Lucille Randall, age 97, passed away July 24, 2018, at the Powder River Manor in Broadus, Montana. She was born March 9, 1921, to Swiss immigrant parents, Anna and Christian Gantenbein, in Boring, Oregon. She was the fourth of five children, growing up on the family’s dairy farm on Kelso Road. Lucille’s father died of tuberculosis when she was 14 months old, but her mother was able to keep the family farm with the advice and support of her brothers-in-law. After graduating from Sandy High School, Lucille enrolled in the nursing program at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon, during World War II. She worked her way to a bachelor’s degree in nursing over five years. It was there she met her future husband, Douglas. He had been injured in a shipyard accident and was a patient in her ward. She thought he was the nicest man she had ever met. She married Douglas on May 21, 1944, and the very next day made a train trip to Miles City, Montana. From there, they drove together to the cattle ranch south of Broadus, Montana.
She was lonesome that first year on the ranch, but that changed quickly with the birth of her first child, Susan, in 1945. Marcia followed along in 1946, Curtice in 1949 and Craig in 1956. Lucille loved the ranch life, and her optimistic, can-do attitude helped her to accomplish any challenge to which she set her mind, be it sewing, upholstery, curtain making, or painting pretty pictures. Her yard was always trimmed, and her flowers were beautiful. Lucille’s endurance was endless, and both she and Doug instilled a love of work in each of their children.
She and Douglas were good neighbors and friends to many. She always welcomed nieces and nephews and friends’ children to a summer ranch experience. She made three trips to Switzerland to see relatives, and many came to Broadus to see her. Lucille loved anything Swiss, and if plied with enough wine, she would play her accordion and yodel the Swiss songs she knew. It was always a treat as it did not happen often. Lucille also traveled to New Zealand, to Colombia, and to places in between to enjoy time with those that she loved.
Lucille never worked as a nurse in an official capacity in the community, but she provided countless hours of volunteer work when needed, from dressing changes for someone home from the hospital, giving tick shots, or administering polio vaccine to school children. She also volunteered with he Bloodmobile and the Red Cross when they came to town. She was a 4-H leader, in Eastern Star, and served on many community boards. She was a good neighbor, a better friend, and the type of woman that so many of her family hoped to grow to be. She was the standard to which other women in her family are still held, the genesis of a good laugh, the hugs we give to those we love, and good advice that we all still wish that we could hear.
Lucille and Doug spent retirement winters in Sun City, Arizona, with many Broadus friends in the same area. After Doug died in 2005, she found a special friend in Charley Emmons. They enjoyed each other’s company immensely, and they continued to be a comfort to one another after she entered Powder River Manor in 2013.
Lucille is survived by her daughter Marcia (Dave) Hulburt, her sons, Curt (Bonnie) Randall and Craig (Jackee) Randall, her son-in-law Lance Moxey, and her sister-in-law, Jean Gantenbein. Her grandchildren are Clint (Vonda) Moxey, Tyrell (Heather) Moxey, Nolan (Caryn) Moxey; Sarah (Fred) Schwendeman, Emily (Clint) Mainwaring, Rebecca Hurlburt; Wynn (Dawn) Randall, Jolene Randall, Ray Randall, Ross Randall; Lee (Missy) Randall, Kari (Cory) Wilder, Taylor Randall and Jay Randall. Great-grandchildren are Shylee, Max, Natalie, Logan, Lucas, Dakota, Charlotte, Gabriel, Spencer, Alexa, Tyrell, Leonard, Natalie, Tayla, Addison, Lexington, Kenzie, Doonan and Liam, and nieces and nephews and friends too numerous to count.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas, her parents, Anna and Christian, her siblings and their spouses, Margaret (Fred), Lillian (Sherman), Hank (Arletha) and John, by her daughter Susan and grandchild, Joshua.
Funeral services will be held on August 4, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus, Montana. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Farm In The Dell or to the Powder River Manor. Lucille’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at the Powder River Manor for the excellent care they gave to our mother and the infinite kindness that they showed to us.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to the Randall family.
carol schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers are with Lucille’s family, She was such a kind, wonderful woman.
Gunther says
My thoughts are with all of Lucille’s family, she was in my life so much each special when I was a young girl,i have so many wonderful memories of my time on her ranch, when I was a kid. Prayers for all of the family
SALLY A. BORLA says
MY SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO ALL THE RANDALL FAMILY WITH YOUR LOSS OF BOTH YOUR SISTER AND NOW YOUR MOTHER. GOD BLESS AND CHERISH YOUR WONDERFUL MEMORIES.
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Marcia, Curt & Craig,
Hugs to all. Your mom was a sweet sweet lady.
Julie Emmons says
When I was just 10 years old, Lucille comforted me at the funeral of my Grandmother. I always thought so much of her for that and never had any idea she would come to be so special to my father in later years. She was always pleasant and positive. I will miss her as I know my father will. She was a very dear friend to him. She was a special lady!!
Jim Moutrey says
Marcia, Curt, & Craig, Your Mom was so much an exceptional women and I will forever remember her compassion. Her, your Dad, Susan, and you guys truly made my life easier following the early passing of my Dad. I always felt welcome at your place, even if Lucille made me eat cottage cheese and other stuff that my Mom didn’t. I am so happy that I visited with her often over the last 20 years and until a couple of years ago she remembered my Dad and expressed her high regard for him. Lucille cared for all and her kindness will be missed by all.
DeAnna Anderson says
Curt, Bonnie & families,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. May peaceful memories comfort you during this difficult time. Sending thoughts & prayers your way!
Travis, DeAnna, Lance & Hadli
Kathy-Jim Bowman says
Marcia, Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She lived an extordinary life after reading her obit. Hope you are comforted in knowing she lived it to the fullest. Thoughts and prayers to you and your whole family. Jim & Kathy
Jay and Deb Terrett says
We send our love and sympathy to all the Randall family. What a special lady Lucille was and she blessed so many with her warmth and hospitality. May you all find comfort and gratitude in her long and fruitful life.
Betty and Skin Collins says
Prayers and thoughts to the Randall family at the passing of your mother. Cherish the great memories you have of her. She was such a sweet lady.
Shawn & Wendy Richards says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all families.
Roger/Lisa Gaskill says
Thinking of all of you at this time. I will truly miss seeing Lucille sitting in the fireside room at the nursing home any time I go to the Manor. She was a sweet lady.
Michael, Kristi and girls says
Sorry for your loss
Prayers and condolences to t e family
Bob Brooks says
A lovely lady. A friend and aid to all. She will be missed.
Bruce & Barb Keil says
Our condolences to all the Randall family. Lucille was a very special person and it was always a great time to share the holidays with her and all the family. I have many special memories of the times together with Doug and Lucille, Susan, Marcia, Curt, Craig and their cousins. She was a great cook and hostess, and every once in a while, a good yodeler.
Arnie Solberg says
Sorry Craig and family…Just now saw this in the Billings Gazette…God bless you all
Frank Tooke says
Lucille was a great lady. Sometimes stern but always caring and helpful. Please accept my condolences .
Bill and Dina Gay says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Ken Jones and family says
So sorry to hear about Lucille, she was a grand lady and sweetest lady, always a smile on her face,God Blees yous and take care.
Linda (Cole) Bianco says
Dear Marcia, Curt and Craig; My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your mom. She was an awesome lady. Susan and Marcia were people I looked up to as well, having gone 11 years to PRCDHS. Curt was in my class and always a nice guy. You all have our admiration for living up to her ideals for you. My heart, prayers and love are with you all. Linda (Cole) Bianco
Marilyn Wilson says
Lucille was such a sweet lady! I first met her when she hosted a bridal shower for me before I married Lee. We will always remember her.
Your family continues to be in our prayers.
Marilyn and Lee