Lucille Van Lith

Lucille Van Lith, age 91 of Milbank died April 1, 2017, at St. William’s Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Father Gary DeRouchey will celebrate the Mass.

Visitation will be at the church on Thursday beginning at 4 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Friday morning, one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in the St. Charles Cemetery, Big Stone City.

Casket bearers will be: Jon Smart, Heath Boe, Mark Van Lith, Nathan Boe, Matt Van Lith, and Andrew Van Lith. Musicians will be Nancy Johnson, organist and the St. Lawrence Funeral Choir. The placing of the pall will be done by: Valerie Van Lith and Christy Van Sickle; lectors will be: Jacob Van Lith and Luke Boe; gift bearers will be: Mike Van Lith and Jan Harbaugh. Leading the Rosary will be: Lori Leddy, Amy Van Lith, and Michelle Altrich.

Lucille Frances Van Lith was born July 21, 1925, to Anton and Emma (Kosse) Erne in Milbank, SD. She attended school through the eighth grade.

On October 10, 1944, Lucille was united in marriage with Maurice (Marty) Van Lith at St. Charles Catholic Church, Big Stone City. They were blessed with six children: Janice, Francis, Julia, Kristine, Morris, and Anthony. Together they farmed in Big Stone Township. They moved near Big Stone Lake, and eventually moved into Milbank.
Lucille was a faithful helpmate and caregiver to Marty. They enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, and going to dances together.

Lucille was an active member of St. Charles Catholic Church. She held offices, served in the Altar Society, and taught catechism. Lucille enjoyed going to the neighborhood Extension Club meetings.

Lucille enjoyed sewing. She helped make many quilts for others when she lived at Columbus Heights and even while at St. William’s Nursing Home. She liked to embroider and bake for her family. (Especially the chocolate sheet cake that they liked so well!) Next to God, Lucille’s children and grandchildren were the most important people in her life. She enjoyed helping them, playing cards with them, and going to their activities.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Julie (Lowell) Boe, of Revillo, SD; Morrie (Diane) Van Lith of Milbank, SD; Tony (Marge) Van Lith of Primghar, IA; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Van Lith of Milbank SD; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marty; her son, Frank; her daughters: Janice and Kristy; her four brothers and three sisters.