Lois Ruth Michael Rightor, age 100, passed away May 13, 2025, in Cypress, Texas.  Lois was a lifelong recycler even in her career. For 32 years, she worked for the Department of Defense, assisting all military branches with the reuse, sale, or recycling of materials. She worked with everything from precious metals in early computers to airplanes. During her career, she lived in Singapore, Italy, Guam, Hawaii, Indiana, and Ohio. From each location, she traveled to locate items, including a WWII bomb!
Lois's job fostered a love of travel. She visited all 7 continents and 36 countries around the world, mostly after retirement. She loved reading and learning. She was always reading books, magazines, & newspapers to learn more. She took several Road Scholars trips to learn about different cultures and cuisines. Lois began the Ohio Chapter of the Lois Club in 1999. There are Lois Clubs in many states as well as Canada, New Zealand, and Europe. Lois Club conventions provided another reason to travel and learn about different cultures. She was a master gardener who loved growing flowers and organic vegetables from seed. Sometimes she grew so much that she donated to the Ohio Food Bank. Lois loved to feel useful, so after retirement, she volunteered 4-5 days a week for many organizations: Ohio Food Bank, John Glenn Airport, Franklin Conservatory, Columbus Topiary Park, Columbus Ballet, Picnic at the Pops, Ohio Theater, Columbus Symphony, Make a Wish Foundation, COSI, and the Santa Maria.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents: Harold & Grace Michael; siblings: Margurite Jean Woodard, Harold Doyle Michael, Mary Belle James; children: Michael Gary Rightor, Steven Charles Rightor, Sarah Beth Rightor; nephews: Freddie Michael and Bruce Woodard, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Lois is survived by children: Melanie & Harold Starbuck; grandchildren: Ashley & Michael Preston, Timothy & Hannah Starbuck; great-grandchildren: Olivia Grace Preston, Sydney Anne Starbuck; nieces & nephews: Norman Woodard, Kansunisa Woodard, Lucille Michael Baugh, Pat & Pattie Michael, Timothy Michael, Ann Shefflin, David & Stephanie James; countless great & grand nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 18, at Eastview United Methodist Church, 1045 Ross Road, Columbus, OH 43227. The service is from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. Lois will be laid to rest in the family plot in Hope Moravian Cemetery, Hope, IN at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.