Eloise L. Lucas

Born on November 21, 1936, in Niles, Michigan, Eloise was the daughter of Elias and Dorothy Runyan. She grew up in Niles, graduating from Niles High School before embarking on a life filled with diverse experiences and adventures.

Eloise's career path was as varied as her interests. She served as a School Crossing Guard at Holmes Street School in Lansing, bringing safety and cheer to children each day. Later, she worked as an Income Tax Secretary for Lucas Tax Service, demonstrating her meticulous attention to detail. Yet, her most cherished role was that of a dedicated wife and mother, where she nurtured a warm and loving home for her family.

Throughout her life, Eloise called several places home, including Niles, Battle Creek, and Lansing, Michigan, as well as Wesleco, Texas, where she cherished the sunny days during the winter months. She found comfort and community at Maranatha Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan, where she attended for many years.

Eloise was a woman of many passions. She found joy and relaxation in crocheting intricate patterns, creating beautiful quilts and cultivating vibrant gardens. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore the great outdoors through camping trips and square dancing events. She loved gathering with friends and family for card games, engaging in lively matches of croquet and playing Crazy Bingo at family Christmas Parties.

Her culinary skills were renowned, especially her mastery of BBQ pork steak and the decadent Texas Sheet Cake, dishes that brought smiles and satisfied bellies at many gatherings over the years. Eloise had a talent for craft painting, adding her artistic touch to various projects that adorned her home and those of her loved ones.

Eloise's love for travel took her across the United States and Canada, often camping with the Oldsmobile Outdoor Club and cheering enthusiastically at MSU hockey games, creating cherished memories with her family and friends.

Eloise's greatest pride and joy were her children: Emily (Robert) Luoma, Michael (Debbie) Lucas, and Franklyn (Krista) Lucas. She delighted in the company of her grandchildren: Jessica Luoma, Robert Luoma III, Steven (Amy) Lucas, David (Ashley) Lucas, Ryan (Dhaval Jain) Lucas, Damian Lucas, and Audrey Lucas, as well as her great-grandchildren: Brontë Luoma, Kailer Jain-Lucas, and Kiyan Jain-Lucas. Eloise is also survived by her siblings: Delores Curran, Kathy (Terry) Wilburn, and Jeanne (Jim) Lubelski, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, G. Richard Lucas; siblings, Esther Stanton and George Runyan; and her parents.

A funeral service for Eloise will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 12:30 PM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at Great Lakes Christian Homes, 2050 Washington Rd., Holt, MI 48842. Following the service, Eloise will be laid to rest in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 4444 W Grand River Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.

Memorial contributions in Eloise’s memory may be made to Great Lakes Christian Homes, 2050 Washington Rd., Holt, MI 48842, or the Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.