Lucille Albright

At 106 years, Lucille (Sara Anne Lucille) Albright went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2016. Lucille, daughter of Bertie and Margery Orcutt, was born in Esmond, South Dakota on September 14, 1909.

Lucille grew up on a farm near Pleasantville, Iowa. Later, she earned a certificate in Business Administration from Drake University. Lucille and Clifford, her husband, raised three children and were married for more than 60 years. She and Clifford worked together at their store, Albright Electric, in Beaverdale for more than 35 years.
Lucille had many interests. She collected primitive lighting, perfume bottles, Teddy Bears, and gave lectures on all. Some of the clubs Lucille enjoyed included Beta Sigma Phi professional business sorority, Rush Light Club, Des Moines Women’s Club, Questers, and PEO (KO chapter). Lucille was a member of Hyperion Field Club for more than 60 years where she loved to golf. She also volunteered at Broadlawns Hospital for more than 10 years and at the Botanical Center Gift Shop.

After age 80, Lucille sought adventure by white water rafting, riding a camel, four-wheeling, hot air ballooning, motorcycling, and reeling in huge Northerns on Lake Vermilion in Minnesota. She also traveled to the Holy Land of Israel, Egypt Russia, England, China, Alaska, Ireland, Hawaii, and Mexico. Lucille was often asked her secret to living so long. Those around her knew it was her positive attitude, thirst for knowledge, and her overall zest for living.

Lucille professed her Christian faith and was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 73 years where she taught Sunday School, volunteered with Wednesday night youth groups, and played the organ and piano for church events. In her 90’s, Lucille continued growing her faith by attending the Alpha Class at Lutheran Church of Hope with her daughter and granddaughter. She was proud to be the eldest in attendance.
Sunday dinners with family brought joy to Lucille. Years ago, Lucille and Clifford would pack their kids and grandkids into their home in Beaverdale with “Wild Kingdom” on in the background. In the last couple of years, she still loved a long Sunday drive and dinner with family.

Lucille is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Michael) Gourley; grandchildren Brant (Christine) Gourley, Deanne (Tod) Moriarty, Kelly Merical, David Eller, and Alan (Tammy) Albright Jr.; great grandchildren include Jake and Maddie Gourley; Jack, Tyler and Jordan Moriarty; Chad and Morgan Eller; and Addison and Braeden Albright; son-in-law, Charles Merical; daughter-in-law, Janet Albright; and granddaughter-in-law, Jackie Eller. Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford R. Albright; daughter, Sharon Merical; son, Alan R. Albright; and grandson, Scott Eller.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 4, 2016 at 10am at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa, 50266 and a Celebration of Life Service will follow at noon also at Hamilton’s Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to: Westminster Presbyterian Church (Attn: Lucille Albright Memorial), 4114 Allison, Des Moines, IA 59310 or to the family’s church: Lutheran Church of Hope, Hope Legacy Foundation (Attn: Lucille Albright Memorial), 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

Our thanks to all of Scottish Rite — Lucille’s home for the past 15 years. She resided in her apartment until 104 years of age and then received care in the healthcare wing of Scottish Rite. A very heartfelt thanks to the special staff who worked with her and to dear friends who visited Lucille. May God bless you for your kindness.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHomes.com.

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