Lois E. Baugh, co-owner of Wayland’s longest continuous business, died Thursday, Sept. 2. She was 91.
She and her husband Alan celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Feb. 17. The Baughs were married at the Wayland Calvary Church on Feb. 17, 1951, by the Rev. John Miles. They had met at Wayland High School and at the church just after Lois and her family had moved here from Oaklawn, Ill. The two began dating and both graduated from the high school in 1947.
Alan and Lois owned and operated Baugh’s Shoe Store downtown and recently adapted it be a repair business. The Baugh family shoe business was started by his father in 1923 and it still is in operation 97 years later at 111 S. Main St. The Baughs were honored as grand marshals of the annual Christmas parade.
Lois pursued a singing career at the Grand Rapids School of Bible & Music and during her studies, traveled the United States, singing soprano with the musical troupe in New York, North Carolina and several other states. She took over as choral director at Calvary Church when she returned home, and continued in that role for more than 35 years, while also substitute teaching and driving a school bus.
Baughs had four children, Cheryl, Timothy, Kimberly, and Terry.
She is survived by her husband, Alan; children Cheryl Baugh, Kim (Ken) Cramer, Terry (Kerri) Baugh; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Audrey VanRyn-Terpstra, Judy (Larry) Fielstra; sister-in-law, Carol (Bill) Meyer; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by a son, Tim.
Visitation with Lois’ family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at Kubiak Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St, Wayland. Her funeral will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, with one hour of visitation prior at Calvary Church of Wayland, 304 Main St., Wayland. Pastors Mike Hasper and John Hicks will be officiating. Interment will be held at Elmwood Cemetery.
In honor of Lois, memorial contributions may be made to Our Daily Bread Ministries.
My condolences to the Baugh family. Known them all my life. Fine family and business people. She will be sorely missed.