LUCIA MAY YEAGER

June 22, 1923–March 2, 2019

Lucia was born to Claire Drake and Avis Gould Drake on June 22, 1923, in Archer, Neb. (A town that no longer exists.) During her early years she lived in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Newcastle, Wyo. Her father was a blacksmith and worked where he was needed — a lot of time for her grandfather, Charles Gould, in his sawmill.

She met the love of her life when she was in high school when her brother introduced her to Harold Yeager. They married June 30, 1941, in Newcastle. They first lived in a sheep wagon, herding sheep until Harold’s dad became ill and they moved back to the home ranch to help out. 

Janet was born in 1942, and Doug in 1943.

In 1944, they moved to Igloo, S.D., where Harold went to work for the Black Hills Ordinance Depot. Lucia enjoyed their time there just being a wife and mother. They stayed there until World War II ended. Harold’s dad passed away in 1948 and they moved back to the ranch, working hard raising sheep, and the kids. During that time at the ranch, they took in a foster son to raise, for a friend. They loved that boy as much as they did their biological children and they did until the day they died.

In 1955, they moved to Newcastle and Harold worked for Plains Pipeline. The kids went to school and graduated in Newcastle. Then they moved to Rapid City where Harold worked at the Air Force Base and Lucia cooked at a retirement home there. 

Finally they moved back to Newcastle and Harold worked for the City of Newcastle and Lucia cooked for Weston County Memorial Hospital, Weston County Manor. They both retired and they spent their time camping and Harold fishing. One of her proudest moments was earning her high school diploma in 1980.

Lucia spent her retirement years quilting, crocheting, sewing, and visiting at Weston County Senior Center and visiting with her children and grandchildren until ill health sent her to live at the Manor. 

She passed away quietly on March 2, 2019, at about 8:45 a.m.

Lucia was preceded in death by her husband, brother, sister, sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, one grandson, and her parents.

Lucia is survived by her daughter, Janet (Dwight); son, Doug (Barb); foster son, Neil (Sharon); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and many friends.