HERKIMER-Lois Jean Rhinehardt age 79 of 104 North Washington Street, passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 6, 2012 in Saint Elizabeths Medical Center, Utica. She had the comfort of her loving family at her side. She was born on November 15, 1932 in Martins Ferry, OH, daughter of the late Lee and Virginia Heil Gallagher. Lois was raised and graduated from high school in Toronto, OH. On September 23, 1983 she was united in marriage with Elmer Pete Rhinehardt in Amsterdam. They shared a loving and devoted union of fifteen years until his passing on November 17, 1999. Mrs. Rhinehardt had a true belief in God and was a faithful member of the Redeemer Church in Utica. Lois had a strong sense of community; she was a volunteer for both the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. She also found pleasure in reading to the children when participated in the local Literacy Program. To those who knew her she will always be remembered as a caring, hopeful and good natured lady with great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family, especially her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving are four sons, Francis and his wife Katherine Voorhees, Joel and his wife Susan Voorhees all of Utica, Dennis and Terrie Voorhees of Ilion, Robert and Joy Voorhees of Columbus, OH, three sisters, Joann Watts of Mingo Junction, OH, Virginia Allen of Epping, NH, Grace Bevlin of Wellsville, OH, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents and husband Pete she was preceded in death by a son Thomas Voorhees in 1981. Her family will be present to receive relatives and friends in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer on Friday from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. Funeral service will take place immediately after at 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Pastor Michael Hughes of the Redeemer Church, Utica will officiate. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery later this spring at a time to be announced.