Lucille Alice Simonson was born to Simon T. and Helen L. Stewart Simonson on Feb. 24, 1927, on her parent’s ranch north and west of Mullen in Cherry country. Lucille departed this life on July 26, 2012, in North Platte.
Lucille was the youngest child and was adored by her sister Allegra and brother Bill.
Lucille grew up on the ranch, graduated from Mullen High School, attended Normal training and taught school for a few years. On Aug. 18, 1946, she married Stan Barent in a double ceremony with her sister Allegra and Dewayne Buechler in the front yard of their parent’s ranch.
Stan rodeoed and Lucille timed at rodeos for many years. She was a bright spot in many crow’s nest. She followed the events on television later in life with the PBR being one of her favorites. Her television was set permanently on that channel so she would not miss it. For many years, Lucille was the friendly face of the Avon Lady and perfume, as well as the color purple, which was a signature of hers.
Lucille was known as “Aunt Ceile” to many over the years and her nieces and nephews were another of her passions. Lucille also loved animals and adopted baby pigs, turkeys, geese, and deer, but cats were her favorite and she almost always had one as a pet.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; her four siblings; and her beloved Stan.
She is survived by sisters-in-law, Laura Simonson, Lavina Sevier; brothers-in-law, Tuffy Barent, Boyd Barent; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins as well a host of friends and neighbors. She will be missed.
Memorials are suggested to the Seneca Cemetery, Mullen High School Rodeo Club or Thedford High School Rodeo Club.
Services will be at 11 a.m. (MDT) on Tuesday, July 31, at the Seneca Auditorium in Seneca. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. (MDT) on Monday at the Mullen Funeral Home.
Mullen Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.