- Date Of Birth: April 9, 1920
- Date Of Death: August 28, 2016
- State: Illinois
Anna Lois Foster, 96, of rural Alexander, IL died Sunday, August 28, 2016, at Heritage Health in Jacksonville, IL.
She was born April 9, 1920, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of James and Clara Frank McGinnis. She married Robert Franklin Foster on October 28, 1941, in Jacksonville, IL and he preceded her in death in 1999.
She is survived by three daughters, Nancy Schultz (husband, George) of Jacksonville, Carol Laputz of Arkansas, and Sue Buttrick of Indiana; nine grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; a great great grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Janet Nazeri (surviving husband, Medhi of Missouri); a son, Frank D. Foster (surviving wife, Kay of Alexander); a sister, Catherine McGinnis; and two brothers, James and Daniel McGinnis.
Mrs. Foster graduated from New Berlin, IL High School and Brown Business College in Springfield. Prior to her marriage, she was employed by the American Agriculture Association of Sangamon County. After their marriage, they moved to their home in rural Alexander on December 1, 1941.
A consummate farm wife and cook, she was well known for her community involvement and leadership skills. She was a life member of Alpha Iota Sorority and a long-time member of the Morgan County Garden Club, Alexander Women’s Club, Passavant Hospital Auxiliary, and served as an Alexander Precinct Election Judge. Anna Lois was a charter member of the Jacksonville Rifle Club where she earned an expert rating and was a member of the Jacksonville Sportsman Club, Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau, and Morgan County Home Extension.
Anna Lois was best known across Illinois and throughout the United States for her knowledge and expertise of roses. Rose enthusiasts appreciated and learned from her extensive rose beds; and she took great pleasure in growing what were among the finest roses in Illinois. She was a Life Accredited Master Rose Judge and Life Rosearian for Illinois and Indiana. Anna Lois was a member of the American Rose Society and former president of the Central Illinois Rose Society. She served as a rose consultant and judge in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri.
Her quick wit, independence, and intelligence, Anna Lois was an inspiration to those who knew her. She prepared many holiday meals that provided her family with wonderful memories. In her final years as a resident of Heritage Health in Jacksonville, young and old alike would gather in her room for advice, friendship, laughs, and love. To her family and many friends, Anna Lois will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. The family extends special thanks to Glenna Cox, Judy Williams, and Mary Dunaway for their visits and their friendship shared with Anna Lois.
