Lois J. Durkit, 78, of Rockland Township, Kennerdell, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, September 26, 2017 at UPMC Northwest in Seneca. 

            She was born on May 26, 1939 in Kennerdell, a daughter of the late Donald and Harriet (DeLong) Nelson. 

            Lois graduated in 1957 from Cranberry High School.  She lived much of her adult life in Maryland, returning to Venango county following her retirement. 

            She was a member of Seneca United Methodist Church. 

            Lois enjoyed reading, flowers, and spending time with her family and friends. 

            While living in Maryland, Lois worked many years for Magnificent Maids Cleaning Co., and was also a co-owner of L&J Services, which contributed to the development of the new community of Columbia, Maryland in the 1970s. 

            Surviving is her daughter, Lorraine Armstrong and her husband Kevin, and their sons, Kyle and Stuart Armstrong, who lovingly referred to their grandma as "Harvey," all of Laurel, Maryland; two sisters, Norma Barthen of Franklin, and Fran Fitterer of Kennerdell; a brother, Ray Nelson and his wife Bobbie of Kennerdell; a sister-in-law, Virginia Nelson of Seneca; a sister-in-law/friend, Karen Jingleski of Lawrence; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

            In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her former spouse, Daniel Durkit; her son, Daniel J. Durkit; her brother, Donald Nelson; and two brothers-in-law, Jack Barthen and Jim Fitterer. 

            Friends will be received Friday (Sept. 29th) from 6 - 9  p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca, Cranberry Township.  A funeral service will be held in the funeral home Saturday (Sept. 30th) at 11 a.m., with Rev. Bobbie Nelson, her sister-in-law and pastor of the Kennerdell Church of God, officiating.  Viewing will be held at the funeral home on Saturday for one hour prior to the funeral service. 

            Interment will follow in the Rockland Cemetery. 

            Memorial contributions may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 6400 East Grant Road, Suite 170, Tucson, AZ 85715.

            To submit online condolences to the family, visit www.hilebest.com

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