Lucille Maye Yates Niblett, age 95, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on Monday, October 23, 2023. She was born in Naples, Oklahoma on December 12, 1927. She had four older brothers when she entered the world – Leford, Leon, Leonard, and Cecil. A few years later, the family added another brother Alvie, and finally a sister, Bonnie. Living in Oklahoma with a big family and an even bigger extended family, created close family bonds that kept Lucille grounded even when all she wanted to do was run, jump, climb trees, and be an active inquisitive little girl.
Lucille loved adventure and the thrill of new experiences and places. Her family left Oklahoma due to the Dust Bowl and the lack of food and work. The family traveled and worked together for several years. Even at a young age, Lucille picked citrus and worked in carrot and cotton fields. She often left home in her teen years, sometimes with her brother, Cecil, to explore and do odd jobs in new places.
She met her husband J.D. when she was 17, and within 6 months they were married. They made their home in Arizona and had two well-loved daughters, Deanna Sue and Lynnie Marie. She also treasured the ten wonderful years caring for her mother. Even though Lucille experienced many tragedies in her family, she always looked for and found the bright side of life. Her optimism was an inspiration to all who knew her.
For the last 10-plus years of her life, she lived with her daughter, Lynn, and son-in-law, Elvin. They had many adventures, traveled to many countries, and lived life to the fullest. At 93 years old, she wrote a memoir, ‘Walking in Tall Cotton’ that chronicled her long and adventurous life with vivid detail and recall. Lucille remarked about her life, “What a great time we’ve had through the years. It’s important to get out there and live a full life no matter what is thrown your way.”
Lucille leaves behind her daughter, Lynn Albers, son-in-law, Elvin Albers, sister, Bonnie Larzalere, along with 10 nieces,10 nephews, a large extended family, and many friends whom she thought of as family.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Deanna Sue Niblett, stepson, John David Niblett, husband, J.D. Niblett, parents, Effie May and Elgin Pryor Yates, and brothers, Leonard Yates, Leford Yates, Leon Yates, Cecil Yates, and Alvie Yates.
A visitation will be held Monday, November 6, 2023 at Chapel of the Chimes 7924 North 59th Ave, Glendale, Arizona. The funeral service will follow at 11am with a committal service at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 W Northern Ave, Glendale, Arizona. A reception will occur Monday, November 6, 2023 from 1:30 PM 7924 North 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheChimesMortuary.com for the Niblett family.
