Lois Marie Jewell September 19, 1947 – November 10, 2025

Lois Marie Jewell, 78, of South Bend, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 10, 2025.

She was born in Elkhart on September 19, 1947, to E. Louis and Agnes E. (Torok) Long.

Left to cherish Lois' memory are her children, Max (Kathy) Wienhoft of Union, Michigan, and Laura (Charles) Fletcher of South Bend; her beloved grandchildren, Austin Wienhoft, Aubrea (Jeff) Mvalo, Kelsey (Tuan) Ngo, Kassandra (Scott) Howland, Charles (Crysta) Fletcher II, and Grace, Quentin, Lucas, Aidan, Ethan, Max, Roman, Rowan, and Lauran Fletcher; as well as her 12 great-grandchildren—with two more on the way. Also surviving are brother-in-law, Bernie Hartogh, several nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Patricia McCloskey, Joyce Riley, and Sandra Hartogh, as well as her former husband of twenty-three years, Max D. Wienhoft.

Lois was a gifted horticulturist who worked for many decades at Sautter's Garden Center and Greenhouse in Elkhart, working in the Plant Palace alongside her best friend, Susie Klepinger. She also maintained the plants at many local businesses, as well as the local malls. She enjoyed her many customers, helping them any way she could and making many friends along the way.

Lois enjoyed mushroom hunting and tending to her garden and houseplants, watching western movies and Notre Dame football, listening to Elvis — but most of all, a good vanilla milkshake. She loved traveling with her family to Florida, especially Walt Disney World and on Disney cruises.

Faith was another cornerstone of Lois' life. She was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Catholic Church in South Bend.

Her life was simple, but deeply rich—rooted in faith, love, and a deep appreciation for the beautiful things that many overlook.

Friends and family will be received from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Catholic Church, 415 N. Brookfield Street, South Bend. Burial will immediately follow at St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery in Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Lois may be made to St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Catholic Church in South Bend or to the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka.

Requiescat in pace