Lois Lawson Belden

Lois Lawson Belden, born on July 27, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her place of residence on July 22, 2026, just shy of her 101st birthday. Lois was a beacon of strength, warmth, and compassion, whose life served as a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. She was the daughter of Frank and Clara Lawson. Lois was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bernard Belden, her brother Frank Lawson, and her parents. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving family: her devoted children, Julie Davis (Gary), Mark Belden (Laura), and Tim Belden, along with her treasured grandchildren, Glynn, John, James, Claire, and Kelsey, her nephew Frank Lawson, and great-grandchildren Sophie, Tiernan, Josie, Cooper and Rosie who brought joy to her life. Lois's childhood was marked by close ties to a large Swedish conclave of cousins, aunts and uncles that got together frequently for birthdays, holidays and general socialization. She often said her cousin Gladys was her best friend. She loved enjoyed playing sports and games in the neighborhood and loved to read, spending hours in the public library going and returning home on her own. She was raised by her mother Clara and who had to work very hard and long hours to support Lois and her brother Frank. This led Lois to establish an independent and self-reliant character. Lois met a young Navy Ensign, Bernard at a USO dance on the Navy Pier in Chicago and a budding romance began. After Bernard returned from his deployment in the Pacific Theater of WWII, Lois and Bernard were married on September 28, 1946, at the Luther Memorial Church in Chicago, Illinois. This marked the beginning of a loving partnership that would last until Bernard's passing in 2003. Together, they built a life filled with warmth and adventure, marked by family trips across the country and cherished days at their lake cabin. Lois and Bernard lived in New York after their marriage as Bernard completed his Masters and PhD degrees and then moved to Chico, California where he taught at Chico State University (1953-1958). While there, they welcomed two children into the world, Julie and Mark. They then moved to Stillwater, OK where Bernard served as professor in the Department of Education. A few years later, they welcomed their third child, Tim, and Stillwater would be their final destination. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lois was a devoted member of Salem Lutheran Church for over six decades where she sang joyously in the choir. She was also an active participant in the League of Women Voters and the Girl Scouts of America. Her hobbies were as diverse as her interests, ranging from a love of history, politics, and civil rights to crossword puzzles and cooking elaborate holiday meals for her family. A lifelong learner, Lois pursued education with vigor, achieving an undergraduate degree in political science from Oklahoma State University in 1975, followed by a law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1978. Her passion for justice and equality led her to a successful career in law, beginning in private practice and later serving as an assistant district attorney, where she championed child support cases. Her dedication was recognized in 1984 when she was appointed as a Special District Court Judge for Payne-Logan Counties, a role she fulfilled with integrity until her retirement in 1999. Lois's personal qualities were as inspiring as her achievements. A woman of profound Christian faith, she was known for her charitable and empathetic nature, her love for the environment, and her unwavering belief in fairness and transparency. Her life was a testament to the values she held dear, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her. A service to honor Lois’s remarkable life will be held on August 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, located at 101 South Duck Street, Stillwater, OK 74074. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Memory Care staff at Legacy Village in Stillwater, OK, and the Luminos hospice staff of Chandler, OK, for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lois may be made to Our Daily Bread, 701 E 12th Street, Stillwater, OK 74074, reflecting her lifelong commitment to supporting those in need. Lois Lawson Belden's life was a tapestry of love, service, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.