Lois Jackson

Celebrating the Life of Lois Geraldine Jackson

A Portrait of an Extraordinary Journey

Lois Geraldine Jackson, born June 15, 1931, Lois Geraldine Pruner in Oakland, California, lived a full life. She was preceded in death by her parents Gladys Marie Eltz and her stepfather Joseph Frederick Eltz of Castro Valley, California and her sisters Evelyn Lorraine Rau and Mary Lou Langland and her brother Earl Pruner. She thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and board games. She spent the first half of her life in California and the second in Boise, Idaho. Lois loved to dance and sing. She loved many types of music and dancing such as the tango and routinely took square dance lessons where she wore colorful and fluffy square dance outfits with her dance partner.

Family and Legacy

Lois is survived by her seven children. Her children include David Neighbors of Hermiston, Oregon; Gary Neighbors of Boise, Idaho; Steven Neighbors of Meridian, Idaho; Richard Neighbors of Hermiston, Oregon; Deborah Miles of Roseburg, Oregon; Alan Neighbors of Star, Idaho; and Karen Lyon of Boise, Idaho. Lois’s family circle extended to 19 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren who continue to carry forward her legacy. Lois is also survived by many nieces and even a namesake niece Lois Murphy of Nampa, Idaho.

Passions and Talents

An avid bridge player, Lois earned the distinguished title of Silver Life Master, showcasing her sharp intellect and strategic prowess. Cards and games were among her favorite pastimes, bringing her joy and serving to connect with friends and family. Her love for games demonstrated her lively spirit and competitive edge, which endeared her to many.

Professional Pursuits

Lois’s early years were filled with diverse work experiences. She worked as a waitress at restaurants such as the Blue Dolphin in San Leandro, California and Manzella’s Loft of Hayward, California. In her younger years she worked as a blackjack dealer in Lake Tahoe, a position that mirrored her energetic and adventurous personality. Eventually, Lois worked on the line at Kellogg’s cereal plant where she eventually retired.

In Remembrance of Lois

Lois has a fun personality and always enjoyed a fun night of board games or cards with her family. Although she encountered many difficult times throughout her life, there was nothing a quick game of cards that couldn’t fix her despair and instantly lift her spirits. Lois loved musical artists such as Patsy Cline and actors like Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. Lois always had to have her hair done up, wear colorful clothing, hats, and high heeled shoes that matched which was her daily fashion style. She had a few jokes she liked to tell and a poem she wrote which she was very proud of.

She wrote a poem called “The Gift of Love” which she was very proud of noted below.

THE GIFT OF LOVE

One day while walking along

I decided to sing a spiritual song

Suddenly I awoke to see

There are many others beside me

The greatest gift comes from up above

What else can it be, of course its love!

So its who we see that’s our neighbor

That means everyone, really!

So throw the lies and gossip away

For God sees our hearts by what we say.

So Protestant or Catholic whatever you are

Love your neighbor and you will go far.

For partiality God cannot see

So one in Christ we must be.

This message comes from up above

May God grant us all the gift of love.

Poem by Lois

There will be a family gathering on August 30th with more details to come.