Lois Arlene Defebaugh, 85 of Traverse City passed away on Tuesday October 15, 2013 at Munson Medical Center with her loving husband James at her side.

Lois was born April 1, 1928 to the late William and Myrtle (Stucky) Nofsger in Chicago. Lois attended Knox College prior to graduating from the Chicago branch of a Secretarial School. She graduated with superior executive skills and she was eventually hired as an executive secretary at the school.

Lois married James Defebaugh on October 17, 1953. Together they had three children. They enjoyed living in Chicago, Cincinnati, Birmingham and retiring in 1991 to the Traverse City area.

Lois enjoyed knitting, cooking and was very active in her church serving on many committees and woman's circle groups. She was also a member of a local P.E.O Chapter. Most importantly Lois enjoyed attending the annual Shakespeare Festival with James and traveling together to 21 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

She is survived by her husband James, daughters: Lynne (DeBruin) of Milwaukee WI, Jean (Philip) Ropp of Holly MI, and her son; James (Kristina) Defebaugh near Portland Oregon, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her parents; William and Myrtle Nofsger, and her sister; Marjorie and her husband.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 25, 2013 at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Presbyterian Church.

Please share your thoughts and memories with Lois's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service.