Lois Mary Hieber

Lois Mary Luckhardt Hieber - 94 - passed away peacefully in her sleep of natural causes on June 16, 2023, in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Lois lived most of her adult life in Freedom Township,

Michigan. She later retired to Lakeland, Florida, with many summers in Petrolia, Ontario, Canada, and then later to Pinehurst, NC.

Lois was born December 18, 1928, in Saline, Michigan to Ernest and Lula (Klein) Luckhardt. She graduated from Saline High School. Lois married Elton (Tony) Hieber. They were blessed with three children, Marcia, Donald, and Sheryl. Lois later married her second husband, Jack Kerby. Lois found community and purpose by serving as an active member at Bethel Church in Manchester, Michigan. She was also involved with and found great joy in 4-H, alongside her daughters, for many years. It may well be said that Lois was best defined by her love for, and indeed passion for, flowers, gardening, and everything green. Her gardens in Manchester, Petrolia, and Lakeland were often admired by the communities. On many Sundays, the fresh bouquets of her gardens in Manchester graced the altar of Bethel Church. She also received numerous community awards for ‘Best Of” in gardening in Petrolia, Ontario. Her love for the earth was clearly passed along to both her children and her grandchildren. Another artistic and creative expression that so defined Lois’ life was that of crafts of every kind. Her walls and grounds were decorated by this outlet of her creativity - oftentimes leaving little space for her future projects. Lois always kept her hands and mind busy and productive.

Survivors include her children - Marcia Kuzniar (Ron) of Pinehurst NC, Don Hieber (Nancy) of Manchester MI; Sheryl Pratt of Highlands Ranch, CO; step-daughter Brenda DeJong (John) of Vancouver, Canada; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild and several nieces-and-nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Tony Hieber, and her second husband, Jack Kerby. Her six brothers, their wives, and a stepdaughter, Wendy Kerby.

Lois will be dearly missed – may her light shine on, forevermore.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on September 1, 2023, at Bethel United Church of Christ in Manchester, MI, with a luncheon to follow.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to Bethel United Church of Christ at bethelonthe2hill.org/ 

The family also wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to Fox Hollow and FirstHealth Hospice for the comfort and care of their mother.