Lois Louise Roberts Givler

Lois Louise Roberts Givler, of deep Farmington roots, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Lois was born on November 29, 1924, in a cold, one room, lean-to-shack on the family homestead located about 20 miles southwest of Cuba, New Mexico. Her father, Raymond "Shorty" House, was listed as the attending physician on her birth certificate due to no sober doctor being available in Cuba that night. Lois' mother, Winsome "Winnie" McArtor House, had to hold a blanket over her baby's head to shield her from snow blowing through the shack's chinking.

In 1925, baby Lois, her parents, and her siblings, moved from the Cuba homestead to Farmington. Throughout childhood, Lois enjoyed solo hiking, exploring in the hills and along the rivers of Farmington. She took pride in calling herself a "tomboy", and she most certainly possessed a free and strong spirit from a young age until her passing. Starting at age 13, she played on a local women's softball team named Harry's Girls. Thirteen players and two coaches drove all the way to Detroit, Michigan, packed into two cars to play in a national tournament in the late 1930's.

As a teenager, Lois met Austin Roberts from Albuquerque, whom she dated in the summers until her graduation from Farmington High School in 1941. After graduating, Lois followed Austin to California, where he was training as a Naval pilot near San Francisco. They married on June 19, 1942. In California, while Austin was away at war, Lois worked in a factory to support the war effort-in the same vein as Rosie the Riveter.

After Austin's service to the Navy, the couple returned to Farmington, where their first child, Marsha, was born in 1945. Later, arrived son Rob in 1948, followed by son Randy in 1951. Shortly after Randy's birth, Lois and her family moved to Albuquerque, where they lived for five years while Austin attended the University of New Mexico, earning his undergraduate and law degrees. The family returned to Farmington after living in Santa Fe for two years. Lois devoted herself to community service while supporting Austin's law career and the family as a homemaker. In 1960, Lois gave birth to her fourth and final child, Rick.

Austin and Lois were married for 41 years until his death in 1983. Several years later, Lois was fortunate to find love again with George Givler, who had moved to Farmington from Nebraska. Lois and George married and shared a wonderful life together until his death in 2000.

With both Austin and George, as well as family and friends, Lois enjoyed several decades of memorable gatherings at her cabin in Vallecito, Colorado. She especially loved relaxing on the cabin's back deck listening to the stream, watching wildlife, and connecting and laughing with loved ones.

Lois was a truly remarkable mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many people during her long life. She was the glue and the rock of her family. Lois' wonderful sense of humor meant so much to everyone, and her unique ability to laugh at herself taught us all a very valuable life lesson. Her love for her family, and her family's love for her, knew no bounds.

Lois was active in and philanthropic towards many community organizations, including PEO, San Juan College Foundation, San Juan Regional Medical Center, UNM, San Juan Historical Society, Farmington Museum, the Democratic Party, and others. She loved to be with people and help others in need.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents, six siblings, husband Austin, 2nd husband George, and son Rick. She is survived by her daughter, Marsha Daly; son Rob and his wife Carole; son Randy and his wife Joan; Rick's wife Dacia; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; Gayle Dean, Budge Givler, and the extended George Givler family. She will be missed so much by all of the family and those who knew and loved her. What a wonderful lady.

The family extends their gratitude to the caring staff members at SJRMC for their empathy and professional excellence.

A celebration of Lois' life will occur on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 11:00 am at the first Presbyterian Church in Farmington, NM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Austin and Lois Roberts Memorial Scholarship at the San Juan College Foundation. Ways to give:

Online www.sjcfoundation.org

By mail: SJCF, Austin & Lois Memorial Scholarship, 4601 College Blvd, Farmington, NM. 87402

By Phone: 505-566-3204