Lois E. Pelton Kemp 86, of Latrobe, PA, passed away on August 26, 2026, at Weatherwood Personal Care Facility in Greensburg, PA. Born on April 4, 1940 in Wellsville, NY, daughter of Sylvester F. and Glenora M. (Baker) Pelton, She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents’-in-law and her husband of 58 years, Richard.
Lois is survived by her daughter, Debra Althoff, son, Douglas (Christine) Kemp,
Grandchildren Lisa (John) Althoff and Thomas (Dana) Althoff, Dalton (Rebecca) Kemp, Evan Kemp, and Logan Kemp. And one Great Grandson, Nolan Althoff.
Lois was a 1958 graduate of Andover (NY) Central School, graduating as Salutatorian of her class. She then attended Alfred State College before marrying Richard in 1959.
Over the years, she has been an active member of West Hempfield Presbyterian Church, Irwin, PA, Norriton Presbyterian Church, Norristown, PA , and most recently Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greensburg, PA.
A constant ball of energy was Lois.
Early in her life, she has been President of the PTA, church secretary, and all around volunteer.
As, “Mom-At-Home”, she would occasionally create a “world culinary” night. Different dinner recipes from different countries (we were told). Fondues, Cornish Hens, whatever in her Betty Crocker Cook Book sounded exotic, it became a theme. The Baked Alaska disaster is family legend.
In 1970, she earned her Real Estate license. That career choice allowed for a more flexible schedule, what with younger children in the home.
Her first job was selling for Al McCrumb Real Estate.
Then to Whiteman Real Estate. While there, she obtained her Broker’s license and in 1980 opened her own office. Kemp Real Estate. At the time, only the 3rd woman-owned real estate office in Westmoreland County.
During that time, she handled corporate relocation business for Westinghouse, Kennametal, Latrobe Steel, United Technologies, Robert Shaw and Elliott.
She also served as Property Manager for Westinghouse’s Expatriate Relocation Services.
She obtained several state certifications in all aspects of real estate sales & real estate law.
She became the first woman President of the Central Westmoreland County Board of Realtors.
She served on several state committees, as well.
In 1988, a Coldwell-Banker offer took she and Richard to the Philadelphia area, where she originated and administered the Delaware Valley Training Department of C-B, also implementing several other training programs for the company.
She served on the Immaculata College Real Estate Advisory Board..
In 1994 she became the Senior Business Consultant/Trainer for ERA Real Estate. While there she won a national award for outstanding leadership, service and commitment.
She then moved up to General Manager/Trainer, coordinating mergers and acquisitions, recruiting managers and other trainers, going all around the country.
When grandchildren started arriving, Lois took great pleasure in spending time with them: touring historical sites, taking them to all manner of events and shows. Even doing some traveling with them, as well.
In 2007, Lois retired. She and Richard moved back, “home” to Western PA for the next part of their lives. They enjoyed reconnecting with friends and re-acquainting themselves with the area. Lois wasted no time in looking for ways to stay involved.
She began volunteering: At church, and as a Docent for the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg.
Sadly, July, 2025 she suffered a stroke which took away some of who she was. However, when she settled at Weatherwood, the staff got to know her as quite the personality. A fair amount of that remained.
Lois is being cremated. The Cremation Society of Pa, Harrisburg is handling the arrangements.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday October 2, 2026 at Noon. at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1120 Harvey Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601. Friends will be received from 10:00 am until time of the service.
Luncheon to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church.
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