Lois Ann (Fortney) Lambert, 89, left this world peacefully on Thursday, March 24, 2022, in her sleep. She passed away on the same farm she began her married life on seventy-one years ago.

Lois was born June 18, 1932 in Kirksville, Missouri, the daughter of the late Lee Roy and Bessie Mae (Williams) Fortney. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Mark Gray; and four sisters, Isabelle Sanford, Geneva Findling, Dorothy Smith, and Betty Dixon.

Lois was a graduate from Kirksville High School with the Class of 1950. She was united in marriage to Bob Lambert on June 23, 1950 in Kirksville, and they would have been married 72 years in June. They traveled many miles together from Colorado and Wyoming to Texas. They especially loved riding their Honda Goldwing in the mountains of Colorado. Lois clerked and cashiered many auctions beside her husband, Col. Bob Lambert, beginning with household auctions, then Friday Night consignment auctions and finally Monday Night Auto Auctions. In her life on the farm, Lois loved raising flowers, being outdoors, and took great pride in her yard.

Lois and Bob were known as wonderful dancers since they first met. They enjoyed dancing Saturday nights at the V.F.W. and they won many plaques at the Missouri State Fair, Missouri Waltz Dance Contest for the Polka and Jitterbug.

Lois was a born again Christian and her faith was a great comfort to her. She was a member of the New Hope Evangelical Church.

Her family loved her dearly and she will be sadly missed.

Lois is survived by her husband, Bob of the home; her children, Ellen Gray, Lynn (John) Crnic, Mike (Beth) Lambert, and Teresa (Allen) Daniels all of Kirksville, MO; ten grandchildren, Gail (Mike) McGroder, Mindy (Chad) Collins, Marella Gray, Jason (Kris) Crnic, Melanie (Joe) Potaczek, Tony Crnic, Michelle (Jamie) Garr, Mark (Daette) Lambert, Stephanie (Rob) Murrell, and Steven Parry; eighteen great-grandchildren, Brittanie (Dennis) York, Erin McGroder, Megan McGroder, Jaz Jarzewiak, Ian Japetto (Mary Catherine) Jarzewiak, Madsen Miller, Caleb Potaczek, Evan Potaczek, Hogan Lambert, Valen Lambert, Mary Mattie Lambert, Felicity Garr, Sayde Garr, Damon Garr, Emily Murrell, Austin Murrell, Landon Murrell, and Boston Collins; two great great-grandchildren, Ashley York, and Chloe York, as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to noon, with funeral service following in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville. The service will be officiated by her grandson, Dr. Mark M. Lambert. Cremation will follow the service.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Crnic, Tony Crnic, Steven Parry, Mark Lambert, Jaz Jarzewiak, Ian Japetto Jarzewiak, and Madsen Miller.