Lois M. Miron

Lois Marie (Elliott) Miron, 90 Former Republic resident Lois Marie Miron (90) died November 28, 2021, at Evergreen Meadows in Norway, Michigan, from complications due to Parkinson’s Disease. She followed her sweetheart, Harry, who had passed five months earlier. Lois’s final visitors remarked that as they entered her room, Donna Fargo’s 1972 classic, “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” was playing on a radio, a fitting song to honor a wife ready to join her recently departed husband. Mrs. Miron was born on January 30, 1931, in Breitung Township, Michigan, to Homer Elliott and Cecilia Roth. A 1949 graduate of Kingsford High School, Lois caught the eye of Harry Miron, a local ski jumper and lift operator. They married in 1951, after a courtship spent sharing their love for the outdoors, especially skiing, skating and snowshoeing. Setting up house in a series of mining towns in both Idaho and northern Michigan, Lois mothered eight children before she and Harry settled down in North Republic, buying and renovating an old church, the only structure big enough to house their family. Her brood expanded to nine with the birth of Republic’s Centennial Baby, Daniel. Years later, she and Harry bought “The Farm,” 203 acres on Capp’s Creek just out of town, and together they spent years renovating and expanding their family retreat, welcoming friends, family, and complete strangers for decades. Wife, involved parent, educator, school board member, church and community volunteer, Lois epitomized the do-it-yourself civic involvement that distinguished her as a child of the Depression. Bold and inventive, she was a resourceful homemaker who did it all well, whether it be hanging a window, or sewing her children’s clothes. Her eye for detail and unique sense of style are evident in her designs and decorations. She loved music and often sang as she worked, much to the delight of her family. Lois was an accomplished cook and prolific baker; Harry never ate a slice of store-bought bread in his married life. She was an entertaining conversationalist and card player, and she enjoyed the close company of her sisters. For years, she was the voice of The West End Report on WUPY’s The Saturday Show, a live radio broadcast featuring news and events from the Republic area. A fearless woman, Lois didn’t worry about things she couldn’t change. Instead, she believed we get what we expect, so we must be brave and raise our expectations. After retiring, Lois and Harry surprised everyone by traveling extensively and spending many winters in Guatemala, Mexico and Arizona, befriending locals and renovating several houses before returning to Republic. Beloved for her generosity and spirited, fearless positivity, Lois will be dearly missed. She is survived by her sister, Jeanne Anderson, and 9 devoted children: James, Jacqueline, Mary, Michael, Jeanne Anne, Joseph, Sharon, Teresa, and Daniel, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, along with a host of friends. A special thank you to Jason Sirtola for saving Lois’s life on the river all those years ago. It has made a positive difference in this world. Also, a sincere thank you to the staff at Evergreen Meadows. Your love and devotion to Harry and Lois were priceless. They raved about you. There will be no public funeral service, but a memorial is planned for next summer in Republic, Michigan. Condolences to the family can be forwarded to Jeanne Mathews, 7524 Oak Dr., Republic, MI 49879. In Lois’s memory, donations to the Republic Heritage Garden, 464 Kloman Avenue, Republic, Michigan, 49879, will be appreciated. The Garden reflects Lois and Harry’s lifelong love of nature, community, and the Republic townspeople. We invite you to visit when the spring bulbs bloom. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Lois Marie (Elliott) Miron online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the funeral arrangements.

Lois M. Miron

January 30, 1931 - November 28, 2021