Lois LaVon (Anderson) Massa, 87, of Custer, SD, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at Monument Health in Rapid City, SD on February 22, 2026. A woman that embraced all of life’s “adventures”. Lois lived a life dedicated to her Catholic faith, her family, her students and her friends.

Lois was born July 30, 1938, in Madison, SD, to Laurence V. and Irma Belle (Potter) Anderson. She was the first of four children. She attended high school at Orland, SD and college at SDSU in Brookings, SD, graduating in 1960 with her home economics teaching degree and an expert in food preservation. She was a member of the Phi Upsilon Omicron and Sigma Lambda Sigma. She traveled to Sweden as part of I.F.Y.E. She began her teaching career in Winner, SD in the fall of 1960. This is when she met the love of her life, James F. Massa. They were married in Winner on July 14, 1962. They were blessed with three children, James R.; Donald and Leslie. Lois paused her teaching career to concentrate on her family.

James got a job with the Post Office in Custer, SD and the family moved there in December 1972. After years of being “mom” and substitute teaching, Lois returned to teaching home economics in 1978, losing a $1 bet with her dad in the process. She attended many state and national FHA Conventions with her students. She retired from teaching in 1997. During her last years of teaching she began working summers at the National Museum of Woodcarving. She loved visiting tourists and made lifelong friendships with many of the carvers.

Lois spent eight decades crafting and sewing. She was a judge at many 4H achievement days for both arts and crafts and foods and nutrition. She was a passionate quilter which she won many awards for including her quilt “Celtic Wave” which was juried into the WI Public Television Quilt Expo in Madison, WI and won first place at the Black Hills Quilt Show in Rapid City, SD.

Lois’ greatest joy was her family. She loved to share every moment with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She went on countless family excursions. She attended years of sporting events, plays and concerts. “Have Fun”!!

Lois is survived by her husband of 63 years, James F.; her sister, Oriann (Richard) Evans; her brothers, Milt “Mic” (Doris) Anderson; Alan (Marlene) Anderson; her sons, James R. (Kathy) Massa; Donald (Rebecca) Massa; daughter, Leslie (Jeff Bruer) Sutherland; grandchildren, Jessica (Brandon) Pokarney; Michael (Brittany) Massa; Thomas Massa; Carl Massa; Teagan Sutherland; great grandchildren, Caleb; Eleanor; Joshua; Miriam; baby Pokarney due March 26; Sadie and Rowan Massa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurence and Irma and a stillborn son, Thomas John.

Lois chose to continue her teaching by donating her body to the U.S.D. School of Medicine. “Those doctors need to learn”.

At the request of Lois, no services will be held.

Memorials can be made in Lois’ memory to the Black Hills Playhouse, 512 Main Street, Suite 980, Rapid City, SD 57701

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, SD.