Lois (Minter) Dews

Lois Janette Minter Dews, 92, of Garrison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in Garrison, Texas. She was born on January 13, 1933, in Timpson, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7th, at Garrison Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service. A private family graveside service will follow.

While attending French High School in Beaumont, Texas, Lois participated in the Distributed Education program and worked at a Five & Dime store. Soon after marrying Carl Weldon “Sonkey” Dews, she worked in Nacogdoches at Banita Laundry before dedicating her life to raising their three children.

Lois was an incredible cook—Sonkey always said she made the best biscuits in the world! Each summer and fall, she could be found canning fruits and vegetables from the family’s large garden. Also, an avid quilter, she worked alongside her mother-in-law, Mildred Dews, to make quilts for nearly every member of the family.

While her children were in school, Lois was an active member of the Garrison Band Boosters and could be found many Friday nights volunteering in the concession stand at Bulldog football games. A skilled seamstress, she made her children’s school clothes and often sewed uniforms for the Garrison High School twirlers.

After her children were grown, she owned and operated Arlam Grocery, a small country store and gas station in the Arlam community of Garrison for many years, where she made many lifelong friends and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Weldon “Sonkey” Dews; daughter, Linda Dews Yarbrough; parents, Gus Minter and Lilla Esther Minter Wright; siblings, Jimmy Minter, Gene Minter, Rayford “Al” Minter, and Nell Castro; and granddaughter, Jessica Anne Ross.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Dews Ross and husband, Randy; son, Carlos Lee “Barney” Dews and husband, Antonino “Nino” Colapinto; granddaughter, Shelli Hogan Brooks and husband, Jeff; grandson, Randy Carl Ross; great-grandson, Logan Clark and wife, Dylan; great-granddaughter, Hannah Clark McBride and husband, Taylor; and her cherished great-great-grandchildren, Jessa and Levi McBride. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Lois will be remembered for her devotion to her family, and the love she poured into every meal, every stitch, and every moment shared with those she held dear.

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