Lucille M. Thurow

Lucille “Lou” Sawyer Thurow, 94, passed away peacefully at her home on July 10, 2026. Born on June 14, 1932, in Carthage, New York, Lou was the eldest of six children born to Mose Sawyer and Emma Jane Warren. As the big sister, she learned early on the value of devotion, a strength that anchored her family throughout her life.

After moving to Las Vegas, Lou met the love of her life, Carl George Thurow. They were married on June 3, 1965, building a foundation of deep affection and commitment. Carl stepped in as the devoted father her three young boys—Neil, Keith, and Ed—needed, later adopting them. Together, Lou and Carl welcomed their son Brian, completing their family of four boys.

Lou spent years welcoming locals and visitors as a waitress and hostess at casino cafes across the valley, including the Eldorado, the Rainbow, and Joker’s Wild. Warm and sociable, she loved being around people and was cherished by her patrons and coworkers alike. She carried a steadfast loyalty to those she cared about, paired with an unmistakable strength and conviction.

Above all else, family was Lou’s greatest joy. She threw open her doors every Christmas, making sure anyone without a place to go found warmth and company at her table. Her laugh was contagious, especially when paired with her beloved sister, Katherine. They were as close as best friends could be. Their shared joy could light up any room, and Lou held Kate close in her heart long after her passing.

After raising four sons, Lou’s world changed when her first two grandchildren, Lindsay and Hillary, arrived. Unaccustomed to young girls, she loved to feign annoyance at the hairbrushes and curling irons scattered across the table—though everyone knew she secretly adored every second of it. She took them back-to-school shopping every year, endlessly amused by their pickiness as they made her walk every floor of the mall only to buy something from the very first store. Some of their fondest memories were waiting on the casino stairs after her shifts while she played the slot machines—one for her, and one for the girls—using whatever she won to take them on special shopping trips.

Lou is survived by her sons: Neil (Becky) Joslin, Keith Joslin, Ed (Cindy) Thurow, and Brian (Theresa) Thurow; her 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Beverly and Gerald. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl; her parents, Mose and Emma Jane Sawyer; and her siblings, Charles, Dorothy, and Katherine.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Ed, Cindy, and Eryanne for the extraordinary love and tender care they provided to Lou at home over the years.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, where she will be laid to rest alongside her sweet Carl. One of a kind in every way, Lou’s presence will be forever missed.