Public Library in Park Forest, IL and worked in the Carbondale Public Library from 1975 – 2000. She served as a volunteer in Public Libraries in Falls Church, VA, Armidale, Australia, and the Sallie Logan Library in Murphysboro.



As an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Carbondale, she became President of the United Methodist Women and Leader of the Morning Circle. Lois was a long term member of a book club and bridge club. She volunteered in the Literacy Connection Program, English as a second language, the reading program at Parrish School, and Head Start in Washington, D.C. She also volunteered in former Senator Simon’s offices in both Washington D.C., and Carbondale, and the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University.



After living in Australia for two years her interest in travel was inspired and she and Bill appreciated traveling together with family and friends. Lois also enjoyed photography and painting, especially barns and covered bridges. Many of her barn photos were published in a book, “Barns of Illinois.”



Lois is survived by her husband; two daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Michael Sparks of Carterville and Marleigh and Bruce Stewart of Carbondale; three granddaughters, Tracy Dusch of Carterville, Lynsey Stewart and husband John Wegman of Chicago and Christine Stewart of Carbondale; one great-grandson, Tyler Jack; one great-granddaughter, Nora Wegman; and brother, Dean Tuthill of Charlestown, MD.



Lois is preceded in death by her son, John McDaniel Herr.



A service in her memory will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2016, at First United Methodist Church of Carbondale with Rev. Alan Rhein officiating. A fellowship time with the family will be from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. and again immediately following the service on Friday in the church atrium.



Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Carbondale, the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University, or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the church.