Mary Lois Chaney

Mary Lois Chaney (née Pelfrey), of Liberty Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026, one day after her 75th birthday, following a courageous, years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Covington, KY, and raised in Cold Spring, KY, Lois was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She shared nearly 46 years of marriage with her beloved husband, James Allen Chaney, building a life centered on family, faith, and love. Lois will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her kindness, resilience, independence, faith, and unconditional love for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maxwell Pelfrey and Mary Buecker Pelfrey, her parents-in-law, Lawrence Chaney and Emily Chaney, her brother, William F. Pelfrey, and her sister-in-law, Betsy Pelfrey.

She is survived by her husband, James; her daughter, Elizabeth (Jordan) Young; her son, David Chaney; and her cherished grandchildren, Henry, Charlotte, and Nathan Young, who lovingly knew her as Grandma LoLo. She is also survived by her sister, Carol (Denny) Valerius; her brother, Timothy Pelfrey; her sisters-in-law Rosemary (Joe) Steinberg, Judy Brozowski, and Brenda Pelfrey; several extended family members, including cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many dear friends.

After graduating from Campbell County High School in 1968—in just three years—Lois went on to study biological sciences at the University of Cincinnati. She dedicated over 40 years to the field of cytology, beginning her career after earning a certificate in cytotechnology in 1973 from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center School of Cytotechnology. She served as a cytotechnologist and cytology manager at The Christ Hospital, and later as an anatomic pathology manager at Quest Diagnostics. She was well respected by her peers for her strong work ethic, servant leadership style, and dedication to patient care.

After retiring, Lois fulfilled a personal goal by completing her bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Northern Kentucky University in 2017—an achievement that reflected her determination and the importance she placed on education.

Lois found great joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. She was an avid gardener, especially fond of her rose bushes and berry garden, an amazing cook, and a devoted cat lover. A devout Christian, her deep faith was a guiding light throughout her life.

Lois would want to be sure to thank the staff of Majestic Care of Middletown and Hospice of Middletown for their exceptional care and compassion in her final months.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 from noon - 1 pm with a memorial service immediately following from 1 pm - 2 pm at Mueller Funeral Home in Mason, OH.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Lois’ memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Ohio Alleycat Rescue (OAR).