Obituary of Lois Lillian HERTZSPRUNG

March 25, 1933 -Three Hills, Alberta
July 23, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Lois Hertzsprung, beloved wife of Ralph Hertzsprung of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at the age of 87 years.

Lois Lillian Reed was born in Three Hills on March 25, 1933, the seventh of Francis and Ella Reed’s twelve children. She grew up on their farm, affectionately named “Frog Hollow”, on the Morrin-Hanna Road southeast of Three Hills. The farm was located in the “hail belt”, and crops were often damaged. But, in spite of economic hardship, the family was a happy one. Francis and Ella were firm believers, and the Reed children were brought up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Music was a big part of family life. Francis played the violin, several of the girls played the piano, and everyone sang together. Lois attended the Sarcee Butte School for her first years, finishing her education at Prairie High School in Three Hills. 

Lois moved to Calgary to attend Henderson Secretarial School, learning the typing and shorthand skills that later proved so useful as she served in missions and church work. She also took classes at Berean Bible College.  It was at the Manchester Gospel Tabernacle in Calgary that she met Ralph Hertzsprung. They were married on May 7, 1955. Together they felt God calling them to get involved full-time in missions. They joined The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) and went to India in 1960. After studying the Marathi language during their first months in the country, they moved on to fill a variety of roles in education, administration and leadership. Lois was gifted in homemaking, building friendships, providing hospitality, teaching children’s Bible classes, and supporting Ralph in his leadership positions. It was an unusual blessing for both husband and wife to spend their entire life in complementary ministry together. Lois had a true servant’s heart, a gift for working quietly behind the scenes, and a regular devotional and prayer life. 

Two daughters, Colleen and Valerie, joined their family while still in Canada, and then a son, Evan, while in India. According to the custom of that time, the children attended boarding schools. Lois said years later that she never got used to sending them away, and they remember her quiet tears when goodbyes had to be said. But she was a faithful correspondent, typing hundreds of letters to the children over the boarding school years and then as they moved on into adult life. Holidays were always a fun time, with picnics, special celebrations of birthdays and Christmas, and trips to the hills in the hot season.

The last fourteen years of Ralph and Lois’ India ministry were devoted to church planting in the city of Bombay (now Mumbai). With great courage, Lois adapted to life in that crowded, noisy mega-city. Her home was always open for Bible studies, worship services, and meals with friends. Special friendships were built during those years which have lasted till the present time. Lois and Ralph together helped establish the Open Bible Fellowship, both the English and Marathi congregations. 

In 1990 Ralph and Lois returned to Canada to help support Ralph’s mother in her elderly years. They ministered at the First Evangelical Free Church on Elbow Drive, in the Hope For Life congregation in SW Calgary, and in the Chinese Evangelical Free Church. Lois remained committed to the global mission of the Church through her prayers and giving. It always made her happy when she had extra funds which she could send to her missionary friends. Lois died peacefully on July 23, 2020, going to be with the Lord she had served for so many years.

Lois loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They knew her as Grandma or Lola. The whole family will miss her!  

Lois is survived by her husband of sixty-five years Ralph, her daughters, Colleen (Ian) Charter, and Val (Neil) Carleton; son Evan (Meyen) Hertzsprung; grandchildren, Emily Charter (Noah Sommerfeld) and Richard Charter, Erin (Jordan) Lamoureux, Liam (Jess) Hertzsprung, and Alys Hertzsprung; and great-grandchildren, Charis, Shad, Annabelle, Emmett, and Ira. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Eleanor, Kathleen, Grace, June, and Lorraine; brother Hugh, and a host of Reed nephews, nieces and extended family members.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to The Evangelical Alliance Mission of Canada, #372-16 Midlake Blvd SE, Calgary, AB T2X 2X7.  Ph: (800) 295-4160,  https://team.org/. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Lois’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Lois Hertsprung, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.