January 3, 1930 - July 15, 2021
Delora Dais passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on July 15, 2021.
Born in Eureka, South Dakota in 1930 to Emanuel and Albina Straub, Delora moved with her family to Lodi around 1938. She attended Lodi High School. In 1950 she married Ben Dais and she worked many years as a bookkeeper for his successful construction business. Delora’s deep love of the Lord was demonstrated every day in her devotion and service to her family, friends, her church, and people in general. Delora served as a volunteer at Lodi Memorial Hospital for ten years, bringing books to patients and making them more comfortable. As a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, she made presentations to women’s groups about breast cancer awareness. Also active in her church, Delora sang in vocal groups, served on the board, participated in the Women’s Association, and cooked countless dishes for various events. Many lives were touched with her willingness to listen, counsel, and just be a friend. Entertaining in their home was a common occurrence for Delora and her husband Ben. Guests could look forward to Delora’s delicious German dishes, including kuchen, knipfla and beef pot roast. Even her hobbies were enjoyed with love of people in mind as she sewed clothes for her daughters and their Barbies, and as she crocheted beautiful baby blankets and afghans to give away as gifts or to charity. In addition to crocheting, her favorite pastime was reading, which included studying the Bible. Delora loved playing board games, especially with her granddaughter Jillian. Delora’s legacy is simple, yet profound. She poured her life into others’ lives by giving her time and energy, even when she had little of either. We will remember her as a wife, mother, sister and grandmother who helped fill our home with love and laughter, and who practiced kindness and caring throughout her well-lived life.
Delora is survived by her husband, Ben Dais, daughters Sharon (Jerry) Griffin and Pam (Neal) Self ,granddaughter Jillian Self, brothers Ray (Eunice) Straub, and Nathan (Nancy) Straub. She is preceded in death by her parents, Emanuel and Albina Straub, and sister Luella Severson.
Donations made be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Church of God (7 th Day) in Lodi.
Private graveside service will be held at Cherokee Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Dais family.