Lotus L. van Almen

Lotus Lucille van Almen, 90, a resident of Fairland, OK passed away Monday evening, November 3rd, 2014. Lotus was born on January 18, 1924 in Rooks County near Stockton, Kansas, the second of six children born to Alexander and Marie Low. Lotus often talked about growing up during the Depression and being poor. One of her earliest memories is about one particular Christmas, their tree was a bare limb stuck in a pail of dirt and decorated with popcorn, cotton balls and paper chains and her mother made stuffed toys cut out of old inner tubes and filled with quilt batting as presents for the children. Lotus graduated from Stockton High School in 1940 and went to work for J.C. Penney. Around this same time, her mom put in a Duckpin Bowling Alley and turned the loft into a place where all the kids could dance and hang out at, naming it, “The Barn”. It was there that Lotus met Paul van Almen. Shortly after they met, he left for the Navy and they began writing to each other and soon after that, they were married on March 25th, 1944. Paul served both in the Navy and Army and during his time of service, he was stationed all over the United States as well as Japan and Germany. They finally settled in Forsyth, MO where they opened their own Clinical Laboratory for several years before retiring in 1988. Lotus graduated from Beauty School, worked for IRS, worked as a telephone operator, a bank secretary, a secretary to a General and received her Real Estate Broker’s License prior to retirement. Lotus enjoyed traveling, doing crafts, sewing, and playing tennis and golf after she retired. Lotus is survived by one daughter, Deb Brixey and husband Paul of Monkey Island, OK. Two sons, Monty van Almen and wife Teri of Oxford, NY and Sam van Almen and wife Bobbi of Clinton, TN. Grandchildren Eric Brixey and wife Josie of Claremore, OK., Ranell Brixey of Monkey Island, OK., Jody van Almen of Claxton, TN., Heather van Almen Phillips and husband James of Lake City, TN., Robert Paul van Almen II and wife Mandi of Belton, TX., Pamela van Almen Rice of West, TX., and several great-grandchildren. She is survived by one brother, William (Bill) Low and wife Grace of Aurora, CO. Lotus was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert Paul van Almen , in September of 1997 as well as 3 sisters and one brother. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas under the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairland. Friends and family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mrs. van Almen’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com.

Lotus L. van Almen

January 18, 1924 - November 3, 2014