Lois McCool

Lois Jean McCool, of Delton, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on July 9. In her 89 years, she was never once known to be wrong, an impressive streak.Jean was born in Eaton Rapids on July 2, 1930 to Olive (Embrey) and Ray Middaugh. The family moved in 1933 to Fife Lake, where she attended school and was named valedictorian of her senior class. Not one for public speaking, Jean promptly transferred herself out of the district at the end of senior year solely to avoid having to give a speech. She graduated from Traverse City in 1947 and then took a job as a switchboard operator for Michigan Bell. When she wasn't listening in on long-distance phone calls, Jean loved to dance. She met her husband, the drummer and singer of a local trio, at Taffle Town Tavern in 1951. Two years - and more than a few two steps - later, the couple was married at the Kalkaska People's Church. Jean and Rex moved to Delton in 1958 to manage Lux Arbor Farms, a Christmas tree farm and private hunting estate. For more than 25 years, Rex managed the land and animals while Jean managed the books. The couple's three children grew up in Delton where Jean was actively involved sewing uniforms for the marching band, baking goods for school fundraisers, and teaching gardening and cooking as a 4H leader. Jean was known for her wit and sense of humor. Her anecdotes always made for lively dinner conversation. In retirement she liked to travel, whether north to Fife Lake or on cruises as far away as Australia. On one cruise in 2010, she and Rex won the ship's version of the Newlywed Game before an audience of fellow travelers in the ship's large theater. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Rex and Max. She is survived by her husband Rex; children Brian (Kim), Kathryn (Dean), and Barry; her grandson Craig (Kathleen); great grandsons Milo and Dennis; and sister Betty Boylan. A celebration of Jean's life is set for Saturday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton.