School bus driver loved children

5/22/2006

PEMBERVILLE, Ohio - Lois Ann Alexander, 75, a school bus driver who loved the community she grew up in and worked to retain its small-town feel, died Tuesday at St. Luke's Hospital in Maumee of a combination of heart and respiratory problems.

Mrs. Alexander grew up in Pemberville and that's where she and her husband of 53 years, James, raised their family.

Taking pride in her community, Mrs. Alexander was a member of the Pemberville and Wood County historical societies.

"She did a number of different things to promote keeping the historical pieces, homes and things, for others to enjoy," said her daughter, Karen Horejs. "Having always lived here and growing up here, she had been a part of so many things, and she was instrumental in playing a part to make sure the community was preserved."

She was a bus driver for Eastwood Local Schools for 10 years because she took great pride in the school system and loved kids, Mrs. Horejs said.

Mrs. Alexander's love for children extended from her own daughter and son to the neighborhood children and those on her bus route, Mrs. Horejs said.

And even though her grandchildren lived in other states, she remained very active in their lives.

"She always sent letters and packages. She never missed a birthday," Mrs. Horejs said. "My kids are 19 and 22 and she'd still bring them a bag of candy from the general store."

Mrs. Alexander also worked as a secretary for Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Co.

She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pemberville and helped establish the church's bell choir.

Her other musical interests included playing the flute, organ, and dulcimer. She was a member of the county's dulcimer players club, along with the herb society and homemaker club.

Mrs. Horejs said her mom was a loving, caring, and creative person who made it a point to let people know they were important to her.

Surviving are her husband, James; son, Keith Alexander; daughter, Karen Horejs; sisters, Frances Lemke and Mary Lou Bartels; brother, Howard Wiegman, and five grandchildren.

Services are 11 a.m. today at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Pemberville. Visitation was held yesterday at Marsh Funeral Home, Pemberville.

The family suggests tributes to the church bell choir.