LUCILLE CLARKE DUMBRILL

LUCILLE CLARKE DUMBRILL: 1928-2026

Lucille Clark Dumbrill was born May 16, 1928, in Laketown, Utah, to Lemuel Floyd Clarke and Nina Robinson. Her father was a scientist (PhD. zoology) and educator. Her mother was a homemaker and naturalist of wide repute. They instilled in Lucille a keen intellect, love of nature, and a deep love of home and family.

Lucille graduated from University Preparatory High School in Laramie, Wyoming, where her father was a faculty member, department head, and dean. In 1951, she earned a Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University and remained vitally active in University of Wyoming affairs her whole life, serving on the Alumni Board, the Arts and Science Board of Visitors, and the University of Wyoming American Heritage Center Board. In 2001 she was awarded the U.W. Alumni Association Medallion Service Award.

She was married to Richard S. Dumbrill on June 20, 1949, in Laramie. Three children were born to Dick and Lucille: Debbie (deceased), Douglas, and Clarke. Lucille was incredibly proud of her 13 grandchildren and her nieces and nephews, who were as dear to her as children, along with 20 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

During Lucille’s life in Newcastle, she and Richard were active in historical society, both serving as local chapter presidents and on the state board, and the Historical Foundation Board. She served on the local museum board and historic preservation board. 

In 1988, Lucille was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the Presidents’ Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. In 2023, at the age of 95, she published her book, “Grace McDonald Phillips, Legal Pioneer,” an important historic document on Wyoming’s first female practicing attorney, a work which culminated many years of research and preparation.

Lucille was active during her lifetime in P.E.O., Twenty and Twenty First Century Club, and Family Forum Club. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society and Tri Delta Sorority in college. She was always happy to tutor or mentor local students of all ages in mathematics or local history. She was instrumental in the organization and founding of the Dumbrill Ranch Association Conservation Trust, which will keep the Dumbrill Homestead and Ranch in Crook County as an undivided preserve for family history and recreation into the foreseeable future.

For all her many accomplishments — only a few of which are listed here — Lucille’s true legacy is in her relationships of love, support, and mentoring for her family, her community, her university and her state. This does not end after a mere 98 years!

Please make any memorial contributions to the Weston County Historical Society.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Ave, Newcastle, WY 82701 or expressions of sympathy may also be made online at meridianmortuary.com.