Lucille Sargent
1927 ~ 2008
Lucille Sargent died May 18, 2008 after living three courageous years with cancer. Lucille was born in Panguitch, Utah, September 7, 1927, to William Frederick and Rhoana Sargent, where she grew up and her love for adventure blossomed. She was elected the first female student body president of Garfield County High School. After graduation, she attended BYU and served in the Spanish-American Mission. In March 1956, she joined the Foreign Agricultural Service as the Secretary to the Agricultural Counselor in Belgrade, Vienna, New Delhi, Madrid, Bonn, Rome, Moscow, London, and two tours in Beijing. During the years she worked abroad she had varied Church experiences and was instrumental in bringing the Church out of obscurity, often challenged by holding the standard as the only Latter-day Saint in many non-Christian nations. Throughout her time in the Foreign Service she had an intense interest in people, languages, and cultures, and won the love and esteem of the people of the lands where she lived. She represented the United States with her patriotism, and in her manner of living she has reflected honor to the Savior, Jesus Christ and the Church.
She was a distinguished civil servant receiving the Department of Agriculture's Superior Service Award in 1978 and the Foreign Agriculture Distinguished Service Award in 1988. In 1981, Lucille accepted the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from BYU for the instrumental role she played in opening the doors of China to the Young Ambassadors in the early 70's. Her years after retirement were filled with service in the Timpanogos Elementary School Kindergarten, yearly trips with the Adopt a Native Elder Program, stuffing teddy bears for the Children's Justice Center, and the Provo Temple. Lucille was committed to politics taking pride in being "the only Democrat in Utah County." Aunt Lu was a fixture in the lives of her many nieces and nephews, supporting them in their many achievements and activities. In recent years she was most proud of being honored with the Eagle Scout Mentor Award and felt more the beneficiary of a cultivated friendship than a recipient of such recognition.
Lucille showed courage in all facets of life. Her outgoing personality and sense of humor facilitated friendships with both influential leaders of nations and the meek and lowly of heart in all corners of the earth. She lifted the spirits of many who were oppressed by their individual circumstances. No matter how far she traveled from home, she was unfailing in the responsibility she felt to bring honor to all those who taught her by precept and example as she grew up in Panguitch.
Lu is survived by her devoted sister and best friend, Effie Cherrington, who, during her illness, never left her side; sister-in-law, Emma Griggs; nieces; nephews; cousins and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Maxine, Rulon, Elsie, and Bill.
Special thanks to Nancy and the staff at Vista Hospice, the Central Utah Cancer Clinic, Canyon Breeze Assisted Living staff, Doris Horlacher, Annick Houze, and the many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who provided simple acts of service that were monumental in assisting Lu during her illness.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Pleasant View 9th Ward, 2445 No. 650 E. in Provo where friends may call Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday one hour prior to services. Interment Panguitch Cemetery at 4 p.m.
Online condolences:
www.broomheadfuneralhome.com