Lois Jean Stroud

Lois Jean Stroud, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 19th, 2023, in Independence, MO with her family lovingly by her side. Lois was born December 16th, 1930, to Elmo Richard Saye and Juanita Mae Saye in Chandlerville, Illinois.  Lois was married In 1950 in Overland, Missouri to James Albert Stroud.

In 1995 Lois graduated from Missouri Baptist College, with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at the age of 64.  She enjoyed this tremendously and was very proud of the accomplishment, as was everyone around her.

After a successful career in real estate, Lois worked for House of Lloyd for approximately 25 years.  This included running seasonal Christmas stores known as Santa Surplus.  Anyone within arm's reach was recruited to work in her stores.  She was very successful as a saleswoman and the job allowed her to work out of her home in Troy.  Her achievements in this position were rewarded with travel bonuses.  Lois loved to travel and had been all around the world.  Beyond the dozen or so trips to Hawaii, she saw most of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Switzerland, Italy, England, Portugal, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Turkey, Japan, Brazil, and probably others that we don't remember. During these travels, she made numerous close friends, and they had great times together, with enough stories to fill a book.

As an avid reader, Lois would have to check the cards in the front of the books to see if she had read them already.  She had read most of the library that Troy had to offer.  Some of her favorite books include the Left Behind series, Atlas Shrugged, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Lois loved basketball and looked forward to filling out the NCAA bracket every year.  She was a Mizzou fan and passed away in a pink Mizzou t-shirt.  However, she was always quick to point out that she was rooting for any team that was playing Kansas University (KU).

Before moving to the Kansas City area, Lois was active in her church near Troy. Mill Creek Baptist Church is where her ashes will be placed for final resting.  Lois was a Sunday School teacher here and also created and executed a full evening themed "This Is Your Life" for the beloved pastor, Richard Turnbull.

Lois is survived by her children Kathleen McMillin; David Stroud and wife Julie; Rebecca Wescoat and husband Mike.  Grandchildren:  James McElhaney, Kate Driscoll, Amanda McFadden, Lindsey Stroud, Cameron Wescoat, and Connor Wescoat. Great-Grandchildren: Brandon, Jacob, Emily, Jasmine, Lexa, Lucy, Jude, Xander, Camden, and Carter, as well as, 3 Great, Great-Grandchildren: Leo, Eloise, and Hazel.  She is also survived by her brother Elmo Richard Saye II and his wife, Joan; and nieces and nephew Mitzi, Patrick, and Candice.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, grandchildren Jacob and Connor, and numerous friends.

A special thank you to Independence Manor and Beacon of Hope Hospice who lovingly cared for Lois in her later years.

For those that would like to make a donation in her honor, the family requests that you please donate to your local library to help keep her love of reading alive.