Lois Weitzel Emswiler, 87, of Bridgewater, died April 15th, 2024 in Bridgewater, VA. She was born January 4th, 1937 in Van Nuys, CA, the daughter of Henry and Anne (Godde) Weitzel and lived in Virginia since 1987.

She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society, and the Shenandoah County Historical Society.

She is survived by her husband, Robert B. Emswiler, a brother, Verl Weitzel (Marilyn), of Walnut Creek, CA, and sister, Irene Miller, of San Diego, CA. Also surviving are two daughters, Kathy Bennett (Duane) of Staunton, VA and Karen Bailey (Dale) of Buna, TX; four grandchildren, Ellen and Sarah Sides, Blake Nichols (Kasey) and Kendal Smith, and two great granddaughters, Camren and Baylor Nichols, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Norman Weitzel, two sisters, Cecilia Ann Weitzel and Margaret Kageler, and son, Daniel Emswiler.

Lois and Robert were married for 50 wonderful years. While Kathy, Daniel, and Karen’s birth mother was called away to heaven much too young, Lois opened her heart to them and loved them as a mother. That same love and devotion was reciprocated in kind.

Lois loved her family. She helped care for her nieces and nephews and is remembered by many of them as the ‘fun aunt.’ She looked forward to summer visits from the grandkids. She planned family  events such as reunions and various holiday celebrations in their home.

Lois enjoyed traveling. She and Bob traveled together to the 48 lower states as well as Alaska after their retirement.

Lois was active in volunteer activities. Over the years she worked with the girls’ softball league, in her church parish office, and the library at Bridgewater Retirement Community. She volunteered many hours for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society. This led her to doing extensive genealogical work for many branches of her family. She and Bob also documented information for most of the cemeteries in Rockingham county.

The graveside service will be held at the Linville Cemetery on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. and the memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Lantz Chapel, Bridgewater Retirement Community, Bridgewater, VA. These services will be presided over by Reverend Russell Barb. The family will receive guests after the memorial service.

The casket will remain closed, however friends may visit the funeral home to sign the register book on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Linville Cemetery, Attention: Roxanne Emswiler, 7003 Kieffer Road, Singers Glen, Virginia 22850, or to your favorite charity.

All arrangements are entrusted to McMullen Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.