Lois LaVerne Jordan Koock went to her heavenly home to Jesus's arms, surrounded by family and friends, on May 2nd, 2015, at the age of 83, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.
Funeral Services will be held in Mason, Texas at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Wednesday, May 6th, 2015 at 1pm. Interment will follow at the Gooch Cemetery in Mason, Texas. Services are under the direction of the Mason Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home.
Lois was born on April 23rd, 1932, to Frank and Ella Jordan. She grew up on the family 's working ranch, just south of Art, in Mason County. In 1951, Lois and her family were recognized and photographed as Life Magazine's "Farm Family of the Year". Lois was Valedictorian of Mason High School and was a Charter member of the National Honor Society, even after dealing with a bout of Polio that lasted for most of that year. She enjoyed school and was able to skip 8th grade because of her academics. After high school, Lois attended Tarleton State College, now University, for 2 years, and earned the "T" Award, which is the highest scholastic award honor given by Tarleton State College, holding offices in many organizations. Her next adventure was to spread her wings at Southern Methodist University, graduating in 1953, going on to graduate studies, while being very much involved in clubs and organizations there, including her beloved sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, Theta Sigma Phi, Society Editor of S.M.U. CAMPUS newspaper, S.M.U. Council on World Affairs, Distinguished Student award, among others. One of her great joys during that time was traveling with two of her best friends and sorority sisters to the 100th Anniversary of Alpha Delta Pi International Grand Convention at Banff Spring Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise Hotel in Alberta, Canada, in 1953. Lois then continued to spread her wings by attending the University of Munich in Bavaria, Germany, returning to Texas to teach high school English in Weatherford, while living in Mary Martin's former home. One of her favorite stories to share was about one of her students, the younger half brother of actor Larry Hagman, who use to serenade her outside her home, as he had a crush on his favorite teacher. Lois's love for writing led her to move to Nashville, Tennessee in 1957 to become the Manuscript Editor of Abingdon Press. Lois was a long time member of Women in Communication, Inc. Lois's love for Texas and teaching brought her back to the Dallas area, where she met the love and anchor of her life, Bill Koock, on one of her visits back to Mason. The two soon married, and resided in Mason most of their married life.
Lois was a member of St. Paul Lutheran church, and was active in many clubs and organizations both in Mason and the surrounding Hill Country. Her favorite was being involved in Republican politics, and she served as President for the Mason Chapter, and represented the chapter as a delegate for the 1992 National Convention in Houston. Lois worked tirelessly for the George W. Bush campaign, was often invited to the annual Governor's Mansion holiday buffets for both then Gov. Bush, and Gov. Rick Perry. Both Governors appointed Lois to the On-Site Wastewater Treatment Research Council for 3 terms. During that time, Lois was also appointed to the Tarleton's Alumni Association from 1999 to 2003. Her beloved husband Bill, accompanied her, and together they made many friends. She always knew that she could count on his loving support, and together, they made quite the team, accomplishing much
with their love and combined talents. Lois also co-authored the family historical book, "Hill Country Folk". Lois and Bill loved to travel, especially in Europe and throughout the US. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Lois moved to River Point, a specialized care center in Kerrville, where Bill tenderly and lovingly stayed by her side almost constantly.
Lois is survived by her husband, Bill Koock of Mason; daughter, Lisa Bilbrey and husband Morris, of Round Rock; and son, John Koock and wife Teresa of Art. She loved being surrounded by her surviving grandchildren: Rick Bilbrey of Phoenix, Arizona; Franklin Parker and his wife Jennifer of Farmer's Branch, TX ; and Katherine Koock of Stephenville. She is also survived by Great Grandchildren Aiden and Adelais Parker of Farmer's Branch, TX. Surviving in-laws include Peggy Jordan and Joyce Holloway, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ella Jordan; brother J.D. Jordan and his wife Joyce; brother Willard Jordan, by days; brother-in-law Harold Byrn; and brother-in-law Boog Holloway. Lois's sister, Ethyl , who lived in Phoenix, Arizona, passed away just 9 hours after Lois. God must have planned a joyous family reunion for these three siblings who passed into His care this week. Lois was also preceded by a daughter, Katherine Lee Koock. As Lois's family, we want to acknowledge and thank River Point's staff, and Lois's two angels Beverly and Linda, both of Kerrville, for their loving care and devotion to Lois as well as Hospice's nurse, Kelly .
Memorials may be made out to either Hospice, the Alzheimer Foundation, or www.bvbdallas.org , and are preferred in lieu of flowers.