Lucille Elaine Kucera, 81

Lucille Elaine Kucera (née Todd), 81, of Moyie Springs, Idaho, passed away July 24, 2023, at home with her family by her side.

She was born Sept. 2, 1941, in Long Beach, Calif. Her parents, Emery J. Todd and Opal C. Todd (née Perrin), were involved in the World War II effort at that time. When Lucille was 2 years of age, the family moved to the Idaho/Montana state line, buying what her dad called a "stump ranch" in Lincoln County, Mont.

Lucille grew up in the fresh air and sunshine of eastern Boundary County and western Lincoln County. She spent many happy summer days swimming in Herman Lake, square dancing, and taking part in 4-H activities with her lifelong friend and sissy, Carolyn Everhart. Lucille graduated from Troy High School in 1959 and, in the fall, enrolled in Kinman Business College. She graduated with an associate's degree in secretarial and business administration. For a time, she worked at MetLife and Exchange Lumber in Spokane, Wash.

Lucille married Leonard (Len) Kucera Jr. on Aug. 17, 1963, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. They began their life together, moving to Moscow so Len could finish his degree at the University of Idaho. Lucille found work as the administrative secretary for Dr. Malcolm Renfrew in the Physical Sciences Department. After four years and Len’s graduation, they moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where Len had accepted the Vo-Ag teaching position.

Lucille began life as a teacher’s wife, helping with school activities and being a housewife. She took and passed her driving test for the first time in her life and received a driver’s license.

In January 1969, the couple adopted Angela Michelle, the first of their two oldest daughters, and Christine Marie in July 1970. The family sold their home and made the move to Moyie Springs to join Len’s parents on the dairy farm. Lucille became a partner and a full-time farm wife, making parts runs, chasing cows, as well as caring for two toddlers. In 1976, a third daughter, Wendy Renee, was born to complete the family.

Lucille was able to juggle mom chores with a number of community activities. She was active in 4-H, Boundary County Dairy Wives and the United Methodist Church.

Lucille was an avid gardener and lover of flowers, always canning and freezing fresh produce. She was a knitter and sewed many of the kids' clothes, but she found her niche when she started crafting teddy bears. Many of her bears have loving homes in Boundary County and across the country. Lucille and her mom, for many years knitted hats for the Head Start kids.

Lucille is survived by her husband, Len Kucera Jr.; daughters Angela (Donny) Baker and Wendy Kucera, all of Boundary County, Idaho; cousin Julie Dennison of Potlatch, Idaho; grandsons Adam Geggatt of Las Vegas, Nev., Eric Geggatt of Beverly, Mass., Ray (Tiffany) Flynn of Minot, N.D., Sean (Brittany) Flynn of Phoenix, Ariz., and Lucas (Tasja) Lott of Post Falls, Idaho; and four great-grandchildren.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, Emery and Opal Todd; her daughter, Christine Lott; and most of her close family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at the United Methodist Church. A reception will be held after the service downstairs in the fellowship hall. Interment will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Domestic Violence Coalition in memory of Christine Kucera Lott.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at Auburn Crest Hospice for their support and professional help over the last year and a half.

To leave a message or memory for the family, go to www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.