Lois Rivers

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Lois Ruth Rivers, age 87, of Joplin, passed away on Friday December 23, 2016 at Quaker Hill Manor in Baxter Springs, Ks., following an illness.

Lois was born on April 4, 1929 in Joplin, the daughter of the late Erle Woodworth and Lois (Lambert) Woodworth. She has been a lifetime area resident. She was a Group Manager of Operator Services for Southwestern Bell Telephone. She was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Church. She was also a member of St. Peter’s Alter Society, Soroptimist Club of Joplin, and the Pioneers Club. Lois spent many years as a caregiver to family members. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they loved her chocolate malts, Schwans chicken patties, sleeping pallets on the floor and many poolside hours. Mamaw was the Best!!!

She married Doris Raymond Rivers on July 18, 1947 in Joplin. He preceded her in death on December 12, 1996. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Woodworth and Charles Woodworth; one sister, Linda Woodworth; and one great-grandson, Ethan Rivers.

Lois is survived by one son, Michael Rivers and wife Renee, Joplin; two daughters, Terri Frey and wife Kris, Duenweg, Mo., and Tina Giebel and husband Michael, Joplin; one brother, Raymond Woodworth and wife Sharon, Joplin; one sister, Judith Kohler and husband Chuck, Concord, Ca.; eleven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Peter The Apostle Church. Reverend J. Friedel will officiate. Cremation will follow services. The pallbearers will be Jeremy Cravens, Justin Cravens, Jason Cravens, Ryan Rivers, Christopher Pena, Matthew Frey, and Jared Frey.
A Rosary Service will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday with a visitation from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be given to Joplin Area Catholic Schools in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.