Your lovely smile was all I needed to complete my day...or your phone calls when you shared your prayers with me. From the moment I met you I knew that you were a very special person and your smile told the world that you had love and friendship to share. You cared so much for others and your hugs were reassuring that all would be well in the world. You were born on this earth to provide love and you will always be remembered with love. Thank you Lois for sharing your love.

Posted by Lynn Ward on May 27, 2018

I had to take a moment when I heard my dear friend and my grandmother figure for several years while I worked at NICWA had passed on, I would think of her from time and time and send a little prayer her way. <3 She was my first friend at NICWA (this was at the original location) and honestly I didn't know too many people in the city having just moved from Albuquerque - it was culture shock so I felt blessed to be able to work for our people and be surrounded by them daily <3. I got hired shortly before my birthday and came to work that day. It came to be about lunch time and I was like ok what am I going to do? Not really knowing the area and at the time not having any cash I bump into Lois, as soon as I her it was my birthday she reached in her pocket and gave me some money and said "Here honey, go get some lunch on me" you will never know how much that meant to me but it just made my day and from then on she was by far one of my most favorite people. She was always that happy person that greeted you everyday and somedays I just needed it - she must have seen it <3 I keep thinking about that time during the holidays I remember she asked me "Honey, do you want to trim the tree" me just thinking ok we gotta straitin' up this tree, grabbed my handy office scissors to do work. I didn't know where Lois went so I got to work, it was difficult cutting branches and the tree actually looked good so I just cut a lil off the top and went around and chopped here and there, branches were laying about. A few minutes later Lois pops up around the corner with a box of decorations, I say "Ok, all done trimming the tree" and she just busts out laughing I mean like crying laughing and starts telling everyone how I "trimmed the tree," well it's not like us youngster think - trimming is actually decorating LMAO I can still see her just laughing and laughing. I loved her so much, she meant a lot to me because just seeing her would make my day that much brighter. She always called us her light, but she was ours. I feel blessed to have had her in my life while at NICWA. I love you Lois Chilcott, always and forever. Love and prayers to all <3

Posted by Shannon Dawn Romero on May 26, 2018

I’ve never had the pleasure to personally meet Lois, but through her son, Ryan, and his loving sentiments throughout the years about his mom it is clear she was an incredible woman. She had to be to raise such a warm, kind, and loving son as Ryan. She was fortunate to have a devoted and loving son like you. Being a mom myself, I could see the love and devotion you had for your mom and know that you must've given her great joy and comfort; She was blessed. May all the memories of the time you spent with her give you comfort and joy as you grieve and navigate through life without your mama's presence here on earth. "There is no death, only a change of worlds" - Chief Seattle To Ryan and all of Lois' loved ones, my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your beloved mother, grandmother, and friend.

Posted by Regan Reichle on May 26, 2018

This was the friendly, sweet face that greeted me nearly every morning for 6 years when I walked into the office at National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA). We were often the first to arrive, and we'd take that time to settle ourselves, get ready for the day and chat one-on-one. She would play Slingo on her computer in between her daily tasks (I could hear coins drop when she won). That time with her was a huge gift...I knew it then, and I know it now. Later, after NICWA, I invited to her join the Native American Youth and Family Center board as our "elder." She served proudly with vision, kindness and an unwavering commitment to our community's youth, families and elders. She opened our meetings with a prayer. Since leaving NAYA, I'd see Grandma Lois at least a few times a year and talk with her on the phone a few more times. She was unconditionally supportive. I miss her dearly.

Posted by Matt Morton on May 25, 2018

Dearest Mama Lady, our Grandma Lois, we are sad without you, but are grateful you are in peace. Thank you for all your love and your teachings. We will cherish every beautiful memory of you, as you were such an important part of our lives. Thank you. We miss you. We will always honor you. Woplia Cante Waste' Win.

Posted by Sande Bea on May 25, 2018

Its difficult to find adequate words befitting a tribute to this extraordinary woman, human being, Native American elder and role model. Grandma Lois, as she liked to be called, embodied love, joy, humor, generosity, humility and wisdom. She was my dear friend, teacher and mentor as she was for so many both Native and non-Native alike. She embodied selflessness being always concerned more for the needs and wishes of others than her own needs and wishes. And oh, how she loved to play Bingo whenever she got the chance! I hope someday we will sit together again and talk, and laugh and tell stories. Until then Lois' spirit will be with me, and I know, with so many, many others her loved her and valued her presence and smile in their lives. Until we meet again, dearest friend.

Posted by Mary Zodrow on May 25, 2018

My dearest Grandmother. I have so many wonderful memories of you & those are the ones I will forever cherish. Thanksgiving will never be the same, nor going bingo, or playing Yahtzee, as you called yourself, Lady From Decatur! You had such a warm heart, with an infectious laugh & quite the sense of humor! I will miss picking you up from the airport when you would come visit & all your great-grandaughters loved their "Indian Grandma"! You are forever loved & will always be missed. Love, always & forever, your Cecilia Jane ?

Posted by Ceci LeBlanc Harper on May 25, 2018

May 24, 2018 To the family of Lois Chilcott… Hello, my name is Leah Tom and I knew Lois when she worked at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Portland, Oregon. I worked in the office of Enrollment located in what was then Tribal Operations. Lois transferred from the Bureau's Aberdeen Area Office and came to a newly created position (Enrollment Officer) at the Portland Area Office. She arrived, a single mother with two small boys and her father, anxious to begin a new life in a place far away from where she was accustomed. But she looked forward to establishing new roots and new challenges. I met her boys and father shortly after she started work. I will always remember stepping up to the car where they were and started visiting with her father. All of a sudden there began a commotion in the back seat where Ronnie and Ryan started wrestling I am sure to get attention. Lois’s father turned around and gave “that look” to the boys when they stopped suddenly and sat still like perfect angels while their grandfather and I continued to visit. Over the years I would hear stories about her boys that would have me in stitches but also knowing how proud she was of them and how much she loved and valued them. One of Lois’s first challenges as Enrollment Officer was to take charge of updating a membership roll of members for the Siletz Tribes that had just received restoration of federal recognition which deemed them eligible for services from the federal government. The Tribes had been terminated from being eligible for services since 1954. So the task of updating a roll from 1954 to 1978 was a daunting one. I was assigned to assist Lois so saw firsthand how this amazing woman prepared a plan and then proceeded to carry it out. She successfully created an updated list of members so that the Tribes could proceed with other required steps in their restoration process. Lois quickly learned that living in Oregon was going to be expensive. It wasn’t long before she took a second job as a waitress at a local restaurant. Then, beyond that, she would wake at 4:00am to make fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls to sell. Oh, my goodness, to this day I have never tasted a better cinnamon roll. Her work ethics were unparalleled. I learned so much from a woman who was so knowledgeable about work, living and life. I eventually took another position within the government system and moved away to raise my own family and start a new life in another location. I lost contact with Lois but would hear about her through friends and my husband, Bob, who would see her at local pow-wows in the Portland area. I never forgot the woman whom I admired so much and was so grateful for having in my life. My husband, who was the General Manager at the time of the Siletz Tribe’s restoration, appreciated Lois’s tireless effort and assistance. He and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lois will remain in our hearts and minds forever. Sincerely… Leah Tom

Posted by Leah Tom on May 25, 2018

Sister-friend Lois, your presence surrounds us! Thank you for your quick smile, your co tagious giggle, the twinkle in your eyes, and the heart that had room for everyone. Your devotion to others, especially children was noticed and respected. Your are forever honored in our hearts. Thank you for blessing us with your life.

Posted by Vickie Oana on May 25, 2018

Dear Grandma Lois, It seems just like yesterday ... I was a young girl bringing you water and serving the other elders ... quilting ...shawl fringing ... sewing ... your uears of mentoring youth in the comminity ... "Community Gramma" ... Kateri Circle ... Native People's Circle of Hope ... memories of you and my mom (thank you for helping with my mom's memorial) ... your homemade berry cobbler ... your precious little house with your dog and cats and your sewing projects ... your cute little chair ... I wasn't ready for you to go ... I wanted more time with you ... you did so much for so many ... We are all better for having had you in our lives ... Love you. Love you so very much.

Posted by Andrea Robideau on May 25, 2018

Hello Mom, this is your son Ryan. Though you are no longer here I still feel you all around me, and although it hurts to miss you so much, I know that we are connected by love forever. Thank you for all the examples you have given me of how to be a loving and kind person. I am already reflecting on many of the ways you demonstrated your gifts with the hope that I will be more like you. Most of all, thank you for choosing me to be your guardian right until you closed your eyes for the last time and felt my kiss on your beautiful face. You live in my heart always. When my body is laid to rest, you will join me, along with my beloved partner and all the kitties, etc, and we will return to Mother Earth, and dwell in the Mansion our Heavenly Father has prepared for us. Just like we talked about.

Posted by Ryan Hartman on May 24, 2018

Beautiful Lois, dear friend and Elder, may your journey to the arms of Jesus be safe and secure. Enjoy the mansion He has prepared for you -- you will love the purple decor and the sound and smell of the ocean, the beautiful flowers, birds, and butterflies in your garden. 🙂 Thank you for your love, your wisdom, all the stories you shared, playing hookie to go get ice cream cones -- and your beautiful smile. "Come thou good and faithful servant and enter into the rest of your Master." Aho.

Posted by Beth Fleisher on May 24, 2018