Lois Carol Bumgarner, 67, of Preston, Minn., passed away peacefully in the arms of her daughter-like niece Amy at Seasons Hospice in Rochester Aug. 9, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Lois was born on Oct. 21, 1945, in Preston, the daughter of J. Edward and Alvera (Workman) O’Connor. She graduated from Preston High School in 1964. Lois married Gary Bumgarner Sr. in 1968. They had one son, Gary Allen Jr. in 1969. Lois lived and worked in Preston her entire life. Her godchild and niece, Amy, had an exceptionally close relationship throughout her life. Lois viewed Amy and Mike’s children, Brad, age 5, and Addie, age 2, as her own grandchildren. Brad and Addie called Lois, “Nam O”, short for grandma Lois.

Lois enjoyed baking, playing cards, embroidery and quilting. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with Brad and Addie. She adored them and cherished every moment she had with them.

She is survived by three brothers, Tom O’Connor of Rochester, Terry O’Connor of Fairmont, Gary “Mike” (Linda) O’Connor of Rochester; three sisters, Eileen (Ernest) Kinneberg of Lanesboro, Annette (John) Ask of Lewiston and Beth Mensink (Jerry White) of Lime Springs, Iowa; two godchildren, Amy O’Connor and Cierra Burt; also many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary Sr.; and son, Gary Jr.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013, at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston, with the Rev. Shawn Haremza officiating. Burial will be in Washington Cemetery in rural Spring Valley. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013, at Thauwald Funeral Home in Preston and also one hour prior to services at the church. Online condolences may be left at thauwaldfuneralhomes.com.