NEW PALESTINE
On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Lois Hinkle, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away at the age of 94 in New Palestine, IN. Lois was a gracious, generous, fun-loving, sassy, fierce spitfire. This lady had spunk. She hated her first name so much that if you dared to use it, she’d give you heck, so we’re not using it here. Lois was thoroughly supportive of her beloved family and friends, always present at family events, occasions, and celebrations. She never left her immaculate house without wearing lipstick; she was stylish, loved her bling, and took great pride in her appearance. A top priority was her weekly hair appointment. And she was fun, laughed easily and often, and enjoyed being surrounded by the people and dogs she loved.
Lois was born on Christmas Eve, 1928 in a tiny house without electricity or running water in the hills and hollers outside of London, KY, to Hugh and Stella Gregory. Her youth coincided with the Great Depression, during which her family lived in abject poverty. Lois was determined to have more out of life. On June 16, 1948, she married WWII Navy veteran Herbert J. Hinkle, who would be her husband for over 70 years. The young couple moved to Indianapolis, IN, got jobs, and together, step-by-step, raised themselves out of poverty and into prosperity. In 1953, they had their cherished daughter, Kathy. After many years of service, Lois retired from Western Electric, and the couple moved to New Palestine, IN, where they happily lived out their lives.
Lois may have been diminutive, but she was mighty. She taught us all to aim high and never, ever give up on our dreams. Above all, she loved her family. She was active in their lives and oh, how she beamed with pride where her granddaughter was the first in her family to graduate from college and later when her grandson graduated from law school.
Lois is preceded in death by her husband (d. 2019); parents; and brother, Kenny Gregory. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy and son-in-law, Richard I. Pohlman, Jr.; her grandchildren, Shannon (Brett) Lakes and Richard I. (Ingrid) Pohlman III; her great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Mia, Luisa, and Jesse; her nephews, Chris, Jeff and Martin Gregory; her niece, Stephanie (Gregory) Palmquist; and her grand dogs, Finn and Tucker.
On her behalf, the family would like to thank the wonderful staff and patrons of the local McDonalds whose cheerfulness and friendship added so much fun and companionship to Lois and her husband for so many years.
Lois’ was a life well lived. She loved her close-knit, boisterous, fun-loving family and friends and was loved and cherished in return. Although dementia robbed her of her final two years, she had been blessed with many good years filled with wonderful memories. She will be greatly missed. We are so glad she is now at peace and reunited with her beloved husband.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 11, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel, 9606 East Washington Street, with funeral services there Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow. www.shirleybrothers.com.
