Lois Ann (Hinz) Oehlkers, 88 of Rogers Avenue, Barrington, spent her last hours on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at home surrounded by her husband, son and daughters, passing away in deep sleep while listening to the hymns from an All Saints Day service.

She remains dearly missed: the beloved wife of William J. Oehlkers, sister of Ellen (Robert) of Virginia; Mom of Ruth (Peter) Kirlew of Attelboro, MA ; Peter (Lisa) Oehlkers of Needham, MA; and Elizabeth (the late Franz) Wright of Hanover, ME; Nana of Ben (Agatha), Anna, Lily and Bex; Great-Nana of Caleb and Dorothy, Aunt to Jacci, Dennis (Bobbi), David (Tony) and Sarah (Derrick), Great-Aunt to Ellie, Hugo, Rachel, Cassie and Daniel, Great-Great Aunt to Taylor, Carson, Isabel, Jaydin, Jordin, Alanna and Mikah, and friend to daily helpers Emily, Debbie and Ivonne. Preceding her in death were her brother-in law Robert and his wife Meredith Oehlkers.

Born in Merrill, Wisconsin, Lois was the daughter of the late Elmer Hinz and Arvina (Voight) Hinz. Her early life was spent in a three-generation farmhouse where music, teaching and Lutheran ministry were equally prized and instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for family life, a calling to nurture all living things, and a genius for seeing and inspiring the best in others. That and an enduring love of thunderstorms and a gently mischievous humor.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 from Concordia Teachers College where she met her husband Bill, together raising their three children, Lois continued her education by obtaining a master’s degree in education from Rhode Island College. A passionate educator, Lois worked for more than two decades as reading teacher in the Scituate School System. During reading time “with Mrs. O” story dictation, book creation and creative persistence inspired generations of children who came to her with reading difficulties. She worked continuously to make her pupils feel valued. Her classroom, a haven for the struggles and joys of reading, was known for its extravagant puppet and stuffed animal collection.

Lois thrived on fostering connections. Grounded in her faith, she was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Providence, serving variously as church organist, Jr. Choir director and Sunday school teacher. In later years she was also active at St. James Lutheran Church in Barrington. In the wider community, she initiated her neighborhood 4-H club “The Rhode Island Raspberries” and later also became 4-H leader and board member for Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol. In retirement, she fundraised with husband Bill for the San Miguel school in Providence by hosting backyard brick-oven pizza and wine parties. On evening walks together with her husband she never failed to slow down for a chat.

An enthusiastic traveler, Lois navigated many road trips to visit family and friends, criss-crossing the country, often tent camping along the way, expert in finding alternate routes. Together, Lois and Bill also toured overseas to Germany and most recently Italy. One of their favorite memories was a sabbatical year in New Zealand where Lois trained in innovative teaching methodologies while she and Bill enjoying vistas of mountain and sea and sleeping under the stars.

Lois participated in a head-spinning array of projects of her own and of others. She was game for Thai-Chi lessons, water-aerobics, daily nature walks, gourmet cooking and elegant fashion. A life-long student in the art of generosity and with an eye for beauty, Lois used her excellence and creativity in piano playing, singing, picture-taking, teaching, crafting and sewing for gifting to others, expressing delight in finding or making the right gift or card for another and grace in receiving the smallest token.

Radiating an open-hearted warmth, drawing others to her, especially children and animals, Lois was close to her four grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their kids and companions, welcoming all to rooms of her hand-sewn teddy bears, puppets, unique toys, games, crafting, and sewing supplies. The go-to for strays and ailing pets, her household was enhanced by a happy menagerie, from dogs, cats, rabbits and baby goats to her last beloved Bichon Yuki and guinea pigs. Likewise, Lois’ raised vegetable garden bed was overflowing. Her yard has been a nursery for newborns, even wild turkeys, most recently hosting nests of cardinals, wrens and baby squirrels.

To every performance, play, musical, choral, violin recital, or poetry reading and then remotely when she no longer had the power to walk, Lois showed up for others. She hosted her aging father for nearly a decade, helped children on moves, picked up grandkids from camp, delivered homemade fig bread to the sick, and more recently, started a handbag business with her youngest granddaughter, a graphic artist.

Lois could always find a way and turned the every day into an adventure just by being herself, disarming with a sunny smile, encouraging a good story to redeem the worst luck. She routinely went above and beyond in creativity and generosity and in simply speaking well of somebody. Lois remembered to thank the under-appreciated and to her last day made those around her feel valued and loved. As Emily her morning healthcare aide of the last several years expressed it, “She was an extraordinary woman.”

A Celebration of Life will take place at 11:00 am. on November 22, 2025 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 445 Elmwood Avenue in Providence, RI with visitation in the fellowship hall at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Heifer Foundation in honor of Lois. Contributions can be made online at https://www.heifer.org/