Lois Maxine (Roush) Guthrie, 91 passed away October 1, 2026, in Midland, Texas where she had been a resident for 54 years. She was the daughter of Enos and Gladys Mary (Aves) Roush of Preston Kansas. She was preceded in death by both her parents, her husband, James Guthrie, Son James Douglas Guthrie, both of her brothers, Frank and Melvin Roush, and her sister, Lucy Keller.
Lois grew up on a rural farm just outside Preston, Kansas. She was the middle girl in a family of four, two boys and two girls. When she was not busy planting or harvesting crops, she excelled in both athletics and academics, graduating as the Valedictorian of 1952 Preston Wildcats class.
She married the love of her life James Edward Guthrie in 1952. They were married for 49 years and lived life to the fullest in Colorado and Texas. The adventure started in in Cortez, Colorado where they enjoy elk hunting, fishing, skiing and the traditional “backyard social” with friends and neighbors, where they were always the life of the party.
They expanded their family while in Colorado with the “Apples of their eyes,” James Douglas Guthie and Sheryl (Guthrie) Ryan. The two kiddos put a spring in Lois’s step, chasing them over the mountains and streams of Colorado. One of Lois’s greatest joys was spending time with her kids and friends on the ski slopes, inside teaching piano, or cooking fantastic meals.
In 1972, Jim’s profession brought them to Midland Texas, where Guthrie family quickly became “Naturalized Texans!”. Both kids were active and successful at sports at Lee High School which put Lois and Jim on the road every weekend for football, softball, track, golf, volleyball, or other sporting events.
When Lois and Jim were not chasing kids, they were knocking the golf ball around at Odessa Country Club or Ranchland Country Club. They enjoyed numerous golf trips across the nation with family and friends. Most of these were extremely competitive, and the winners took home the family bragging rights.
Sundays were special days at the Guthrie household. It all started with church at First Methodist Church of Midland where Lois sang in the choir and Jim slept in the fourteenth pew on the right. After church they headed home for the traditional family Sunday dinner of pot roast, carrots and potatoes followed by the dessert of Jim’s choosing.
When they were not in Midland, at a sporting event, or playing golf, they resided at their own little slice of heaven on earth, their lake house at Possum Kingdom. Lois was an avid and competitive fisherwoman. She enjoyed hosting family and friends. However, her fondest and most cherished moments at PK were spending long summer months with her grandchildren at PK, teaching them a little about fishing and a lot about life.
Lois did not let losing the love of her life slow her down. Characterized as being very loquacious, Lois was never afraid to meet a stranger and learn about his/her life. She made friends easily. She was active in several bridge clubs, continued her golfing career at Ranchland Hills Lady’s Golf Association. Enjoyed her daily “Water Walking” at COM, which was more about talking and less about walking.
Lois enjoyed helping folks in need and giving back to the community. One of her favorite past times participating in the Meals on Wheels program. She was immensely proud to say that she had one of the biggest Meals on Wheels routes in Midland. She enjoyed meeting the folks, delivering the meals, and learning about the recipient’s family history and sharing a little of her own. Little did they know that they would be receiving “Dinner, and a Conversation.”
Lois was fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of friends that she cherished and loved to the end. She simply could not wait each week for “Movie Nights with Joe Burris”, which was both a lively conversation over cookies and coffee while watching an entertaining Western or Love Story.
She was the proud co-founder of a ladies’ organization called the “Yee-Haw Girls,” a modern-day band of renegades who enjoyed dancing, shopping, and visiting wineries across the state. She dearly loved the time spent with Shirley Stephenson, “Little” Mary Zamora, Ruth Robinson, & Sharla Maples. She looked forward to their monthly dinners and planning the agenda for the next big dance, which usually meant who got the first dance with the cutest guy at the event.
She also enjoyed her worldly cruises with her sister, Lucy Keller, they traveled the world looking for excitement and adventure. She could not wait for those Thanksgiving trips back to Kansas to visit nieces, nephews, and other family members.
All that aside, it was hard for any of those things to top the love and joy she received from her three grandchildren, Matt, Chad, and Avrie. She never missed watching football, basketball, baseball, volleyball game, track meet, or academic award presentation. She enjoyed watching them grow into mature, responsible adults, chasing their dreams and building families. The arrival of great grandchildren was a true blessing for Lois; it brought a sparkle to her eye and joy in her heart. She could hardly wait each year to host the family Christmas Eve dinner so that she could dote on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved her hugs & kisses from all of them.
Lois is survived by her daughter, Sheryl (Guthrie) Ryan, husband Jeff, grandson Matthew (Wife) Lauryn, great grandchildren Connor, Vera and John-Anderson, grandson Chad (Wife) Alexa, great grandchildren Harlow and Hallie, granddaughter Avrie Ryan.
The family would like to express their gratitude towards Visiting Angels.
In Lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you donate to the Midland Meals on Wheels organization.
A Ceremony of Life will be held November 24, 2026 at the Grassland Estates Clubhouse, 5800 Crowley Blvd. Midland, Texas, from 3-6 pm (come and go).
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at ww.npwelch.com.
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