Lois M. Pence

Lois M. Pence, 86, of Colonial Heights, Va., died February 24, 2026. Born and raised in Rhinelander, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Joseph Dumpprope and Mary Helen Westbrook. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She devoted many hours volunteering in her community. She worked tirelessly to place the Violet Bank Historic District into the National Register of Historic Places. She began her career in the insurance industry in the late 1970s, becoming owner/operator of Blankenship Insurance Agency in the early 2000s. An avid sports enthusiast, she was captain of her pool and bowling leagues, winning several tournaments and trophies. Lois was also a huge football and baseball fan.

She loved the Redskins and the Nationals. She enjoyed gardening, winning beautiful yard of the month. She loved woodworking and restoring antique furniture and spent a lifetime restoring her circa 1920 home which she loved and was very proud of. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James D. Pence; lifetime friend, Raymond “Perk” Perkinson; daughter, Clara Lynne “Missy”; brothers, Duane, Terry, and Robin; and sisters, Dawn, Linda, and Carol.

She is survived by her son, James D. Pence II and life partner, Sam, of Charlottesville; son, Matthew L. Pence and wife, Tina, of Disputanta; sisters, Judy Young, Bonnie Wilcox, Pat (Rick) Marquert, Tammy (Paul) Nowak; a brother, Douglas Dumpprope; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11 a.m. with funeral services immediately following, Friday, March 6, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity in her name.