My mom passed away Aug. 1, 2014. She passed away after 89 years and is now with my dad, James Wellman Sr. and my sister, Linda (Raley) Wellman. She rejoined her parents Julia and Canada.

Lucille (Lou) started her life in Kentucky and then spent her early years in Columbus, Ohio.

If you asked her where she was from, she would probably say Whidbey Island — then ask you if you’d ever been there. She loved Whidbey and thought there was no place more beautiful.

She was the eldest of 13 children. She wove her way through depressions, recessions, wars and numerous heart-wrenching losses. During all of that, she loved her Lord Jesus and sang his praises.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, a faithful tither and supporter of the needs brought before her. She opened her home for church luncheons.

She volunteered at the senior center and worked with children who had special needs. Her heart was always pointed to the ones most in need.

Her family grew with grandchildren (Jimmy, Adam, Matthew and Vicki); great-grandchildren (Abby, Tricna, Alex, Brandan and Sophia); and even a great-great-grandchild (Chance).

Maybe you remember her from walking her beloved Boston Terriers (Reggie, Willie and Rocky) on West Beach.

Or maybe you golfed with her at Duffers Cove. Maybe she helped you find the right children’s clothes at the Navy Exchange or you bought a Christmas wreath she made at the Boy Scout Hall Troop 59.

Her home on West Beach looked like a park. Tucked away in the woods, your eyes would be delighted by the beautiful landscaping. As you came up the driveway in the summer, you could smell the sweet fragrance of her rose garden. She would sit on the porch, greet you with a smile and bring out a cup of coffee and slice of banana bread.

Only four of her siblings are left: Eddie, Judy, Beverly and Carolyn. Her family will tell you she was a role model and testimony to the provisions God provides to those who love him with all their heart, all their soul and all their might.

The world will tell you she died from complications of a broken hip and being old. Those of us who knew her will tell you the Lord called her home. She ran the good race and she claimed her prize.

Her last six years were spent with me and my wife Diana in Kent. When Diana passed away last year, she was everything she always was — a tireless prayer warrior and a rock to hold onto in stormy seas. She left me a blueprint for life and a love for our Lord God. I’m so proud of her.

We’re going to gather at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation in Oak Harbor to celebrate this remarkable journey.

Consider this a personal invite, and thank you for your expressions of love. God bless you, Jim Wellman Jr.

Please visit Lucille’s page in the Book of Memories hosted at www.wallinfuner

alhome.com to share memories and condolences.