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Phyllis “Lucille” Giesbrecht December 4, 1932 - November 15, 2018

Phyllis "Lucille" Giesbrecht

Dec. 1932 – Nov. 2018

Phyllis “Lucille” Giesbrecht passed away peacefully on November 15, 2018, surrounded by her family, at Grace Home, in Livingston. She was 85.  Lucille was born at home in December of 1932 in Cimarron, Kansas to Jonas and Martha (Koehn) Ratzlaff. When she was seven, her family moved to Livingston and settled in a home on Peach Avenue.

Lucille graduated from Livingston High School in 1951. She was a natural athlete and was a member of the Girl’s Athletic Association her sophomore through senior years.  Lucille grew up singing and was a member of the Glee club all four years of high school.

Lucille married Quentin Giesbrecht on June 17, 1951. God blessed them with five children, Kathy (Dexter Koehn), Denise (Fred Jenkins) and a set of triplets born on Christmas Eve, Karol (Bob Sousa) Kim (Kevin Ford) and Kevin (Lydia)

Lucille was kept busy raising her children, cooking, baking, and sewing until Quentin experienced poor health and she had to work outside of the home.  She took a part time job as a cook at Grace Home and also worked at Cornet Variety Store in Atwater, managing the store for 10 years.  In 1982, Quentin passed away, and Lucille’s job at Cornet ended. She eventually got a job at Bank of America working as a teller until she retired at 68.

Lucille continued to keep busy after retirement.  She drove her little Toyota up until age 80, but she loved to walk and would often be seen walking around Turlock. She spent many years volunteering her time at Emanuel Hospital, MedicAlert, and Turlock Christian Schools.  Lucille loved children and especially enjoyed volunteering at the church nurseries of Calvary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church in Turlock, and the daycare her daughter and son in-law owned.

Lucille was well-known for her ease of conversations, even with those she did not know.  She had a wonderful smile and feisty sense of humor. She was a proud and independent woman with an unwavering faith in God.

In addition to her five children, Lucille’s siblings include Wilbur (Barbara) Ratzlaff, Jim (Alice) Ratzlaff, Margaret (Gary) Shannon, Lois (Charles) Wine, Lyn (Ron) Giesbrecht and Steve (Diane) Ratzlaff.  Lucille has 15 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren who love her dearly. She loved and adored her children and her grandchildren and stayed busy with family events, camping, and planning the family get-togethers for birthdays and holidays.  Because she had loved sports in high school, she enjoyed playing volleyball and softball and tennis with family and friends as long as she could. Lucille was the heart of her family and her smiles, laughter, and joking will never be forgotten.

Those family members who greeted Lucille in heaven include her loving husband, her parents and brother Wilber Ratzlaff, and brother-in-law Charles Wine.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 from 3-5 p.m. at Allen Mortuary.  The Funeral Service will also take place at Allen Mortuary at 10 a.m. Friday, November 23, 2018.  Interment will immediately follow at Winton Cemetery.  Please share your memories on this website.

Once you have submitted your condolence, it will be approved by our staff during office hours, then published on your loved one’s page.

Condolences(13)

  1. Kathy Perry says
    November 22, 2018 at 6:35 pm

    Lucille’s service in the church nursery was so appreciated. Her sense of humor and honesty made visiting with her so enjoyable.

  2. Nancy Lambright says
    November 22, 2018 at 6:20 am

    She gave me my first real job when I was a teenager in school, working for her in the Corner store. I’m thankful that Kim invited us to spend time with you and the family. To call you mom and laugh and learn from you all those years ago. Love you,see you in Heaven.

  3. Your granddaughter, Chris says
    November 22, 2018 at 3:30 am

    We will love you and miss you forever, Grandma! I will always remember our over-night stays at your house with yummy pancakes and sausage to look forward to the next morning. You never forgot any one of us million grand/great-grandchildren. Thank you for that. I’ll be seeing you.

  4. Margaret Shannon says
    November 21, 2018 at 8:46 pm

    My oldest Sister? You may be gone from this world but am so happy to know your no longer in pain but are able to run and play as we did years ago playing volleyball and other games when are families would get together at Mom and Dad’s.
    Oh how I have missed you and will always miss you. I so happy that you are with Mom and Dad again.
    Gary says watch out there just might be a huge mud hole there.
    I love you ad look forward until that day when we meet again in tHe presence of outr Fatfer in Heaven.

  5. Telishia Bautista (Vanzzini) says
    November 21, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    I was just a teenager when I met “grandma”. Shela and I were inseperable for many years and I was welcomed with open loving arms in to her family and they became my family too. Although it has been many years since I’ve been home, I have wonderful memories with grandma and this family. I cant recall a time that I didn’t see her smiling or laughing. She was witty and spunky and had a great sense of humor. She will be missed and never forgotten.

    Mom, Shela, I am so very sorry for your loss. I miss you all deeply and wish so much to be with you in person, but I am and always will be with you in spirit. I love you all. You are in my thoughts as well as my prayers.

    My condolences to all the family, sending prayers your way.

    Love Always,
    Telisha Bautista (Vanzzini)

  6. Kim Ford says
    November 21, 2018 at 5:01 pm

    My dearest Mama. I can’t express enough gratitude, not only for your love, but for your example of how to live life. You said too often that you made many mistakes. Who doesn’t? But what mostly stands out is your devotion to your God and family. Your determination to keep pressing on and moving forward. You didn’t spoil or indulge, but we never for a minute doubted your love. You loved in practical and eternal ways. You fought the good fight and kept your faith. You brought our family together in your earthly life AND in your passing to your eternal life. How do you do that? Our loss is great but our hope of your joy in Heaven is real and will keep us together until we all meet again. I love you Your Kimberly

  7. Vicki Perrien says
    November 21, 2018 at 4:40 pm

    I remember Lucille as a wonderful reading buddy. We would trade books, read them, talk about if we liked them or not, and then trade again. This went on for many years. Still today when I read a book, I wonder if Lucille would like it.

    So sorry for your loss. But we will all see her again forever. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  8. Mama's Favorite says
    November 21, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    My dearest Mama, How I so deeply miss your sweet self; your twinkling blue eyes, so full of life and love and always, always sweet feistiness. To see you light up and smile when I walked into the room always warmed my heart. Know this, precious mother, you will always be remembered, always be adored, always be cherished; truly and surely a most priceless treasure never to be forgotten. And whenever we sing, we sign for you! You will always be on my heart and in my thoughts. I weep for my loss, but rejoice knowing how utterly happy and pain-free you are. How can I not rejoice? What with you walking AND RUNNING those streets of gold in pure and utter joy. Never fear, Mamadear, we will carry on your amazing legacy; loving God and loving family and each loving other. Until we meet again, from my heart to yours. I love you with all my heart.
    YOUR FAVORITE

  9. The Gover Family says
    November 21, 2018 at 11:19 am

    My first encountered with Lucille was at Calvary Baptist nursery on a Sunday morning. I was reluctant to bring my new born baby to the nursery of unknown persons. But her smile and easy gave me the reassurance he was in good hands.

    Karol and family we are so sorry for your loss. Many prayers for you.

  10. Sara Murphy says
    November 21, 2018 at 3:14 am

    Lucille…. how I have missed you these last few years…you were my prayer warrior, I knew you would take me before the Lord whatever my need. One of the last conversations Troy and I had was about how much we missed visiting with you and sharing about the Lord….. or having a laugh…. and now you are both Home…. know your love and the sweet memories will be with me until we meet again.

    My love and prayers to your precious family.

    Sara

  11. Kathy Koehn says
    November 21, 2018 at 2:51 am

    I love you, dear mother. I miss you so very much. I would love nothing more than to eat just one more meal at Taco Bell with you on Wednesday evenings and then stroll down the isles of Wal-Mart. The isles you are strolling down now are paved with pure gold.

  12. Shela Veillon says
    November 21, 2018 at 1:25 am

    My sweet Grandma, you were loved and will be missed love you forever

  13. Shela Veillon says
    November 21, 2018 at 1:24 am

    My sweet Grandma, you were loved and will he missed love you forever

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