By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mrs. Otto

MADEIRA - Lois Jean Otto, retired vice president of human resources for Mercury Instruments in Fairfax, died of cancer Aug. 13. The Madeira resident was 78.

Mrs. Otto began working in personnel in the 1950s, when career women were relatively rare.

She worked her way up to become the first female officer at Mercury.

"Lois was a role model for many career women," said her daughter-in-law, Charlotte R. Otto of Indian Hill.

"She was always willing to lend her professional advice to help other women advance."

Mrs. Otto was a native of Madison, Ind., but moved to Cincinnati during her childhood. She graduated from Withrow High School and the University of Cincinnati.

She married Thomas A. Otto in 1967. He preceded her in death in 1999.

She twice served as president of the Tri-State Human Resource Council and on the board of Cincinnati Area Senior Services. She was also active in the Shrine, the Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, the Council on World Affairs, and the Sip and Slipper Club.

After she retired from Mercury in 1986, Mrs. Otto became a volunteer for Service Core of Retired Executives, conducting workshops and seminars for people who wanted to open or expand a business.

Survivors include: two sons, Robert R. Otto of Indian Hill and Mick Bowman; two daughters, Patti Brickhouse of Lancaster, Calif., and Carol Biro of St. Louis; nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Services have been held.

Memorials: Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, 1345 Grace Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com