Lucille Virginia Raines, 93, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away at her daughter's home on August 22, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Albert Raines. Lucille is survived by her daughters Gayle Lynne Faulkner, Diane Kay Dory; her grandchildren, Heidi Michelle Zeller, Jeffry Clinton Faulkner, Jeffrey Scott Dory, Alexander Thomas Dory, Jill Suzanne White, Benjamin Gordon Dory; great-grandchildren Cameron Richard White, Dylan Curtis Zeller, Mackenzie Lynne White, Taylor Michelle White; grandsons-in-law Daniel Curtis Zeller and Timothy Richard White. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26, at Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.
Celebration of the Life of Lucille Virginia Raines
Lucille was born to Thomas Clinton and Lena Belle Cunningham in the upstairs bedroom of a farmhouse in Holden, Missouri on April 14, 1918 and entered into eternal rest on August 22, 2011. Lucille grew up during the depression as Lucille Cunningham, an only child whose father worked two mornings a week at Sealtest Ice Cream as a printer. Because of their resourceful ways, including raising food in the garden, the family managed to make their way through the depression. This resourcefulness carried with Lucille throughout life as she always had lots of food in the larder (cupboard) and the fridge. Lucille attended Yeager Elementary School and East High School in Kansas City, Missouri.
While at East High School, Lucille was on the student council, was in the Commercial Club, and was a Glee club member. She played Mrs. Lamson in a production of “The Tavern” and also starred in productions of “Station YYYY”, and the “March Heir”. She was the Treasurer, the Critic, and was named the “Eulexian” of Eulexian Literary Society for “girls” who were interested in literature and the attainment of high scholastic records. Throughout the duration of her high school years, she participated in literary contests, and carried this passion for literature throughout the rest of her life, sometimes reading one or more books per day. Lucille graduated from East High School in 1935 and then moved onto Park College, where she attended for a year. It was during her high school years that she learned to drive on a Model A Ford. After college, she went on to work for Montgomery Ward as a secretary.
Lucille met and married Clarence Albert Raines in 1942. They lived in Kansas City Missouri, and then moved to Seattle after Clarence enlisted in the Navy. Following World War II, Clarence and Lucille returned to Kanas City and had two daughters: Gayle Lynne and Diane Kay. Clarence got a job as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service and Lucille was a homemaker. Clarence contracted polio, and after more than a year, returned to the Post Office to work in Delivery and Collection. Lucille was an active mother who participated in the PTA, taking her daughters wherever they needed to go, and offered support in every aspect of her children’s lives.
Gayle remembers being incredibly shy and, as an astute parent, Lucille was patient and allowed Gayle to watch dance lessons for weeks from the sidelines until she was ready to participate. Diane remembers long, happy summers going to the library for the reading program, and playing in the back yard under the big walnut tree. Lucille imparted her love of reading to her girls through bedtime stories, and special favorites were Uncle Wiggly and the Teenie Weenies. The girls spent time playing at their grandfather’s print shop while Lucille helped with the bookkeeping. The community center was an integral part of family life. Clarence and Lucille participated in the Young Married Couples Club and Lucille encouraged activities for her daughters such as dance classes, carnivals, textile painting, and picnics at Lake Jacomo and Blue Valley Park. Gayle and Diane have fond memories of going with Lucille on school sponsored trips to Chicago and Colorado by train. The photos from those trips are a lasting memory of a special time together.
Lucille lost Clarence to cancer in 1978 and, with her strong will and determination, she faced life independently, and continued to focus her attention on her family. Lucille became an active member of Eastern Star and the Madonna Shrine where she cultivated lasting friendships. Even though Lucille did not recognize her artistic side, she began china painting, and has left a legacy of beautiful “award winning” china pieces which her family will use and enjoy.
As Lucille’s family expanded, she was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother and especially enjoyed participating in family celebrations. The family includes Gayle’s children Heidi Michelle, Jeffry Clinton, and Jill Suzanne. Heidi married Dan Zeller and had Dylan Curtis. Jill married Tim White and had Cameron Richard, Mackenzie Lynne, and Taylor Michelle. Diane had Jeffrey Scott, Alexander Thomas, and Benjamin Gordon. Lucille’s 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren were among the highlights of her life. The family just introduced two great-grandchildren to Starlight Theatre. Starlight has always been a social event for Lucille, from the time her children were little girls through this past season. Lucille’s grandchildren have fond memories of grandma’s rhubarb pie, her special macaroni and cheese, toast buttered to the edges, individualized cereal choices, and of course the frozen pizza dinners. She ensured every grandchild had a Big Wheel bike of their own, parked in order, waiting for a visit. Lucille’s grandchildren respected her approach to discipline which consisted of the simple stare and point method directing them to their “respective corners”. Lucille’s porch swing was always an inviting place for adult conversation, or for a grandchild “snuggle”.
Lucille will be remembered by her family and friends for her sense of humor, her optimism, and her determination during times of adversity as she earned the respect and love of all those around her. Today, we celebrate her life and hold dear our memories of her. Each person here has been touched in a special way by our mom, our grandmother , our great-grandmother, and our friend. She will be always in our hearts.
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