Lois Scherer

Lois Scherer passed away Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 27, 2016 in Fountain View Village, Fountain Hills, in the loving care of family and staff.

She had resided in her home in Fountain Hills for about 25 years after having retired in Maryland and was a great enthusiast for life in the community.

Born in Port Allegany, Pa. on May 26, 1922 to Edith and Lloyd Scherer, Ms. Scherer graduated from Ohio State University with a BA degree in speech and English. She went on to earn a Master’s in speech pathology from Columbia University Teachers College in NYC. She had the distinction of establishing the first speech therapy program in McKean County, Pa. Her professional life was devoted to public school education.

Ms. Scherer was an avid hiker, and she co-edited a book, “Lodgings along the Appalachian Trail,” based on her experiences hiking 500 miles of that trail and other trails in the area.

In Arizona, she volunteered for the Arizona Trail Association, researching and compiling trail guides. Along with hiking, Ms. Scherer enjoyed four-wheeling with friends and family and camping.

She loved to read, and among her favorite books were those having to do with Arizona history and geography as well as Native Americans who are indigenous to the area.

Her home was filled with lovely examples of original Native American art.

Ms. Scherer leaves behind two sons and a daughter; Keith (Lois) Larson of Honesdale, Pa., Douglas (Sandy) Larson of Fountain Hills and Missy (Bob) Putnam of Delavan, Wis.; four grandchildren will remember her fondly, Matthew Larson, Joy Sweeney, Johnmark Larson, and Ethan Larson as well as three great-grandchildren. Her dogs over the years were very special members of her family, providing her with many moments of merriment and companionship.

Ms. Scherer was a beautiful lady both inside and out, very classy and elegant. She taught her family over the years what it means to be kind, generous, loving, and how to enjoy life to the fullest. We will miss her greatly but fond memories will remain.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Thursday, May 12, at 11 a.m. at Messinger Mortuaries at 12065 N. Saguaro Boulevard in Fountain Hills. Doors will be open at 10:30 a.m. before the service for time to view photographs and other reminiscences of the life of Ms. Scherer.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Fedwell Farm Rescue, 381 E Geronimo Way, Cochise, AZ 85606