CENTRALIA — Lois Ann Albert, age 80, of Centralia, Illinois, peacefully passed away at 8:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at home with her loving family by her side.
She was born on March 8, 1943, at her grandmother’s home in Odin, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Lillian (Gibbs) Warden. She married Charles Allen Albert on November 16, 1962, at her preacher’s house in Odin, Illinois, and he survives her in Centralia.
In addition to her husband of 61 years, Lois is survived by her loving family; daughters, Monique Hortenstine of Effingham, Illinois, and Nicole Marcum and husband Tony of Centralia; grandchildren, Samantha Brooks, Rebekah Brooks, Andrea Hortenstine, Danny Hortenstine, Alexandra Brooks, and Tommy Hortenstine; brother, Mike Warden of Centralia; sisters, Marlene Davis and Janice Irvin of Centralia, and Brenda Wutzler of Odin; sisters-in-law, Pat Warden of Salem, and Carolyn Albert of Odin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lillian Warden; brothers, Rex, Ron, and Gary Warden; baby sister, Tamera Carin; sisters-in-law, Jan Warden, Alta Shanafelt and Norma Branson; and brothers-in-law, Jim Davis, Bill Wutzler, Raymond Swartzlander, John Branson, Bill Shanafelt, and Ray Albert, Sr.
Lois attended Calumet Street Christian Church in Centralia. She was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and a lifelong animal lover, caring for dogs, cats, and birds. Lois was funny, kind, loving, intelligent, and interested in current events and politics. She was an avid reader who was known to read a book in six hours. More than anything, Lois cherished the time she spent with her family. Laughter was Lois’ best medicine, and her many family members provided plenty of it.
Lois graduated with Odin High School’s “Class of 1961,” but attended Sandoval High School for all but her senior year. Lois was a homemaker after retiring in 2000 as branch manager with GAB Robinsin Chicago, having provided 30 years of service. She also worked as a receptionist for Don Geary Realty and did transcription for her cardiologists, Dr. Naeem Khan with whom she forged a close 40-year relationship after he saved her life in 1984. Lois lived in Centralia, having formerly resided in Chicago, Irvington, Odin, and Sandoval, Illinois, and Arlington, Virginia.
A Memorial Gathering of Family and Friends of Mrs. Lois Ann Albert will be held from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois. Lois enjoyed Charlie’s flower gardens immensely and would be honored with flowers sent as a tribute. She was also committed to helping those in need. If friends are so inclined, memorial contributions in Mrs. Albert’s memory may be made to the Centralia Humane Society at 8190 Shattuc Road in Centralia, Illinois, or on their website centraliahumanesocietyil.org/contact/ or CCBA Food Pantry at 508 North Poplar Street in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Mrs. Albert’s family at moranfuneralhome.net.