Lois Ann Keifer, 92, of Mount Vernon, passed away at Country Court Nursing Home on March 27, 2025, after a brief illness.
She was born on February 9, 1933, in Johnsville, Ohio, to Archie Talbott and Lucille Rinehart. Lois grew up on Archie and Lucille’s rural Knox County farm, the youngest of 12 children.
On December 29, 1956, Lois married Russell Lowell Keifer. Together they raised a family in Knox County and remained married for 67 years.
Lois studied tap dancing, becoming a dance instructor for the Jimmy Rawlins Dance Studios throughout the 1950s and 60s. She managed a branch dance studio for Mr. Rawlins in Lancaster, Ohio. In the very early days of television, Lois made several appearances on The Rawlins Dance Show that aired Sunday afternoons on WLWC in Columbus, Ohio.
Truly a Renaissance Woman, Lois caned chairs, created hooked rugs, restored antique furniture and was a master China painting artist. She was renowned for her remarkable Tea Rose China tea sets and broaches. Lois also did extensive research on the Talbott, Rinehart and Keifer genealogy. She helped her husband publish a book that encompasses the history of the Keifer genealogy. The book resides in the Library of Congress and the Mormon Church Genealogy Archives.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, in 2024. After Russell’s retirement from North American-Rockwell Aviation in Columbus, Ohio, the couple traveled extensively and often on camping trips, touring scores of state and national parks across the continental United States. They were members of the Berlin Methodist Church.
She is survived by son Eric Keifer, stepson Russell (Marsha) Keifer Jr., step-grandson Barry Keifer, and beloved cats Pepper and Nellie.
To honor her wishes, there will be no funeral service. The Snyder Funeral Home, Lasater Chapel of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Lois Ann Keifer.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home, Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com