Lucille E. Gallagher

Lucille Eleanor Gallagher was born August 11, 1919, the daughter of James and Nora Keating. She died at the Manilla Manor Nursing Home in Manilla, Iowa, Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the age of ninety-five.
One of seven children, Lucille learned to work with others early in her life. She attended the Hanover #7 Country School through eigth grade, continuing at the Denison High School and graduating in 1937. After graduation, Lucille attended the manual training in the summer of 1937 with a desired goal of becoming a school teacher. Upon completion of the summer training, the enthusiastic Lucille immediately began teaching at Paradise Center School, located southwest of Denison.
It was at a dance at the Uwana in Denison that Lucille first met the love of her life, Arnie. They were married on June 5, 1939 at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in her hometown of Denison, and blessed with the birth of four children. After honeymooning in Omaha, the newlyweds relocated to Alliance, Nebraska. Following a short stint in the cornhusker state, the couple returned to west central Iowa, settling in Manilla. It was there that she continued teaching children in Buck Grove, Hikey School #5, and finally at Manilla School. Over the course of her career, she excelled with primary aged children, specifically first and second graders. Lucille has always adored children, claiming she never taught a “bad” child. Lucille’s teaching career spanned 36 years, culminating with her retirement in 1983. She was always a worker, and was always up for a challenge. One of her special characteristics was her desire to not only educate students in academics, but instilling morals and developing their character, as well. She modeled this with her presence and actions. Family members recall Grandma Pluxie always looking sharp and acting classy. When she needed to get the attention of anyone, a quick snap of the fingers was all that was necessary. Also, it was easy to know when important information was being shared, as she would point with her index finger in order to drive her point home.
First and foremost is Lucille’s life was her Catholic Faith. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church in Manilla, where she read, led the Rosary for the Sunday Mass and was part of the Altar and Rosary Society. Her faith served as a strong model for her entire family. Lucille and Arnie were both hard workers, but they found time to enjoy several activities. Ballroom dancing was a passion for the couple, including traveling as far away as Utica, Nebraska to follow big bands such as Paul Moorhead. Additionally, Lucille was also accomplished with ceramics and embroidery, and her creations were cherished. After Arnie’s passing in 2010, Lucille went to live with her sister, Marie Evers, in Soldier, Iowa. In May of 2013, Lucille moved into the Manilla Manor. Lucille has been a positive influence on many people over the course of her life. Her generous ways, powerful work ethic, and genuine care for others has made an encouraging impact on all who have known her.
Lucille is preceded in death by her parents; one son Kenny; brother James and his wife Marie; two sisters: Irene and her husband, Oscar; and Marg. Survivors include: one daughter, Karen and her husband, Bob; two sons, Kasey and his wife, Lorraine and Kevin; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; three sisters; Marie, Kay and Rita; many other relatives and friends.