Ethel Lucile Ozmun is turning 100

Ethel Lucile Ozmun was born to Reuben and Mary Butts on Nov. 16, 1920, in Jewell. She attended Star Country School and Star Church, which were near her home. After her seventh grade in school, the family moved several miles west and she had to change schools. In 1934, at the end of her eighth grade year, she was named county valedictorian and had to give a speech. She also participated in the state spelling bee. Her school years were during the dust bowl days and she stayed in town, with relatives, as children from the country often weren't allowed to go home. Lucile graduated from Jewell High School in 1938.

Lucile met her husband, Stanley E. Ozmun, who lived west of Mankato. They were married on Jan. 25, 1941. Shortly after their marriage he was drafted into the Army and served during World War II. He survived Omaha Beach and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he returned to Kansas, where he managed grain elevators and filling stations. Lucile and Stanley had four children, the first child, a son, was still born. Stanley and Lucile went on to raise two daughters and son in the Jewell and Mankato area with the exception of a short period of time in Colorado.

Church was an important part of their family life. Lucile has held memberships in several denominations, but now is a member of the Methodist Church in Jewell. She, at one time, was a Sunday School teacher. Lucile is a member of the VFW Auxiliary and a member of Eastern Star. She enjoyed making pictures from kits that used embroidery thread or yarn and has one hanging in her room at Hilltop Lodge. She also did a lot of sewing, making clothes for herself and her daughters. Her children were active in school activities which kept the family busy. They were also well-educated. As the children grew up, married and moved away, Lucile and Stanley had several places to visit. They also traveled to both coasts to visit with family. One of her great memories is picking up rocks from the east and west coasts.

In 1948, Lucile contracted paralytic polio. The disease ruled her life from then forward. Her days consisted of constant exercising. She eventually was able to walk again with the aid of crutches and was also able to continue driving a car. She also had mobility assistance from Stanley until he died, then she primarily used a wheel chair. She now has post-polio syndrome.

After Stanley died in 1993, Lucile sold her home and moved into the Jewell Apartments. She lived there until moving to Hilltop Lodge in April 2014, when her health no longer allowed her to live on her own. Until recently she enjoyed working word puzzles, reading, playing bingo and going to music and other activities which are no longer allowed because of the COVID-19 guidelines.

Lucile has five deceased brothers and three deceased sisters. Lucile's son, Ralph, is married and lives in East Tennessee. Her two daughters have both died. Her oldest, Iris, in 2010, and her youngest, Carole, in 2014. She has two grandchildren, a step-grandson, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Happy Birthday, Lucile, and congratulations on becoming an octogenarian!

Cards may be sent to Lucile at Hilltop Lodge; 815 N Independence Ave; Beloit, Kan. 67429. There will also be a visitation area set up at an outside window at Hilltop, so stop by and wish Lucile a Happy 100th Birthday between 2 and 4 p.m., Sunday the 15th.