Auriol Elaine (Woodhouse) Lomas

Auriol Elaine Lomas (nee Woodhouse) 98, of Valley City, passed away peacefully Friday, January 13, 2023.

Auriol was born June 27, 1924 in Shropshire, England to Arthur and Mary Anne Woodhouse.  She was the oldest daughter of 13 children and helped her mother take care of her younger siblings. Auriol served in the British Royal Army during World War II, where she met the love of her life, James. They were married in 1945 and made the difficult but exciting decision to move their young family to the United States in 1953.  While they settled in Valley City and became proud U.S. citizens, Auriol always kept her English family close to her heart. In fact, throughout the years, she was able to take her children and many of her grandchildren back to England for visits, in addition to facilitating her English family visiting her home here in Ohio.  She made sure the family connection continued into the next generation.

Auriol was the most agreeable and kind-hearted person you’d ever want to meet. Her love overflowed onto everyone she encountered. Her family knew every time they saw her that they would get a warm hug and kiss on the cheek, then asked “would you like a cup of tea, love?” Auriol enjoyed nature and always wanted to be outside.  Gardening was one of her favorite past times and when she could no longer dig in the dirt, she’d sit outside and keep others company while they planted and weeded. Auriol was also quite adventurous. She and James were avid motorcycle enthusiasts clear up into their seventies,

going on poker runs and belonging to several motorcycle clubs. And if something was happening, whether it be a grandchild’s baseball game or a road trip to New York, she was ready to go.  Auriol loved music and was always singing, something she passed on to her entire family.  Family gatherings were spent making music, and it was an especially good night if she got up and started dancing.  She and James could stay up all night singing the “old songs”, him playing his harmonica and her singing and requesting which song to play next. Auriol’s beautiful and fun-loving spirit will be deeply missed by those who knew her. Her family will carry their “Queen Mum” in their hearts, always.

Auriol was preceded in death by her beloved husband James; parents and siblings Ron, Beryl, Ken, Cliff, Reggie, Riou, Dylis, Jose and Roy.

She is survived by her sons, Raymond (Maureen) Lomas and Norman Lomas, Daughter Shirley (Dennis) Mastney and grandchildren Candi Lomas, Tammi Lomas Duplaga, Adrian (Pamela) Neitenbach, Heather (Anthony) Koorey, Dylan Neitenbach (Rachael), Michelle (Brad) Whitacre, James (Rachele) Lomas, Kasee (Curt) Josefick, Kassidy (John) Buckner and Dana Mastney (Bob). Siblings Ryan, Rene and Valerie many special nieces and nephews; 22 great grandchildren, who she adored and one beautiful great great grandchild.

Per Auriol’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will no visitation or service. Her family and friends will come together to celebrate her life privately.

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