Lucille Mabel Hansen

MISSOULA – On the morning of Monday, April 8, 2013, while resting at home with her children, Lucille Mabel Hansen, 88, of Missoula, left for heaven.

Lucille was born July 28, 1924, in Wyndmere, N.D., to Mabel Stuckey Dinger and Roy Dinger.

She graduated from Wyndmere High School in 1942. In July of the same year, she went to work for McDonnell Douglas in Santa Monica, Calif. Her family fondly recalls her "Rosie the Riveter" stories of stolen toolboxes and helping build the original Air Force One.

In 1945, Lucille moved to Missoula. Through Sally and Allen Foss, her aunt and uncle, she met her husband Gilbert Hansen. They were married on Dec. 18, 1945.

Lucille and Gilbert had seven children. They raised their family in Missoula, where Lucille worked as a seamstress and Gilbert worked in law enforcement.

Upon Gilbert's retirement as chief of police, they moved to Stevensville. They eventually settled in Polson, as caretakers of Lee Lodge, owned by Lee Enterprise. In 1987, they moved to Las Vegas due to Gilbert's health. They remained there until Gilbert's death in 1995. Four years later, Lucille moved back to Missoula, where she purchased her home in Katoonah Lodges.

Lucille was a member of the Missoula Senior Center, and volunteered there for several years. She enjoyed working in the office, answering the phone and bookkeeping. Always ready for a game of cards, she enjoyed being part of several different pinochle groups.

Lucille was greeted in heaven by her loving parents; husband; son, Ricky; daughter, Debby; and great-grandson, Diedrich.

She is survived by her children, Linda and Gene Hellman, Laurel and Jim Lang, Gilbert and Mary Ann Hansen, Janice and Steve Morin and Peggy Turner; along with 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Private services are planned for the family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Partners Hospice or the Missoula Senior Center.

Grama Ceil's Words of Wisdom: "It only hurts when I move." "I'm not cheating, I'm lying." "Same time, same place."

Read Lucille Hansen's Obituary and Guestbook.