Lucille Beaman Arispe

Lucille Beaman, 96, of Arispe, died Monday, August 3, 2015, at the Afton Care Center in Afton.

Services were Saturday, Aug. 8, at Powers Funeral Home, junction of highway 34 and 25, in Creston. Pastor Dwayne Henrichs officiated. Burial was at Greenlawn Cemetery in Afton. Memorials can be made in Lucille's name. Online condolences may be made at www.powersfh.com.

Lucille Hudson Beaman, was born Oct. 10, 1918, in Daviess Co., Mo. Her mother was Inez Cecil Rice Hudson and her father was Thomas Phillip Hudson. She attended country schools and graduated from Pattonsburg HS in 1935. She wanted to attend beauty school, but they didn’t have the funds. So, she worked as hired help for different women in the community. Tom worked for a different farmer every year and moved every year, finally settling on a farm southeast of Arispe. This is where Lucille worked with local families cooking, cleaning and caring for children. She then was offered a teaching position after she obtained her teachers certificate, through Simpson. Lucille taught in many rural schools. She received her AA Degree from Creston Jr. College and her Bachelor Degree from Drake University. She met Owen in 1942, and they married Jan. 16, 1943 in Grant City, Mo. Owen was drafted and served in WW II participating in the landing at Normandy and The Battle of the Bulge. While stationed in Watertown New York, Lucille worked at the Hershey Candy factory. “I could eat all I wanted, but couldn’t take any out of the factory.” After Owen was shipped out, Lucille returned to live with her parents on the farm. In August of 1944, a daughter Lonna Lynne was born. After the war, Owen and Lucille rented a home in Arispe, which they later purchased. This is the same home they remained in until her death. In 1948, another daughter Arlinda Colene was born. When both daughters were in school, Lucille returned to teaching: first in Arispe, then Lorimor, then Shannon City and back to Arispe. While teaching in Lorimor, she had a severe car accident which affected her health for many years. “Her kids” as she always called her students were much loved. She could tell you who they were and what year she taught them. They all greeted her with smiles, hugs and memories. The Christmas tradition of making a candy house was something she especially enjoyed. She had many saying, but they all seem to remember “I’ll turn you over my checkered apron.” She loved teaching and all of “Her Kids.”

Health forced her into early retirement, but she continued to have dreams of teaching. She loved to bowl and did so for many years. Her proudest moment was winning a 500 trophy. She so hoped after knee replacement to return to bowling, but it was not to be. Owen and Lucille traveled extensively. Their biggest thrill was returning to Europe with the 5th Armored Division to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the liberation of Luxembourg.
They camped extensively in their later years, always attending the Iowa State Fair.

When Owen’s health failed, they remained in their home depending on family and friends. Lucille loved her children, grandchildren, semi-adopted son, Ron Nurnberg and good friend, Don Wilson, a former student.

After her retirement, Lucille did volunteer work in the community. She especially enjoyed her many years helping at the Afton Care Center.

Owen passed away in 2003 and Lucille remained in her home until her death.

To celebrate her life, she leaves two daughters: Lonna McDonough and Arlinda Abell; five grandchildren; Karrie Darnold, Tami Abell, Colin & Eron McDonough and Kylie Burgett; eight great-grandchildren: Shane Abell, Sydney Martin, Jessie Martin, Jaden Abell, Dalton & Graham McDonough and Margaret & Grace Burgett; semi-adopted son, Ron Nurnberg, a dear friend Donald Wilson and extended family and many friends and neighbors.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Owen, two brothers, Aldwin and Arnold Hudson, a sister in infancy, Elizabeth Lee, and a sister-in-law, Arlene Hudson.