Longtime Lima resident, Lois Holstine Rubens died peacefully in her sleep at home early March 23, 2022. Lois was born April17, 1927 in Lima to Sylvan and Harriet Holstine. On September 3rd, 1950 she married Burton “Burt” J. Rubens who preceded her in death on March 26, 2001. Also preceding her in death was her brother, Philip M. (Buddy) Holstine.

Graduating with honors from the University of Illinois in 1943, Lois went on to earn a Masters degree in Counseling from Bowling Green State University.

Surviving Lois are her two sons Jeff (Linda) Rubens of Princeton, NJ and Craig (Adrienne) Rubens of Lyons, CO. Grandchildren are Kopavi, Seren, Jamie and Caeli, and great-grandchildren, Blaire, Reese, Kaleah and Lucas.

From an early age, Lois loved connecting with both people and animals. Involved in Allen County “Common Threads”, she worked to bring together people of different backgrounds & color. She was a visionary and early advocate for civil rights, striving to build diversity and inclusivity within the community. Lois was instrumental in the formation of Allen County Lima Leadership program, and continued her involvement right up to her death.

Lois worked at Lima Technical College (now called Rhodes Community College) as a counselor, helping form new programs. She educated women on financial responsibility when women were first allowed to have their own credit card. Later she worked at OSU Lima campus, working with divorced women, widows, and rural citizens in the program “Where Do I Go from Here”. Through the YWCA, Lois developed and facilitated a series of sessions for grieving family members.

Lois was a volunteer and board member at the Cerebral Palsy Clinic at Lima Memorial Hospital, where she later became a trustee. She was a patron member of ArtSpace Lima, and actively supported the Veterans Memorial Civic Center, Humane Society and Equestrian Therapy Program. Both Lois and Burt established a grant for Parkinson’s Disease Research at OSU.

Throughout her life, Lois was an active congregant and Board Member of Temple Beth Israel-Shaare Zedek. She enjoyed showing her dogs in obedience and conformation. She was an avid tennis player and remained physically active until her death.

Her service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the Shawnee Chapel of Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services with Rabbi Jonathan Jackson officiating. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Allen County Lima Leadership Program, Equestrian Therapy Program or Allen County Humane Society.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.