Lois Payne Walski

Lois Payne Walski passed away on August 11, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Portsmouth to Cora and Clifton Payne. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband of 64 years, Gerald (Jerry) Walski, Sr. Left to cherish her memory are her 2 children, Gerald Walski Jr. and wife Vicki, Faye Walski Rutherford and husband Mark; grandchildren, Mark Rutherford Jr and wife Melissa, Mathew Rutherford and wife Charlotte, Melissa Walski, Courtney Walski Conroy and husband Sean, David Rutherford and wife Lindsay and Richard Rutherford; and three great-grandchildren, Aralyn Rutherford, Sullivan Rutherford, and Kennedy Conroy. She was a proud Deek Creek alumna and cheer captain, graduating Valedictorian of the class of 1959. Lois was lovingly known as “Grandma” to many in the area, and volunteered with many organizations. She was a troop leader for the Cub Scouts, and a troop leader and an area service leader for the Girl Scouts. She was a representative for Winners on Wheels, a humanitarian cycling group which notably cycled through Belgium to repair special needs equipment for local families. She supported the Deep Creek music program for decades, by sewing and altering band uniforms and choral concert attire and making banners. For many years, she designed and created costumes for a local dance studio. In addition, she volunteered for fundraising activities for many youth groups, including chorus, softball, and baseball. She was a board member for Deep Creek Baseball Association. Lois taught kindergarten at the Little Red Schoolhouse for many years, substituted in Chesapeake schools afterward, and then changed her profession to work at a rehab health care equipment supplier. After retiring, she enjoyed spending her time with her family and doing a multitude of crafts. A gathering will be held at the Deep Creek Ruritan Club, aka the “Log Cabin” at 200 Luray St, Chesapeake, VA 23323 on Saturday, September 7, 2024 between 2 and 5pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a fund to place a park bench at a local ballfield in her honor. Please reach out to a family member for more details.