Lois Jeanette Voth

A shining light glows brighter still, as Lois Jeanette Voth has gone to be with Jesus, her Maker and Savior who she loved and served these 84 years. She was born December 20, 1941 in Miango, Africa, nearly in the side car of a motorcycle. She miraculously survived encephalitis at birth to go on to live a full life, touching the lives of many around her. She passed peacefully at home early on March 17, 2026, after surviving over 15 months with a brain tumor. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hulda Hiebert, older sister Velora Ciero, and younger brother John Hiebert. She is survived by her beloved husband Delbert Voth, married for 62 years, also by four children, Ken, David, Susan, and Darrel and their families, including 10 grandchildren (one who has passed) and their families, which also includes 14 great grandchildren.

Lois and Del lived in rural Newton, KS for over 50 years. There she was a homemaker and seamstress, then later a missionary back where she was born. They attended Newton Bible Church, and ministered to many there through counseling, teaching Bible classes for South Breeze kids, attending church small groups, and mentoring many young people, becoming like surrogate parents/grandparents to several.

Lois’s family were missionaries with SIM in Nigeria when she was young. She spent her grade school years in a boarding school, living out many adventures as an outgoing “tomboy.” At home she enjoyed playing tag in the trees with her pet monkey Lizzie, or running around with her pet dog and deer. At 13 she and her sister moved in with relatives on the west coast here in the States, while her parents went back to Africa. She survived many traumatic times as they soon had to be on their own and support themselves through high school alone. She attended Moody Bible College, where she met Del. Although their wedding did not go as planned, they were married and lived happily together, becoming models for others. Even later in life, she lived an outgoing and adventuresome life, like when riding with Dave on his motorcycle, or skinning a raccoon, or repelling off Coronado Heights. Her creativity was enjoyed by lots of people, expressed through her sewing, drawing, and painting, as well as music through voice, autoharp, and piano. They loved to sing duets (part of how they met), and were invited to do so at many events. After Del was laid off, they felt God leading them to missions, and spent several years serving at the SIM meeting facility in Miango, Nigeria. After some health issues, they moved to Sebring, FL, and served several more years there. They retired and finally got to be back in their beautiful country home in Newton, KS, and be closer to family.

Lois came to faith at a young age, and her faith in God carried her through a lot of tough times throughout her life. Her life verse was a help to her: Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Through this verse she felt the comfort of God’s unchanging love through the good and bad times. She experienced many uplifting, even miraculous, events through the years, as she witnessed that love in so many circumstances.

The family appreciates so much the love, songs, food, and visits during these last two years, evidence of how Lois’s life touched so many people, not just family. Even her caregivers were quickly friends, enjoying her shining personality.

For those who feel led to honor her memory, in lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to family expenses at the gofundme site: https://gofund.me/35233b09d

Please feel welcome to join us on Friday, March 27 for the memorial service at Newton Bible Church, SE 10th and Old Main in Newton. Slide show accompanied by some of Lois and Del’s recorded music will start at 10:30, service at 11:00, followed by a luncheon and greeting time in the activity center.