Today, we celebrate the life of Lois Ann Lurz (Hamilton). Lois was born on January 11, 1941, to Ivan Donald Hamilton and Rheba Dorothy Millard Hamilton in her hometown of Springview, Nebraska and she passed away October 26, 2025 in Hot Springs, South Dakota.  She grew up on the family farm, where she lived, worked, and played while attending school in the Keya Paha County School District, graduating in 1959.

Shortly after graduation, Lois relocated to Kadoka, South Dakota, where she worked at Jeff's, a restaurant owned by her aunt and uncle, Max and Marge Jeffords. This experience began a lifelong commitment to service which is something that became a hallmark of Lois's character.

In 1959, Lois married Keith Patterson while living in Kadoka. Together, they owned and managed Camp Joy, a set of travelers' cabins, and welcomed three children: William John, Jeri Ann, and Barbara Lynn. The family later relocated to the Woody Creek, Colorado, area, where they lived for several years.

Lois eventually returned to Kadoka, resuming work at Jeff's Restaurant. Her leadership and passion for helping others continued to shine. In time, she met George Albert Lurz, whom she married in 1966. This union was blessed with two more children, Joey Lee and Troy Don Lurz.

Later, Lois moved to Martin, South Dakota, where she embarked on the career that would define the next 45 years of her life. She began working for the South Dakota Department of Social Services, initially as a stenographer before advancing to a case manager role. Through her compassion, dedication, and strong work ethic, Lois influenced countless lives and became known for her deep passion for the people she served. She officially retired from the Department—twice—with her final retirement taking place in June 2015.

Lois loved her family deeply and was devoted to improving the lives of everyone she met. Her faith and spirituality played a central role in her life. She was devoted to her Savior and cherished attending church services, where she found joy in hearing the Word and the many ways it was shared by her pastors.

Lois was preceded in death by her father, Ivan Donald; mother, Rheba Dorothy; Stepmother Alma Hamilton, brother, Lyle Dean; sister, Lola; daughter, Jeri Ann; and former husbands, Keith Patterson and George Lurz.

She leaves behind a host of family and friends who have all been touched by her kindness and generosity. Her children, William (Bill) Patterson of Whitewater, Colorado; Barbara Plooster of Hot Springs, South Dakota; Joe Lurz of Hot Springs, South Dakota; and Troy Lurz of Waverly, Nebraska, sisters and brother; Lila Whidby, Kadoka, South Dakota, Cheryl Cressy, Sioux Falls South Dakota, Donna Hamilton, Minnesota, Lela Hamilton, Sioux Falls South Dakota, Leta Kaye, South Carolina and Nathan Hamilton, Sioux Falls, South Dakota who wish to thank everyone for celebrating the life of their amazing mother and sister, Lois Ann Lurz.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 31, 2025, at Hot Springs Wesleyan Church in Hot Springs, South Dakota.  Committal service will be held later in Martin, South Dakota.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, South Dakota.