Lois Maureen Holderbaum

Lois M. Holderbaum, age 98, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Country Club Retirement Community at Dover on February 6, 2015.
Born in Dover on July 7, 1916, she was the daughter of the late John Joseph and Hazel Gertrude (Hill) Gibbs.
Lois was a lifelong learner, beginning her education in Sebring City Schools, where she graduated in 1934. She then furthered her education at Kent State University where she obtained both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
During WWII, in addition to continuing her teaching career, Lois was a crane operator at the bomber factory in Akron in the evening. On October 30, 1944, she married the late Hilan G. Holderbaum. Together, they were the proud parents of two daughters, Ruth and Judy.
Her career in education spanned more than six decades commencing her tenure as an elementary teacher in Sebring at the age of 19 because of a teacher shortage. There, she taught 2nd and 3rd grades, while completing her formal education in night classes. After eight years with Sebring, Lois began her career with New Philadelphia City Schools in 1944 at Central Elementary. Then she continued as a special needs teacher at Front Avenue Elementary also adding the duty of principal there for nearly 20 years.
She was an advocate of Adult Basic Education (later changed to Adult Basic Literacy Education), and in 1962 oversaw one of only two pilot ABE programs in Ohio. When Front Elementary burned down in 1976, she continued leading this highly successful program as the coordinator and supervisor for the local program at Buckeye Career Center. She visited 26 satellite schools in five counties, traveling more than 3,000 miles a month.
Lois was one of the first women principals in Ohio. In February of 1989, she was awarded the Adult Literacy award from the State of Ohio, having been nominated by the Tuscarawas Council of International Reading Association. Additionally, the Quaker Foundation honored her with the Citizen of the Year Award in 1999.
Lois loved spending time with her family, gardening, shopping, and enjoying nature. She also had a charitable heart, always serving others. Her faith was nurtured in a variety of ways, one of those being a member at Broadway United Methodist Church. Her family will remember her as compassionate and quick-witted, with a wry sense of humor.
Lois left many memories filled with laughter and love for her daughters including, Ruth (Wayne) Burky and Judy (Gary) Aubihl, both of New Philadelphia; her grandchildren, Katherine (Emanuel) Weaver of Sugarcreek, Christine (Todd) Kendle of New Philadelphia, and Brent Burris of Washington, D.C.; her great-grandchildren, Adeline and Allison Kendle, and Preston Weaver; and a niece, Desma Hitchcock of California.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lois was preceded in death by her sister, Jeanne Halstead and nephews, David and Jim Hitchcock.
Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. A service celebrating Lois’ life will be held in Broadway United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia on Tuesday beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Bob Kuntz officiating. A meal will be shared in the church hall following the service. Burial will follow later Tuesday afternoon in Highland Memorial Park in Beloit, Ohio.
Memorial contributions in Lois’ memory may be directed to Broadway United Methodist Church, 120 Church Ave SE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.
Lois’ family is extremely grateful for the excellent care and love she received from the staff at Country Club Retirement Center.