Lois May Garriott came into this world on Aug. 16, 1937, in Corvallis, Oregon, the sixth of eight children born to Melvin and Dorothy (Newcomb) Garriott. She died on July 21, 2026, at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany, Oregon, at the age of 88 after an extremely happy life.
She grew up in the Philomath area, where she enjoyed riding her beloved horses, roller skating on a local team, cheerleading at Philomath High School, and many other activities.
While spending time with friends in Philomath, Lois met Stanley Dean Phelps. They eloped to Seal Rock on the Oregon Coast on Dec. 10, 1954, and were married by Stan’s grandfather, a retired minister. On their 50th anniversary, they renewed their vows at the Little Log Church by the Sea in Yachats.
Soon after marrying, Stan and Lois moved to Klamath Falls so Stan could attend Oregon Technical Institute, where their oldest son was born. Two years later, the family moved to Salem for Stan’s first bookkeeping job, and a daughter soon joined the family. They eventually returned to Philomath, where two more sons were born. In 1962, Stan began working for Timber Supply Co. Inc. and enjoyed lunch at home with Lois each workday. In 1964, the growing family bought a home on West Hills Road, where Lois lived for 57 years and where the birth of their final daughter completed the family.
As their children grew, the family hosted many foreign exchange students through AFS and college programs, including Friendship Families. Lois served as an AFS district representative and chaperoned several end-of-year cross-country bus trips for departing students. She also volunteered actively in the Philomath schools and was a founding member of the Philomath Fire Belles, serving from 1959 to 1982.
Home and family were central to Lois’ life. Hunting became a cherished family tradition, and loved ones fondly remember annual deer-season trips to a camp on the Green Springs outside Ashland. Although Lois did not hunt, she enjoyed the camping and made sure everyone was well fed.
Before Stan’s disabling stroke in 2006, he and Lois traveled widely, visiting friends and family on every continent except Antarctica. Their international “kids” continued to visit them in Philomath.
Lois was a devoted grandmother who took her grandchildren to the Oregon Coast regularly and on many other childhood adventures. She rode horses with friends and family throughout her adult life; for his 60th birthday, Stan bought a horse so he could ride with her. After the children left home, Lois found a new way to stay busy by driving a bus for the Corvallis School District, a role she especially enjoyed because of the children who rode with her.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Stan, after 57 happy years of marriage; her youngest daughter, Angie; and sisters Wanda, Dona, and Shirley.
She is survived by her children Greg and his wife Cathy, Karen, Tom and his wife Wendy, and Rick; Angie’s husband, Dave; 11 grandchildren and 11 grandchildren-in-law; 19 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; siblings Jo, Luree, Rod, and Jerry; and dear family and friends across the country and around the world.
A public memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, at Bellfountain Church in Bellfountain, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend time with family and friends or make a donation to a charity of your choice, carrying peace and good wishes in your heart.
DeMoss-Durdan is handling the arrangements.