Lois Florein Burnside Huisenga

Lois Florein Burnside Huisenga was born on July 14, 1940, in Casper, Wyoming, and passed away on March 13, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished. The daughter of Grace and Lloyd Burnside, she carried throughout her life the strength, independence, and generosity instilled in her while growing up on a dairy farm. That early life taught her a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for animals and the land, and a lifelong love of cooking, where she learned to create delicious meals from the simplest ingredients.

She was the first in her family to earn a college degree, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri State University. Lois went on to become a teacher, business owner, cattlewoman, and nurse. In every role, she worked with determination and compassion, always ready to give others a chance and offer encouragement and support. She was known in her communities for her remarkable ability to mend what was broken, whether a garment, a struggling animal, or a person in need.

An exceptional seamstress, Lois could design and sew clothing and décor of remarkable beauty. In the kitchen, she had a special gift for turning modest ingredients into memorable feasts, and few left her home without feeling cared for and well fed. She held a deep love for animals and farm life, showing horses in her youth and later breeding and raising cattle with pride. Whether caring for a horse, a calf, or a stray in need, she showed a natural talent for nurturing and healing.

Lois lived most of her life in southwest Missouri, the place she proudly called home. She is survived by her children Angela (Rich) Neria, Lyndsey Brinkerhoff Normand, and Joshua Huisenga; nine grandchildren, Callaway, Noah, Montana, Abby, Shelby, Phoenix, Brooks, Bryn, and Breckyn; and two great-grandchildren, David and Theodore. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Natalie and her precious grandson Ahmed. She took immense pride in her family’s accomplishments and passed on to them the same values of hard work, resilience, and kindness that defined her own life. Her home was a place of warmth, creativity, and laughter, where she turned little into plenty and made life more beautiful for everyone around her.