Charles “Chuck” Martin Lucas of Ringling passed away peacefully at the Mountainview Medical Center on October 7, 2017 in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. Born April 9, 1934, to John and Mabel (Hereim) Lucas in Helena, Montana, Chuck grew up on the family ranch with four brief years in Bozeman before returning to graduate from White Sulphur Springs High School in 1954. He married his high school sweetheart, Marion (Sibley) Lucas and they were married 62 years until her passing in January of 2016. Together, Chuck and Marion raised three children, Bernie, Debbie and Patti on the family ranch in Ringling.
Chuck, a third-generation rancher, lived through the passage of many changes to ranching and he had the good fortune of participating as the family ranch transitioned from sheep to cattle, haying with horses to modern machinery. These experiences influenced Chuck and his passions included a good horse, John Deere green, heavy calves, hunting and Ford pickup trucks. He found delight in his love of Fords, as his Dad only drove Chevys on the family ranch. Chuck enjoyed life as a husband, father, grandfather and friend to many and would often keep in touch with the young people that passed through their home as part of the various haying crews and summer help. Many of these young people remember Chuck as a kind and generous man able to shape young people as they grew into adulthood.
Chuck and Marion were active in their community both socially and spiritually. In recent years, Chuck, found pleasure in finding a pew behind fellow parishioners with young children. He enjoyed watching young children squirm and play at Sunday mass as much as being present for the homily itself. Everywhere Chuck went, he never knew a stranger and didn’t waste time to make a new friend. In recent months, as a nursing home resident in White Sulphur Springs, he enjoyed his time with the nurses and staff at Mountainview Medical Center. On the eve of his death, Chuck was still visiting and making memories with new friends as he enjoyed the simplicity of a midnight conversation and candy with his nurses before going to sleep.
Chuck is survived by daughters Patti (Scott) Wilson of Ringling and Debbie (Mike) Marion of White Sulphur Springs; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Lucas; parents, John and Mabel Lucas; and a son, Bernie Lucas.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11th at the Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 103 E. Garfield, White Sulphur Springs. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12th at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, 407 2nd Ave in White Sulphur Springs. Graveside services will follow the Mass at the Mayn Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service at the White Sulphur Springs Senior Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Meagher County Historical Association c/o Polly Hansen, 249 Reserve Place #131, Kalispell, MT 59901 or Meagher County Senior Citizen Center. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Chuck.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs , Montana
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 12, 2017
St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church
407 2nd Ave
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Thursday October 12, 2017
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday October 12, 2017
White Sulphur Springs Senior Center
101 1st Ave SE
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs , Montana
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
103 E. Garfield Street
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 12, 2017
St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church
407 2nd Ave
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Thursday October 12, 2017
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Reception
Following the Burial
Thursday October 12, 2017
White Sulphur Springs Senior Center
101 1st Ave SE
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
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Diana McKinney says
Dear Patty and family,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I’ll always remember the fun family gatherings at the Ringling ranch. The horseback riding, giggling girls, the music with Uncle Lloyd and mostly the happy faces of a loving family. All my love
Diana Ellis McKinney
Cathy Bauer Brooks says
So sorry to hear of your father’s death. I know my parents Doc and Liz Bauer counted your folks as their dear friends and thoroughly enjoyed their hunting trips to your parents ranch. My condolences, as I know it is hard to lose both parents. I’m sure they are having a great reunion in heaven ! Praying for comfort for you and the family.
Tara says
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing that your loved one is safe in the memory of God, who will remember every detail about him & bring him back again. John 5:28,29. You have my condolences.
JR & Mandi Kennerly says
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Earle and Eva Davis says
Please accept our sincere condolences. Chuck and Marion were lifelong friends from school chums through adulthood and we always considered them very close friends and will cherish their memories.
Earle and Eva Davis
Bruce Foley says
Patty and family,
I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. Chuck was very good to me during my time at the ranch. In my early years while lacking direction, he encouraged me to reach beyond what I knew and ultimately helped my career. He will be greatly missed.
Bruce Foley, PE