Lois Arlene Heikes, 80, of Canon City, Colorado, daughter of George and Cecil Slankard was born on July 30, 1937 in Greenwood Community (Ottawa), Kansas and passed away at home on August 8, 2017.  She married Walter Heikes on August 29, 1981 in South Fork, Colorado.  Walt went on ahead to hold open the door to Heaven for Lois.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters Opal Louise; and Beverly McCurdy of Lawrence, Kansas; brothers Glenn of Hartsel, Colorado; Robert of Lawrence, Kansas; Max of Nashville, Tennessee; stepson Kenneth of LaVeta; and granddaughter Lorna Franke of Creede.  Survivors include her brother Rex of Eudora, Kansas; daughters Cindy Franke of Vancouver, Washington; Lisa Petty of Canon City; sons Paul Franke of Fairbanks, Alaska; Craig Franke of Skagway, Alaska; eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Lois majored in music in college but interrupted her studies to raise her family.  She was a pioneer in the Boy Scouts as the first woman Boy Scout Pack Leader.  She worked as a bookkeeper early in her career, eventually retiring in 2002 as a manager with over 25 years with Department of Social Services. Lois was a pianist with a great love of music.  She played piano for church services in South Fork, Colorado for many years and she loved listening to Elvis Presley.

Though no public service will be conducted per Lois' wishes, remembrances can be made through donations to Sangre de Cristo Hospice and Palliative Care in Canon City, Colorado.