The Superior Express -

Veda Lucille Swank Post was born June 20, 1918, at the family country home, six miles south of Gaylord, Kan., in Osborne County. She was the eighth child and youngest daughter of E.C. (Ted) and Nellie Atkinson Swank, and the last surviving member of that family of four daughters and five sons. She died Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, at the age of 102.

She attended Hackberry Country Elementary School and graduated from

Harlan High School in 1936. Lucille graduated Salina Beauty Academy on

July 8, 1957. She was united in marriage to William (Bill) Post in 1941. They enjoyed one year together before he volunteered for the Air Force in World War II. During that three-year period of service, Lucille was with him at several bases. While they were stationed at Yuma, Ariz., their only child, Phillip, was born.

In her childhood, she faithfully attended Laurence Creek Church with her parents and siblings. After her marriage, and Bill's return from service, they made their home east of Bellaire where they farmed and also began the business of Post Construction. In 1968 they bought a home in Smith Center. They lived there until 2003 when they moved to Ulysses to be near their son and family. Bill died Feb. 5, 2003, just one month after the move. They were given the gift of having had 62 years of life together.

Lucille was a member of the Methodist Church at Smith Center. She gave

many hours working at the Hardly Used Shop. She was a hard worker, at the side of her loving husband, giving a helping hand. She and son, Phillip, took care of most of the farming operation, giving Bill the time he needed to devote to the construction work, Phillip also helping a lot with that. No sacrifice seemed too great to her when it involved being of assistance.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Lucille

lived through some of the country's best and worst times, including the Great Depression and Dust Bowls. She was small in stature but she took care of livestock, worked in fields, cooked and delivered meals at harvest time. It was not uncommon to see her driving grain trucks into town. She was interested in political and national events, living through the country's political evolutions.

She was adamantly proud of her family and their accomplishments. Her

aspiration was to be a good example. She watched and encouraged them to

reach their goals, have high hopes, faith, and never stop short.

Lucille and Bill's favorite pastime was square dancing and round dancing, traveling extensively, and making friends in several states as well as their home community. She was known for her devotion to her family. In her final time she was surrounded by their love and care. A great influence in her life was the love, prayers, and guidance of her strong, faith believing in her mother, and father's example of honesty, integrity, discipline, and hard work.

If Lucille were to send a message today, it would be to treasure every moment with your family and serve the Lord with all your heart.

Preceding her in death were her parents. Ted and Nellie Swank; husband, William (Bill) Post; five brothers, Lawrence (Casey) Swank, Paul Swank, Kenneth Swank, Harvey (Bill) Swank, and Lorraine (Pete) Swank; three sisters, Ida Colwell, Harriet Hays, and Eudora Martin.

Survivors include son, Phillip Post, and his wife, Linda; granddaughter, Jan Stejskal; grandson, Cory Post; great- grandsons, Brendan and Bryson Stejskal, all of Ulysses.

Visitation was from 10 until 11 a.m., Tuesday, at the United Methodist Church in Smith Center. A graveside service was held at 1 p.m., at Fairview Cemetery in Smith Center, with Jerry Lambert officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to The United Methodist Church in Smith Center, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, Kan., 67880.