Obituary of Lois Hasenbalg

Lois Eileen Hasenbalg, 88 of Byers, Colorado, passed away at her home in Byers with her husband and family at her side. Lois was born September 15, 1925 to Orrin Eli Bennett and Hulda Elizabeth (Noah) Bennett in Agate, Colorado. One of three children, Lois grew up south of Agate in Godfrey Gulch, where she attended a one room country school through the 8th grade. Lois graduated from Agate High School in 1943. Lois married Lawrence Hasenbalg in Hugo, Colorado on June 23, 1943 and the couple made their first home outside of Simla, Colorado. Around six years later, she and Lawrence moved to the farm where they would live for over six decades and where they would raise their four children; Arlene, Ron, Tim and Lynne. Lois had always been fully involved with the family farm south of Byers. Before she and Lawrence had automatic milkers for their dairy cows, Lois milked at least nine of the cows twice a day while raising their children. Many years were spent without an inside bathroom, and until the 1950’s, the farm had no electricity. Lois and Lawrence raised chickens for eggs and meat that they sold to customers in Denver. Later they would exchange the chickens for a hog operation. Lois continued to help on the farm even though the kids took on some of the work load. Lois was always willing and eager to get outdoors to work in her garden or to assist Lawrence in the field work. Eventually the hard work would pay off and over the years, the size of the farm increased. Lois often remarked that the first acres they owned were the cheapest and hardest to pay for. Twelve years after Tim was born, to everyone’s surprise, their fourth child, Lynne was born. Many if the close neighbors and friends didn’t even know about the expected baby until she was born. Lois was a regular member of the State Extension Club and for several decades was an active member of the Byers Presbyterian Mariners Group. Later, after the children left home, Lois and Lawrence enjoyed square dancing for many years with the Prairie Stars Square group. The love of her life, however, was her family and home. Lois was happiest surrounded by her children and grandchildren wile cooking the food she raised on the farm that she loved. Family members and friends will miss Lois and her enduring cheerfulness, love, and support. Lois was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers; Maurice and Kenneth Bennett.