Lois Jean Nichols Ellis, age 91 of Athens passed away Monday morning, Aug. 21, 2023 at her home.  Born July 29, 1932 in Kirtland, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Sidney and Sally Nichols.

She was a graduate of Madison High School and received her Bachelor of Science in education at The Ohio State University.  She retired from the Athens City School System, where she taught 4th grade at Morrison-Gordon Elementary School.  She was a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar.

She has been a longtime member of The Plains United Methodist Church.  She was a founding member and charter president of the Athens LaSertoma Club.  She served 2 years as District Governor of LaSertoma.

Lois is survived by three daughters, Cindy Braden of Athens, Julie (Mark) Gunter of Portsmouth, VA and Jennifer (Tony) Jackson of Athens; fourteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and a special friend, Mary Ellis.

Besides her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Fred C. Ellis (married Dec. 31, 1954) who passed away Jan. 20, 2015; a son F. Samuel Ellis, who passed away Nov. 5, 2016; two brothers and sisters in law, James C. (Mildred) Nichols and Milton H. (Blanche) Nichols; and a sister, Irene Mee.

Graveside service will be conducted Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at Alexander Cemetery, Athens with her nephew, Rev. Edward Ellis officiating.  No calling hours will be observed.  Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Shriver's Hospice Foundation, PO Box 3506, Zanesville, OH 43701, www.shrivershospicefoundation.com.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence, or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.