Lois Elizabeth Van Daley Harrist

In Loving Memory of Lois Elizabeth Van Daley Harrist

Lois Elizabeth Van Daley Harrist, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend,

passed away on January 24th, 2024, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on March 28th,

1941, in Brooklyn, New York, to John E. Van Daley Sr. and Lois Elizabeth Morris Van Daley.

Lois was raised in Smithville, New Jersey, and graduated high school in Fort Worth, Texas,

before attending Tyler Junior College to pursue a degree in Journalism.

Lois juggled various roles throughout her life, including motherhood and a range of jobs as she

raised her large family. The longest employment being at the famous Coy’s Steak House in Hot

Springs, Arkansas, where she worked diligently from 1985 to 1999. Lois was a popular

employee with her many loyal customers who came back to see her year after year.

After her youngest child started school, Lois decided to continue her education, earning a

Bachelor’s degree in Education from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

One of Lois's greatest passions was her garden, where she poured her heart into cultivating

countless flowers and vegetables. Her green thumb was a testament to her love for nature, and

the beauty she created in her garden will be remembered fondly by her family.

Lois was preceded in death by her brothers, John E. Van Daley Jr. and Keith O. Van Daley. She

is survived by her brother James W. Van Daley.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and family, survived by her seven children, 17 grandchildren,

and 13 great-grandchildren:

Sons:

• Boyd Harrist (partner Vicki Smyth)

• Robert (Ronda) Harrist

Daughters:

• Laura Kennedy

• Gayla (Jackie) Hill

• Suzanne (Woody) Moseley

• Diana Harrist

• Lisa (Ashley) Gallant

Grandchildren:

• Michael (Lacey) Kennedy

• Brian (Whitney) Harrist

• Chris Kennedy

• Duke (Vanessa) Fitzhugh

• Mark (Alyson) Hill

• Reagan Harrist

• Lori Hill (fiancé Robert Miller)

• Clint Fitzhugh

• Malisa (Curtis) Youngquist

• Travis Pugh (partner Madeline Ochoa)

• Will Moseley

• Meagan (Michelle) Moseley

• Cody Moseley

• Derek Hill

• Elizabeth (Dylan) Michaelis

• Savannah Gallant

• Connor Gallant

Great-Grandchildren:

• Cason Bonsall

• Harper Hill

• Kamdyn Hill

• Della Jean Hill

• Averie Fitzhugh

• Canaan Fitzhugh

• Blakely Michaelis

• Daxton Michaelis

• Addison Holland

• Liam Kennedy

• Emily Youngquist

• Stanley Youngquist

Lois will be remembered for her versatility, hard work, and the impact she made on her family. Her spirit will live on through the memories she created with her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.

The family will host a celebration of her life on her birthday, March 28th, 2024 starting at 1:00 PM at Atkinson Funeral Home in Malvern, AR. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Potter’s Clay Ministries in Hot Springs, Ar.