Lois Jane VanDeRyt (nee Zwick)

Lois Jane VanDeRyt (nee Zwick), 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025 in Griffin, Georgia. She is survived by her five children: Donald, David (Wendy), Susan (John), Jeffrey (Karen), Amy (Michael) and their eight grandchildren: Haley, Kristen, Devan, Sarah, Jake, Alena, Joshua and Jack. And her two great grandchildren: Hunter and Ethan. 

There are many layers to this incredible woman, her life and her impact. Lois was devoted to family, true to her faith, and humble to the bone. She cared and loved deeply. She was a die-hard OSU football and Atlanta Braves fan, so if she dismissed you, it was because you were interrupting a game. All good. 

Her many accomplishments include: getting a paralegal degree after the 5 kids weren’t little anymore, and later opening a small business (a used bookstore) to help pay for colleges. She was in a loving, loyal marriage to Tom VanDeRyt for over 57 years.

Fun fact: after Dad passed in 2019, she was determined to finish her college degree at OSU. (She never finished because of a teacher shortage at the late 50’s. So she dropped out and taught elementary English). After finding her footing as a widow and 85 years young, she wanted to fulfill her dream. She knew, realistically, it was for nothing more than bragging rights. But she was determined. So she visited Columbus again from Atlanta (that airport is not for the timid, though she managed by herself until she was 86). Off to the OSU registrar, and she had them call up records from the 1950’s.  It quickly became evident that she was going to struggle, realizing she could only pursue her dream unless accomplished online. She politely declined, knowing she wasn’t tech savvy. She left, and hugged the Woody Hayes statue, instead.  

The last few months have been challenging, as cancer was unforgiving to her body.  But she is now with Dad, where she is enjoying the biggest Chardonnay ever. She was the ultimate example of Motherly strength and love, and will live on in our hearts forever.

Per Lois’ wishes, the funeral will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Lois will be buried alongside her previously deceased husband, Tom. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 18 from 9 AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 2014 Springdale Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231. Interment will immediately follow at St. Joseph Old Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send any contributions to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1323 Macarthur Dr., Griffin, GA 30224. Online condolences can be made at www.paulyoungfuneralhome.com . Paul R. Young Funeral Home (Mt. Healthy) assisting the family. 

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