Lois Joan (Starost) Baumgartner, 91, died Sunday May 12 at home in Fort Wayne, IN. Lois was the daughter of Charles and Agnes Starost who preceded her in death. Lois met Jack Baumgartner while in high school and they married in 1951; Jack preceded Lois in death.

Lois is survived by her five children, Denny (Patty) Baumgartner, Teri Baumgartner, Gary (Stacey) Baumgartner and Tina Lombardo, all of Fort Wayne, and Jeffrey Baumgartner, Michigan City, IN. Lois' family was precious to her with nine grandchildren, Curt, Christy, Dominic, Salvatore, Giavonna, Cassandra, Kara, Kailyn and Keirsten. They in turn blessed Lois with 12 great-grandchildren (Chloe, Max, Elizabeth, Jack, Leo, Luca, Lincoln, Mary, Patrick, Mason, Lucas and Riley). She is also survived by her sister, Betty Jehl, and her cherished friends Janii and David Heyn.

Lois was preceded in death by her brothers Richard Starost and James Starost and her sister Eileen Zurbach and Lois' lifelong friend, traveling partner and gambling cohort Sally (Norb) Harber.

Lois raised her children during their early years then went to work at JC Penney Co. as a part-time Christmas help associate. She loved working in retail and made a successful long career with the company ultimately retiring from management as a Senior Mass Merchandiser in one of JC Penney's largest stores in the chain at Glenbrook Mall.

Lois was known for her warm heart, generosity and unwavering support for her family and community. In retirement her passion for decorating and "sparkling" anything that moved brought joy to many and she was always ready with a helping hand and a kind word.

While her health was failing over the past years she was still ready for a card game with anyone who would play and was always a pillar of strength and source of endless love. She will be missed by all her family and friends who can take comfort that her earthly suffering has ended. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on through the many lives she touched.

Always strong in her Catholic faith, Lois had requested a simple memorial Mass to commemorate her life which will be held at St Vincent Catholic Church on Tuesday May 21 at 10:30 am. The family will be there for visitors from 10:00 to 10:30 am in the church vestibule. Lois' cremated remains will be interred at the gravesite following the Mass. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made as masses to the church or to the giver's favorite charity.