Lois Evelyn Cleaver Schenck

Lois Evelyn Cleaver Schenck, 95, peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on Friday, December 2, 2022. She was born December. 5, 1926 in Palestine, IL, the daughter of the late Rev. George Roland Cleaver and Zeta Clarice Johnson Cleaver. As a small child, she came to realize that Jesus loved her personally. At the age of 4, she invited Him into her heart. From then on till her death, she maintained a close relationship with the Savior. Her children can testify that she was a fervent and effective prayer warrior. When she was still able, it was her custom to have a daily prayer walk around the property. Her lifelong love and dedication to her Savior was evident in her friendliness and sweet demeanor. Music was a vital part of her family. The entire family sang, playing guitars, mandolins, autoharp, piano and pump organ. She and her sisters enjoyed singing together in the churches her father pastored and performing in the communities where they lived. During the Depression, a grant was given that enabled the girls to have piano lessons, which fittingly prepared her for later ministry in song. Before her marriage, she traveled and sang with Pansy Ficklin Richardson Saunders in revival services, and also assisted the Salvation Army and conducted vacation Bible schools. Lois married Maurice Elmer Schenck in 1950 and together they shared over 48 years of ministry in song and pastoral work. They pastored churches in Haverhill, MA, Port Clinton, OH, Oklahoma City, OK, Indianapolis, IN, and Muncie, IN. She taught music in Christian schools and gave piano lessons during their various pastorates. She was also employed in civil service at various times. She loved to write and was a devoted gardener. Her love for sewing and crocheting displayed itself in the many handmade gifts she gave. After the death of Maurice she moved to Middleburgh, NY, where she was an active member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church, serving in time as Missionary President, organist, and choir member; taught Sunday School on occasion, and also was diligent in keeping the church building clean. Lois was preceded in death by Maurice, her husband of 48 years; sisters: Esther Cox, Violet Hollingsworth, and Mary Elmore; and a grandson: Nathan Samuel Owens. She is survived by her daughter: Rhea Dawn (Richard) Owens, of Middleburgh; sons: Byron M. Schenck and Rowan D. Schenck, of Indiana; 3 grandchildren: Seth G. Owens, Isaac W. (Stephanie) Owens: and Rachel R. Owens; a great-grandson: Hudson J. Owens; three sisters-in-law: Linda S. LeBaron, Helen Schenck, and Tula Schenck, and numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, December 30, 2022 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9350 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229 with Rev. Mark Mowery officiating. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Lois Schenck.

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Lois Evelyn Cleaver Schenck

December 5, 1926 - December 2, 2022