Lois Dorothy Tams

Funeral services for Lois D. Tams will be conducted on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stamford, Nebraska with the Reverend Thalia Woodworth, officiating.  Interment will be in the Stamford Cemetery, following the services.

Lois Dorothy (Schmalken) Tams, 97 years of age, of Stamford, passed away on October 31, 2018 at the Beaver City Manor in Beaver City, Nebraska.  She was born on September 16, 1921 in Harlan County, the youngest of two children born to John Oliver and Esther Rolena (Russell) Schmalken.  Her mother died when Lois was 9 years old, and was then raised by her grandparents.  She received her education from Stamford Public School, and graduated from Stamford High School with the class of 1940.

On October 14, 1945, she was united in marriage to Dale Tams, and to this union three children were born:  Ronald, Rolena and Victoria.  The family made their home on the family farm north of Stamford.

Lois was baptized and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church, where she sang in the church choir for 50 years; taught Sunday school for 45 years; and was a member of the WELCA.  Lois and Dale were sponsors of the Luther League for 20 years.  During that time, they hosted many parties and activities on the farm for the youth of the community.

Lois was also a member of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce; Orleans Lions Club; the Harlan County Historical Society; and the Wheels of Fun Camper Club.  Lois and Dale also co-owned the Stamford Market from 1970-1975.

In Lois' free time she wrote two books:  "History of the Stamford, Nebraska Community" and "History of Trinity Lutheran Church, Stamford, Nebraska 1888-1988."  Her hobbies were drawing, singing, playing the piano, and sewing.  She made over 100 banners for the church.

Lois leaves to celebrate her life, her two daughters:  Rolena T. Novak and her husband, Lou of Oxford; and Vicki R. Gammage and her husband, Ron, of Stamford; one granddaughter, Hope Garman of Laurens, Iowa; two great-grandchildren:  Devon and Trinity Garman of Laurens; one half-brother, Gary Schmalken of Lincoln, Nebraska; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides her husband, Dale on September 29, 2002; Lois was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Eugene; her sister, Wilma Tams; half-sister, Delores Nelson; brothers-in-law:  Leo and Glen Tams; and Warren Nelson; sisters-in-law:  Helen Tams and Carolyn Schmalken.

Mrs. Tams will lie in state at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stamford on Sunday, November 4, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

A memorial has been established in Lois' honor, and kindly suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stamford.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com .

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.