Lois M. Carder, 78, Valley Falls, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, at Village Villa at Nortonville.
She was born Feb. 8, 1930, at Pratt, the daughter of Steve and Jane Wood Hale. She graduated from Hays High School and attended Fort Hays State College. She later received Bachelor's of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Washburn University.
Lois taught instrumental and vocal music at Hoxie, Garden City, Topeka and Valley Falls. She was a member of KNEA, the Vallerian Club in Valley Falls and rode with the Touring Bikes of Kansas. As a member of the First Christian Church in Valley Falls, she was active in the church's music program.
She married Don Carder on July 29, 1951, at Hoxie. He survives. She was preceded in death by a son, Dale Edward Carder, on May 26, 1955, and a sister, Stevie Jones.
Survivors include three sons, Dr. Darrell Eugene (Gail) Carder, Holton, Dee Edward (Charridy) Carder, Bacliff, TX, and Doran Earl (Rhonda) Carder, Peoria, AZ; a daughter, Donetta Elaine (Dr. Stan) Farr, Valley Falls; three sisters, Phyllis Raible, Kansas City, MO, Louise Busch, Salina, and Susan Batson, McPherson; eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at the First Christian Church in Valley Falls. Burial will be at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:30-6:00 p.m., Sunday, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church or to Jefferson County Hospice and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, 810 Broadway, Valley Falls, KS 66088.
Online condolences are at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com