Lois Elaine Eakins passed away on May 23, 2026, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center surrounded by her family.
She was born on January 14, 1942, and welcomed into the open arms of her parents Walter and Mildred Martin Riedel. Lois grew up on a farm alongside sister Carol and enjoyed playing with her cats and dolls. She attended school in Bloomfield where she played a clarinet in the band. After graduating high school, she completed nursing school in Des Moines. She worked at the Davis County Hospital, during which she met her future husband.
Lois married Harry Dean Eakins on August 4, 1963. They had three children – Nolan, Sharry, and Brenda. Although she enjoyed being a nurse, she understood the demands of marrying a farmer. A true farmer’s wife, she spent her life dedicated to her family, the livestock, and the land. Her favorite animal to raise were the cattle and her favorite tractor to drive was the 420, named Little Ole Green, but none of that compared to being in the kitchen. Hailed as one of the best cooks, Lois’s home cooked meals were enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to be at her kitchen table. A favorite of hers to cook (and for her family to eat) was fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and apple pie. Naturally, she loved Thanksgiving where all her favorite people were gathered around one table to enjoy the feast she had prepared.
In her later years, Lois enjoyed attending activities for her grandchildren, shopping trips with her children, and traveling the country with her children. Her favorite trips included: Sequoia National Park, Disneyland, driving through New England, and especially the buzz of New York City. She was so proud of her family and her only wish in life was for us to be happy. With her, we always were, and with her memory, we always will be.
She is reunited in heaven with her parents; husband; son-in-law, John Fipps; and a beloved dog, Penny.
Her memory lives on through a son, Nolan (Shannon Simonsen) Eakins of Bloomfield, Iowa; two daughters, Sharry Fipps of Drakesville, Iowa, Brenda (Mike) Johnson of Bloomfield; sister, Carol Bachelor of Minnetonka, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Kaitlin (Sam) Noble; Kristin (Ryan) Davis, Klaire (Gavin) Heald, Keelie Johnson, Nick Johnson; and four great-grandchildren, Jack, Case, Rhys, and Millie. Lois also leaves behind her beloved dog, Peewee, and good friend, Robert Tritico.
Visitation for Lois will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield. Her family will be present to greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m. that evening.
A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the American Diabetes Association for research and education.
