Lois Regina Wescott
Aug. 21, 1916 - May 29, 2006

Lois Regina Wescott, of Boulder, died of pulmonary disease Monday, May 29, 2006, in Boulder. She was 89. The daughter of Roy Russell Wescott and Geneva Evangeline (Moolick) Wescott, she was born Aug. 21, 1916, in Hampton, Iowa.

She earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Iowa in 1941, and did master's work in geology at the University of Denver. She worked as a geology graduate assistant at DU from 1941 to 1943, a geologist for Atlantic Refining Co. in the southwest United States from 1943 to 1948, a geologist for Mini Grande Oil Co. in Venezuela from 1948 to 1950, a geologist in New Orleans from 1950 to 1953, geologic editor for the U.S. Geological Survey in Japan from 1953 to 1955, a science editor for the Colorado School of Mines from 1955 to 1958 and a science technician at the National Bureau of Science and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from 1958 to 1980.

A member of the Boulder Genealogical Society and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Ms. Wescott earned awards for volunteer work in early Boulder genealogical records and for publishing the "Canyon Pointe Chronicles."

Lois loved hiking, camping and especially swimming. She was a lifeguard and swimming teacher throughout her life. As a young girl Lois always loved to lie on her stomach and look at rocks. While a student at the University of Iowa studying geology she was the only woman in her class. She enjoyed genealogy, geology, the English language, humor and traveling. Lois never learned to drive so she roder her bike or took the bus. Lois also enjoyed PBS and the Discovery Channel, murder mysteries and happy stories.

"She was tolerant and had a witty sense of humor," her family said. "She was a woman pioneer in geology and traveled extensively."

Survivors include one daughter, Thyria Kathleen Wilson, of Denver; and a brother, Eugene M. Wescott, of Fairbanks, Alaska. Rushton Cremation Services, in Denver, handled arrangements.

Contributions in Ms. Wescott's name may be sent to:

The Iowa Women's Archives
c/o Karen Mason
100 Main Library
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City, IA 52242

Boulder Genealogical Society
Attn: Jim Peterson, Treasurer
P. O. Box 3246
Boulder, CO 80306-3246

Information obtained from:
Lois Wescott, obituary, The Boulder Daily Camera, Boulder, CO, 14 June 2006.
Lois Wescot, biographical sketch, provided at memorial service by Anam Chara, Boulder, CO, 31 May 2006.
Pat Ostwald, personal letter, 5 Jun 2005.