Lois Jo (née Falkner) Griffith, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, known and cherished for her faithful, forgiving and loving personality, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, at the age of 98. A resident of Naples, Florida at the time of her passing, Lois enjoyed a long and beautiful life, including 65 years of marriage to her beloved husband Dean Griffith. He passed in 2016, aged 89.

Lois Jo Falkner was born on September 8, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frank and Josephine (née Hoffmann) Falkner. From a very young age, Lois lived a life filled with tremendous positivity and compassion towards all those around her. She grew up in Milwaukee and, throughout her childhood, spent winters with her parents in St. Petersburg, Florida. Lois graduated top of her class at Milwaukee’s Washington High School. Though much younger than her brother, Frank D. Falkner, she shared a close, lifelong bond with him and his wife, Verna.

After high school, Lois continued her education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, earning a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Mathematics and Psychology. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated cum laude from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1950. Lois was also a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority and remained in close contact with many of her sisters throughout her life.

Lois met the love of her life, Dean Griffith, on a double date during their freshman year. The two married just five days after graduation on June 17, 1950. They later built a home in Wilmette, Illinois, where they raised their four children and enjoyed a tight knit group of university friends on Chicago’s North Shore. Lois was a nurturing and deeply involved parent, encouraging her children in creative pursuits, independent thinking, and ethical reasoning.

Her marriage to Dean was a testament to their love for one another and an abiding partnership across all aspects of life, including their Christian faith, family business, and many travels and adventures. Lois was a woman of deep faith and lifelong service. She was an active long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Wilmette (1950-2010), where she and Dean taught Sunday school and led numerous adult Bible studies. Along with Dean, she was the co-founder of Christian Laity of Chicago (1968-1996). Lois was also a founder of The Chapel on the Hill in Lake Geneva (1980-present) and a devoted member of The Moorings Presbyterian Church in Naples (2014-present).

From 1970 through 2010, Lois traveled extensively around the world with Dean in support of the family business, developing relationships with employees and customers from Bangkok to Barcelona, Melbourne to Medellin, Toronto to Tokyo, and Sao Paolo to Shanghai.

Together, they were adventurous travelers—In the 1970s, Lois and Dean selected Portugal and St. Barths as their favorite holiday destinations long before they became popular with Americans. They also developed an enduring passion for the natural beauty experienced on their frequent safaris across South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania.

Later in life, Lois and Dean split their time between their primary residence in Naples and their longtime home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where five generations of family have gathered. A dedicated member of the Garden Club of America and contributor to Geneva Lake Conservancy, her homes were filled with flowers throughout the year, reflecting the sunny, positive attitude with which Lois lived her life.

Lois loved golf, and her friends called her “Mighty Mouse” in honor of her driving power. Lois especially loved teaching her children and grandchildren to play cards, board games, billiards and lawn games. Lois will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her life was a rich and beautiful tapestry—woven with faith, family, friendship, and gratitude

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dean Griffith, daughters Lori Griffith Jones and Carol Griffith Solheim, son-in-law Glenn Solheim and her brother Frank D. (Verna) Falkner.

She is survived by her son Scott Griffith, her son Brian Griffith and his wife Susan McKinley Griffith, and son-in-law William Jones. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Bradley Solheim, Juliana (Andrew) MacKinnon, Reid (Alissa) Solheim, Wesley Jones, David Jones, Colin Griffith, Mallory (Brody) Peterson and Lauren Griffith (fiancé Ulrik Cappelen) as well as four great-grandchildren, James and Callum MacKinnon, Eloise and Anja Solheim and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life for Lois in the Summer of 2026. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to make donations in Lois’ memory to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Naples Botanical Gardens, or the Geneva Lake Conservancy. 

Lois will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return. Her life was a rich and beautiful tapestry—woven with faith, family, friendship, and gratitude—and she was profoundly thankful for it.

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Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting the Griffith Family.