Lucille Edith Henderson

Lucille Edith Henderson, 93, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 at the Brendan House with family by her side. She was born on March 12, 1916 in Bottineau, N.D., to John and Irene (Nine) Fraser.

Lucille graduated from Westhope High School in 1934. Lucille and John David Henderson were married January 17, 1936 in Westhope, N. D., and began a life of farming, raising a family and then many other professions along the way. Lucille cooked at many local restaurants and Montana Veteran's Home. A career in Avon helped the family out while earning many achievement awards. During this time she lived in North Dakota, California, Oregon, Washington and finally back to California where she and David spent their last years together. Lucille eventually moved back to Montana to live with her daughter and family. Lucille was a member of Columbia Falls United Methodist Church for many years and was active with the Womens Group. She also enjoyed many years of participating in the local knitting club. One of her highlights were the years spent in the Rebecca Lodge. Lucille liked all social activities and events. One of her best times was her 87th birthday. Seventeen women, including daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and daughters-in-law took her to Las Vegas to celebrate. She claimed this was the best time ever.

Lucille will always be remembered for her cooking, especially her bread, cinnamon rolls and dill pickles. When she wasn't cooking she was knitting or crocheting, including hundreds of afghans in her time.

Lucille and David traveled many places during their marriage. Their favorite being Alaska, where they loved sitting by the Kenai River at their son Ron's home.

Lucille is survived by her son, Ronald and wife Sherrie of Soldatna, Alaska; daughters Betty Woods and husband Jack of Mount Vernon, Wash., and Noreen Hanson and husband Richard of Coram; her sister Dorothy Skinn of Billings and brother Don Fraser of North Dakota. Lucille was also blessed with 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. Lucille is preceded in death by her husband John David, daughter Caroline, son Duane, one brother and two sisters.

Cremation has taken place with Columbia Mortuary. A celebration of life will be held Oct. 17 in Mount Vernon, Wash., at the home of Jack and Betty Woods.