Lois Ankney

On November 30, 2023, Lois Jean Ankney (nee Powell) passed away peacefully after 91 years of magic. Lois, known lovingly to her family as "Odie", was born on July 28, 1932 to Wilfred and Bertha Powell in Riverview, just across the street from where she made her family home for 71 years.

Lois graduated from Trenton High School in 1950, fell in love with Patrick Leo Ankney, also of Trenton, and married in 1951. Lois was the mother of four children, Janice (McDonald), Jill (Matthews), Patrick Neil, and Thomas as well as having a profound influence on countless acquaintances, students and athletes who played for husband Pat (long-time teacher, coach, and athletic director in Riverview) from 1952 on. Many of those athletes from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's stopped by frequently throughout her life to check in on Lois, right up to her passing.

Lois cherished her 11 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren (with 2 more on the way), especially when all could gather annually at the family Red Cottage in Harrison, Michigan which the family has enjoyed since 1962. Even in recent years Lois participated in the big event - The Ankney Olympics.

Visitation for Lois will be held at the Martenson Funeral home at 3200 West Road in Trenton from 2 pm to 9 pm on Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 15 from 10 am to 11 am. A short celebration of Lois' life begins at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "REA Scholarship Fund" for the Pat Ankney Scholarship which has been in existence since 2004 for deserving Riverview High School graduating seniors.

Mail donations: c\o Thomas Ankney, 2000 Hall St. SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506.