Lois Shimp was born on April 13, 1909 in Searcy County, Arkansas to Elmer & Ida (Baker) Ethridge. She passed from this life on April 29, 2006 in Tulsa, Oklahoma 16 days after her 97th birthday.

Lois was a graduate of Bixby High School and the Northeastern State Teachers College before beginning a long career as an elementary school teacher. She began teaching in the Wehr School in 1929 and taught 4th grade students in the schools of Lone Star, Leonard, Liberty Mounds and Bixby for over 30 years. She was a longtime member of the Bixby First United Methodist Church and a 50 year member of the Eastern Star. When she was not working, she would often use her talents by quilting and doing embroidery.

She is survived by 1 daughter; Patricia Kelly and husband Ted, of Bixby, 1 brother; Basil Ethridge of Bixby, 4 grandchildren; Kathy Hodges, K'Jela Bolton, Linda Vance Small & Brenda Renegar Evans, 7 great-grandchildren; Jared Bolton, Jonathon Bolton, Michael Taylor, Sasha Beard, Charlescee Small, Amanda Renegar & Corey Renegar and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 husbands; Henry Marvin Vance and T.J. Shimp, 1 son; James Henry Vance and 6 siblings; Cleora Hendrix, Clara Hensley-Alexander, Ruby Henderson, Lawrence, Silas and Frank Ethridge.

Honorary casket bearers were Charley Ethridge, Tom Ethridge, Joe Ethridge, Don Henderson, Ed Henderson & Bob Henderson. Music was provided by Michael Shimp, Simone Mullinax & Cynthia Foster.

Memorials should be directed to the Bixby Educational Endowment Foundation or to a charity of choice.