Lucille M. Heft passed away peacefully on December 26, 2011 at her home, where she had lived for nearly 60 years. She was 94. Lucille was energetic and full of life, and she lived by a creed of perseverance. She was a devoted wife and mother of four. She was married to Arnold Heft for 51 years and dedicated her life to fervently supporting all family members. Lucille was born on September 6, 1917 in Aberdeen, SD She graduated from Black Hills College in Spearfish, SD, and following WWII, moved to Alaska, where she met Arnold. They were married in a small ceremony on April 30, 1949, in Anchorage. Throughout her career, she taught various levels of school, finally retiring from Chouteau Elementary School in 1977, where she taught second grade for the previous seven years. She then pursued freelance writing, and she later served as the head of the local chapter of the National League of American Pen Women in the early 1990s. She encouraged scores of writers in the Kansas City area by offering a writing critique group, which met regularly at her home for 12 years. Lucille actively submitted short stories and cooking articles and was published in multiple publications, including the Kansas City Star food section. Lucille loved to travel, play accompaniments on piano at church events and try out new recipes. She had an infectious laugh and used the gift of encouragement. She was an active member of Avondale United Methodist Church for nearly 60 years. Lucille is survived by her four children: Kathy Gaskill, Warren Heft, Kim Heft, and Gordon Heft; her sister, Esther Roundy, in Los Angeles; six grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, December 29th from 10:00-11:00 AM at Avondale United Methodist Church. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Mt. Moriah Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice or Alzheimer's Association . (www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com) McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Rd, Kansas city, MO 64119, 816-453-7700

Published in Kansas City Star on December 28, 2011