Tehachapi News

Lois Elaine Coltzau

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Lois Elaine Coltzau passed away peacefully on June 21, 2009. She left this life listening to the whispered encouragements of family at her bedside and by those greeting her on the other side.

She was born on Jan. 9, 1925 in Clarks, Nebraska to Louis and Lillian Prouty. During WWII, she was a teenager when her family traveled by train to Los Angeles to find work. She graduated from Venice High School in 1943 and eventually worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” for various aircraft companies. She met and married her first husband Ralph “Johnny” Johnson in 1944 and had three children. In 1956 she married Lee Sorrells and had two more children. Finally, in 1963, she married Alvin Coltzau and they had 43 happy and busy years together living in the Antelope Valley until his passing two years to the day in 2007.

For 30 years Lois loved her work waitressing in Las Vegas, L.A. and the Antelope Valley. She and her husband Al owned the Ponderosa Tavern and Picnic grounds located at the family ranch on the Eastside of Lancaster. They were very active in the A.V. Antique Car Club and the Elks Motorcycle Club. Mom was loved by most people who knew her because of her sweet and loving personality as well as her great sense of humor. She was famous for her homemade pies and fudge. She welcomed every new person to the family with a warm hug and smile. She was a beautiful person on the inside and on the outside, winning Miss Southern California Motorcyclist in 1951.

Lois was preceded in death by her father and mother, brothers Bud and Don, twin sisters Pauline and Maxine and sister-in-law Blanche Prouty. She is survived by her loving children Ron Johnson (Toni), Randy (Jean) Johnson, Shelley Dennis, Laura Watters, Jackie (Bill) Stewart, grandchildren Troy, Lindy, Tina, Deana, Heidi, Jason, Alex, Becky, Crystal, Sandy, Alina, Anthony, Ashley, Katie and Sarah; 14 great-grandchildren, Sisters-in-Law Cathy Prouty and Betty Spotts, and several nieces and nephews. Mom, Grandma - We miss your sweet smile and unconditional love. The family would like to thank the caring nurses in the ICU at San Joaquin Hospital and especially Dr. Maranda of Kaiser for the wonderful care Mom received during her last days. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 29 at 12:30 at Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster.