Lois Granlund

Lois Lee Rankin Granlund of Moscow, Idaho, returned home to the Lord on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Good Samaritan Village at the age of 94. Lois was born to Oscar and Vera Rankin in Moscow, on October 7, 1921-the oldest of 4 children. Her father died unexpectedly of meningitis when she was 6 years old. At that time her mother moved Lois and her siblings Joan, Donald, and Lucille to Orofino to be closer to extended family. After graduating high school Lois' higher education began at Lewiston State Normal School in Lewiston where she received her teaching certificate. Lois' first teaching job was in Greer, Idaho-a one room school house. She returned to school and while attending University of Idaho in 1946, met Vernon Granlund. She taught the next year in Latah, Washington. In 1948, while teaching in Elk River, she married Vernon on November 20, 1948. At this point she became a very busy farm wife-raising 4 children. She returned to teaching full-time when her youngest was three. Lois and Vernon owned a farm between Troy and Deary where she lived until Vernon's death January 15, 1998. They had many mutual interests besides farming which included dancing, and visiting with friends and family. At the time of Vernon's death they had been married for 49 years. Lois was all about education. She received both her Bachelor's degree in English and Master's degree in Special Education from the University of Idaho in Moscow. Being an educator must have been in her blood since her grandparents, parents, and siblings were all dedicated teachers as well. Lois taught a total of 33 years. Most of these years were spent in the Whitepine School District, in Bovill, teaching second grade. Because of her long-time dedication to the education profession she was selected to be a member of Kappa Delta Pi. Lois loved to travel, and when she wasn't traveling, she was reading about people and other cultures. Lois did have an opportunity to travel to Belize to see her sister and brother-in-law where they were assigned the Peace Corps. She also visited Ireland and Scotland, and traveled with a tour group across twice across the United States. She also went on many trips within the northwest with Road Runner's. Lois was always ready for a new adventure to see new places and meet new people-and no one was ever a stranger to her. Lois loved her family and friends and held them dear to her heart her whole life. She had four children-Milton (Donna) Granlund of Troy; Ray (Faye) Granlund of Huntsville, Alabama; Eric (Nancy) Granlund of Coeur d'Alene; and Joanne (Dave) Clovis of Boise. She also had 6 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her husband Vernon, her son Ray, her sister, Joan Rankin, her brother Don Rankin, and step-sister Myrna Heuett. The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Village and Gentiva Hospice for the love and kindness extended to Lois by their dedicated staff. Lois loved her Good Samaritan home and all it stands for. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Good Samaritan Staff Scholarship Fund at 640 N Eisenhower St, Moscow, ID 83843. Lois also loved her two church families-First United Methodist, in Moscow, and Troy Lutheran Church, in Troy. In lieu of flowers donations may also be sent to either First United Methodist of Moscow at 322 E 3rd St, Moscow, ID 83843 or the Troy Lutheran Church at 3rd and Main, Troy, Idaho 83871 or, the charity of your choice. Services will be held to celebrate Lois' life at 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at Short's Funeral Chapel, 1225 E. 6th St., Moscow, Idaho. Private interment will be at Dry Creek Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow and Condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com