Lucille Stevens

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Lucille Stevens created a vibrant tapestry of memories with those she loved. Her unwavering heart was generous and selfless in all she said and did as she used her time and talents for the benefit others. She lovingly raised and looked after her family, always placing their needs and well being before her own. Nothing in life was more important to Lucille than seeing the smiling faces of those she loved. With a heart of gold, Lucille lived her life in the service of others and was a light to everyone she knew.

Born on June 28, 1918 in Van Buren County, Michigan, Lucille was a welcome addition in the lives of her parents, Charles and Flossie Drake. During this time, Americans had more money to spend and more leisure time on their hands than ever before. For entertainment, they flocked to roller skating rinks, movies, dance halls, and amusement parks in growing numbers. America’s love affair with Hollywood celebrities was already a permanent part of the culture as 800 movies were made in 1918 alone. Cause for great concern during this time, however, was the Spanish flu which reached epidemic proportions.

The middle child of five children, Lucille grew up alongside her siblings, Don, Coy, Joyce, and Emerson. Her father was a hard working man who worked for the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company. He also farmed, and worked for the County Road Commission. Her mother remained at home as a homemaker, and looked after Lucille and the other children, as well as tending to daily farm chores

Lucille enjoyed a childhood typical for the times in the Lawton and Marcellus areas of Michigan where her family made their home. Always an outgoing young girl, she was a friend to many. Having attended the area schools, Lucille, like many youth during the days of the Great Depression, left her schooling behind after the tenth grade and began working to help make ends meet during these days of economic struggle.

Shortly after she left school, Lucille met a young man who came to win her heart. She and Cecil Kime were married in the mid 1930s, and in time shared the love of three children in their lives who brought Lucille great joy. They lovingly welcomed June and Marshal, and suffered the loss of a baby boy who passed away shortly after birth. Continued hardship followed many during the decade of the 1930s as families were trying to get back on their feet. Sadly, Lucille's husband died in 1940.

Love was not lost for Lucille, and through mutual friends, she met Ellis Stevens. After dating for a time, they married in 1946. Ellis took Lucille's children on as his own, and in time they welcomed the birth of their son, Charles. Lucille made a good home for Ellis and the kids, and was content being a farmer's wife whose greatest role was lovingly taking care of her family. They always had pets, whether beloved dogs or cats, and a few other animals, too. Lucille loved all of her pets which were an important part of her life. Her last canine companion, Poochie, was treated her like a part of the family.

A loving, attentive mother, Lucille was dedicated to each of her children throughout their various activities and endeavors. She served as a scout leader, den mother and also taught Sunday school. When it came to her children, Lucille was fiercely protective of them. She could be a worrier at times, and never ceased in her concern for the safety of her children and grandchildren, even as they grew to have families of their own. Lucille knew her way around the kitchen, and was well known for her canning. She made most of their meals and canned with home grown food from their farm. In fact, she even made enough food to feed all the working farmers and was known as the lady who always made a lot of delicious cookies.

Lucille was a stay at home mother, but she also looked after several senior citizens in the area who needed a little extra help, and Lucille was a perfect fit. Although she never looked at it as a job, Lucille was blessed to lend a helping hand cooking, cleaning, and driving them to where they needed to go. For many, she was the high point of their day. With her jolly and outgoing ways, Lucille added much to their lives along with the many who came to know her.

Easy going was another wonderful trait Lucille possessed. She never got too riled up about anything, except when it came to the welfare of those she loved. She enjoyed crocheting, and also had a love for travel. Over the years she visited Busch Gardens in Florida, and being a member of the 1918 Birthday Club gave her the opportunity to go on an unforgettable trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for a club convention. There she visited the Gettysburg National Military Park which she counted as her all-time favorite trip.

Lucille was naturally outgoing and a happy woman. With the blessing of many friends and the loving support of family, Lucille's life was enriched in many ways. Above all, she gave her heart to others, and with her family by her side, there was no greater place for Lucille to be. Deeply missed, she will be lovingly remembered.

Lucille Stevens, age 95 of Vicksburg, passed away Friday, June 27, 2014 at the Sturgis Hospital. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Tuesday, July 1 from 1:30 to 2:20 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (269 649-1697). A funeral will follow at 2:30 PM at the same location. Lucille’s family includes her children: June Affhalter and Charles Stevens; grandchildren: Linda Affhalter, Karen Affhalter, Brian (Shari) Affhalter, Mitchel (Stacy) Kime and Eric (Mandy) Stevens; seven great-grandchildren; siblings: Emerson Drake, Joyce (Ord) Edwards, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Cecil Kime (1940); her second husband, Ellis Stevens (1995); and son, Marshal Kime (2007). Please visit Lucille’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Junior Achievement of Sturgis or the American Cancer Society.