Lois Renfro Ream

November 8, 1923 — August 31, 2010

Lois Renfro Ream was the first of her family to be born in a hospital, the old St. Joseph’s Hospital in Albuquerque, on November 8, 1923.

Mrs. Ream studied music at the University of New Mexico, and was a classic pianist and a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.

A Turtle Farmer, she cared for no less than 12 turtles in her back yard along with neighborhood birds, and of course, her dog and cat.

She was the wife of the 200th Coast Artillery’s Glenn Ream who preceded her in death in 1988.

Some of us remember Mrs. Ream, not only for her quiet demeanor, but for her Purple 1965 Mustang which we secretly coveted! Mr. Ream wanted a Corvette, but Mrs. Ream was not in favor as Corvettes did not have back seats and so, they purchased the Mustang, brand new, for about $2,700.00.

Mrs. Ream joined the Bataan-Corregidor Memorial Foundation of New Mexico because of her great respect for Mr. Leo J. Padilla and the friendship Mr. Padilla showed her husband in his last years. She held the strong conviction that the men of the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery regiments be properly, and always honored and never missed a memorial ceremony. Even though a debilitating stroke left her immobile, she was present at the April 2010 ceremony in Bataan Memorial Park.

She cherished the service and sacrifice of Our Country’s servicemen and women. She was a member of the American Ex-POW organization and felt that everyone should be required to watch the film, “The Great Raid.” When her son-in-law retired the American Flag which flew at her home and raised a new Flag and a POW Flag, she was made happy.

Surviving Mrs. Ream are two children, Mary Ann Cornett and Fred Ream; three grandchildren, Kevin Lenth who is working on his Doctorate at the University of Wyoming; Brian Lenth who is studying music at the University of Iowa; and Shannon Cornett who is a graduate of Granville College in Iowa and the mother of Mrs. Ream’s five great-grandchildren.

According to her wishes, Mrs. Ream will not have formal services, but instead, will quietly join her husband Glenn in the Jemez.