Lucille Walter

Lucille Walter

Lucille Walter, 92, long time Niobrara County resident, passed away at the Mobridge South Dakota Regional Hospital Saturday, Feb. 5, following a brief illness. Lucille will be remembered by family and friends as a courageous and determined lady who made a valuable contribution to her community. Lucille was devoted to her family and provided a constant source of inspiration to her friends.

Lucille was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on April 12, 1912, the daughter of Alva and Maude Smith. She migrated with her parents and siblings by rail to Niobrara County in 1916 where they lived north of Keeline before settling near Lusk. Lucille's lifetime spanned teams and wagons to space shuttles. While her early years were tough and demanding, Lucille lovingly recalled the many pleasant memories she had of what would now be deemed pioneer living. After obtaining a high school diploma, Lucille took normal training in order to teach in rural Niobrara County schools. One of her first teaching assignments entailed a 25-mile horseback ride in the wake of a blizzard. For this, she was paid fifty dollars per month.

Lucille married Ray Walter in 1932. She and her husband operated a repair business and small livestock operation until Ray passed away in 1961. Lucille returned to summer school while teach rural schools during the school year. She graduated from Chadron State College in 1973 with a teaching degree. She taught at a number of rural schools in Sioux County, Neb. and Niobrara County, until she finally retired from teaching at age 65. Following retirement, Lucille remained active for a number of years in the Retired Teachers Assoc., Garden Club, Node Homemakers, Farm Bureau, AARP and other various clubs and organizations. She earned the recognition of Master Gardner.

Lucille especially enjoyed events at the Niobrara County Fair and helped in many ways during that event. She was an expert with needle and thread. Her family and friends still enjoy her handiwork. In 1995, she sold her home place at Node and resided in Gillette. In Nov. 2004, Lucille moved to Java, S.D., to live with Henry and Peggy Walter. She resided in Java until her death.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Ray, her parents, one brother Avery, and two sisters, Elsie Christian and Opal Boyd. She is survived by her sons, Jerry and wife Peggy of Java, S.Dak., Jim and wife Ida of Rapid City; a number of grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, two brothers, Merrill and Earl Smith, and her sister Ellen Hyatt.

Lucille was cremated following a brief family service in Mobridge. A public memorial service will be held later in Lusk to accommodate attendance by friends and family. Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Home in Lusk will be in charge of final arrangements.

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