Lucille I. Dunkle, 81, of Meadville, passed away at 12:02 a.m. Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2013, at Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community. She was the wife of the retired Rev. Norman E. Dunkle, who survives.
Born Jan. 2, 1932, in Jefferson County, a daughter of Emil and Lois Nichols Roedel, she married Norman E. Dunkle on April 7, 1953.
Lucille was a 1953 graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College, North Chili, N.Y., with a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish and a 1956 graduate of Brockport State Teachers College, Brockport, N.Y., with a master’s degree in education. She was an elementary school teacher for 25 years at Irondequoit, N.Y., Kenmore, N.Y., Second District School, Meadville, Maplewood, N.J., and retired from Mt. Lebanon School District in 1987. Her teaching and leadership skills greatly enriched her husband’s ministry as a United Methodist pastor. Her love of music and singing was a lifetime passion that kept her very involved with choir and musical groups.
Lucille was a member of Stone United Methodist Church, its choir, United Methodist Women, including acting as president and vice president, and the church’s small group development program. She additionally was a member of the Wesbury choir and Wesbury activities committee and the Pennsylvania State Education Association. She enjoyed time spent with family and was a house plant enthusiast.
Survivors, in addition to her loving husband, Norm, of 60 years, include two sons, David N. Dunkle of Cambridge Springs and Keith A. Dunkle of Alliance, Ohio; two grandsons, Guy Dunkle and his wife, Wilma, of Townville, and Reed Dunkle currently teaching in Spain; and two great-grandsons, Nolan and Graham Dunkle.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Mark E. Dunkle.
Funeral services were held Dec. 28 at Stone United Methodist Church, 956 S. Main St., Meadville, with the Rev. Sarah Roncolato, pastor, officiating.
Interment was in Greendale Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Stone UMC, 956 S. Main St., or Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Ave., both of Meadville, Pa. 16335.
Memories and condolences may be shared at waidfuneralhome.net.