Lucille D. Druce, 90, Minot, died Sunday, July 5, 2009, in a Minot Nursing Home.

Lucille was born February 28, 1919, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada to Lucian and Potentia (Tomaschovich) Samuelnok. Her family homesteaded to Gasman Township of Ward County, near Max, ND. Lucille received her formal education in country schools in the area.

As a young adult, Lucille moved to Los Angeles, CA. Lucille was once married to Stan Druce. Lucille and her family resided in California until returning to North Dakota with her children in 1954. Lucille was employed as a dental assistant at the John Moses Hospital in Minot for a number of years and was later transferred to the oral surgery clinic at the Minot Air Force Base. She retired in 1981 after 26 years of service as a dental assistant.

Lucille was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church and the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, both of Minot. She also served as a volunteer at St. Joseph's Hospital for a number of years.

Lucille was a single parent in the 50's. She worked so very hard for so many years to provide for herself and us, her children. She couldn't give us many "things," but she did give us so much more...the important stuff! She filled our lives with love, lots of love. She taught us to laugh at adversity, to appreciate life, to be independent, to be confident, and to have faith in God. Our mother was incredible! Her grandchildren gave her great joy...and they, in turn, adored her. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life and smiles!

Lucy's loving family includes: Children: Judie (Joe Emmett) Wellman and Cheri (Daryl) Reile both of Minot, and Tom (Anni) Druce, Helena, MT; Grandchildren: Lucy, Jenny, Emily, John, Julie, Jamie and Heather; Great-Grandchildren: Angela, Maddi, Jerzy and Alexander; Sister: Mary Sjol, Carmichael, CA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Sammy Moore, Sophie Brooks, and Ann Honch and brothers, Chet and Frank Samuelnok.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot, ND;
Vigil Prayer Service: Friday, July 10, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot;
Interment: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Max, ND;
Visitation: Friday, July 10, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, ND;