E. Lucille, “Cis” (Maichel) Craig, wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, was one of the sweetest people you would ever want to know. She touched many lives in her 87 years, and left us with wonderful memories to cherish forever.
Cis was born in Harrison, Montana on September 21, 1927 to Dewey and Ariliah (Sherlock) Maichel on the Maichel family ranch. She loved horses and her mother told her that her first sentence as a toddler was “Buy me a horse”. Her youth was spent helping with chores, playing with her brothers, Melvin and Homer, attending the Harrison School, and of course, riding her favorite horses, Blue Mare and Lucky. She was small in stature and big of heart. In spite of her size, she was strong and determined, and by high school was often asked to ride the most spirited horses.
Soon after graduation from Harrison High School in 1946, Cis gathered up her “chicken and egg money” and moved to Helena where she worked at various clerical jobs and began dating a Harrison boy, Vernon Craig. Vernon and Lucille were married on May 27, 1948 and moved to Bozeman so that Vernon could continue his studies at MSU.
The young couple then moved to Helena in 1952 where Vernon worked for MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. They had two children, Bruce and Debra, and life was busy and fulfilling. Many happy memories were made as a family, boating, spending time in the mountains, riding motorcycles, and riding horseback. Cis and Vern were truly soulmates and their nurturing love and guidance were rock steady as they raised their two children, and later as they became Nana and Poppy to three grandsons, Craig, Christer, and Matthew Wheat. All three grandsons were blessed with many special times with Nana, individually and together. She made the best apple pie in the country and, if you were lucky, you might get one of your very own!
Cis continued to be very busy into her retirement years. She volunteered weekly at St. Peters Hospital in Helena for almost 30 years and was a regular at a health/fitness club. Cis and Vern had many wonderful trips together, including Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises, touring France and surrounding countries, and lots of fun outings in the “tuit” motor home. Cis played Bridge with a group of friends and always enjoyed a good game of Pinochle, as well as many rounds of “Sorry” with the grandkids. Cis and Vern always had a large garden, which kept Cis busy canning, freezing, cooking, and baking. Cis and Vern remained husband and wife, best buddies and team-mates for 64 years.
Cis always said, “Life sometimes gets tedious”, but you go on. She moved to Bozeman shortly after Vernon died in September 2012 to be close to Debby, Bruce, and her grandsons. The past two years were sometimes difficult for her, but she always faced the future with grace, determination, and concern for others. She was always quick to extend a kind word, hug or pat on the hand, and made friends wherever she went.
Cis, together with Vern, laid a foundation for family that is unshakable. Always caring, always kind, she enriched the lives of her family with laughter, love, and wisdom. Mom, Nana, you will be greatly missed forever and always.
Cis was preceded in death by her beloved parents and two brothers, Melvin Maichel and Homer “Dutch” Maichel. She is survived by her son, Bruce Craig (Faye) of Bozeman; daughter, Debby Wheat (Michael) of Bozeman; grandson, Craig Wheat (Olivia), of Portland Oregon; grandson, Christer Wheat of Bozeman; and grandson, Matthew Wheat of Bozeman. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, February 2, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, with a reception to follow the service in the banquet hall of the funeral home.
Memorials in Lucille’s honor may be sent to Heart of the Valley Humane Society, 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd., Belgrade, MT 59714 or to a charity of your choice. Please visit below to offer the family condolences or share a memory.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 2, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Monday February 2, 2015
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 2, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Monday February 2, 2015
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Carol Ann (Hoell) Dietzen says
I, too, will miss Lucille. My memories of Vern and her are nothing short of sweet and fond! I first was acquainted with Vern, because I got to know him at Fish, Wildlife and Parks where we both worked. I miss him also. It would be impossible for me to think of one without the other. I agree: Lucille and Vern were truly soulmates. The humor they shared was infectious, and they were equally attentive to Bruce and Debbie. Lucille was one active woman! I do not doubt that she loved and took great care of her three grandsons when they visited. Vern and Lucille were two of the best people I was lucky enough to know!
Deborah Park says
As a very young child, I lived next door to the Craigs. Debby and I were childhood best friends. My family moved away but I visited the family when I returned to Helena for many years. I have such warm memories of Cis. She welcomed me into her family, into her kitchen. She had a laugh that came from deep down inside. She made me feel loved. I will always treasure the time I spent with the Craig family and offer my deepest condolences to Debby and Bruce.
Ruth M Jones says
Cis was my very best friend for 62 years we went to every exercise “Giggle Parlor” in Helena together She had me looking for all kinds of glass horses every where We went. I will miss her very much. But it will be easier when I know she is with her beloved Vern. They were truly Soul mates. Vern always called her is wife he even made the cupboards in their kitchen a little lower to the floor for his short wife.
she always said goodbye kido I Love you too. I will truly miss that.
Ruth M Jones says
Cis was my very best friend for 62 years. We went to every exercise (she & I named them “Giggle parlor ‘ IN HElena . I always looked for statue of horses for her. We shared lots. I will miss her Googbye Kido I love you too I will feel better for her because she and Vern were truly Soul Mates and it does make me feel better to know they are together.
Don Roberts and Marcee Allen says
Debby, Bruce and family: This is very sad news. I’m sure you remember that Lucille and Vern stood up for Mom and Dad when they got married. We have great memories of Lucille during the years she worked at the credit union. She always had a wonderful smile and sparkle in her eye for everyone who came in. Lucille was a beautiful lady inside and out. Shirley/Mom loved her so much and it’s wonderful to know they are hugging in heaven right now! God bless you all.
Perrie White says
Cis was a lovely lady and she will be missed by all her friends and family, My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Thea Swenson says
I played bridge with Cis for several years. She was always fun. I extend prayers to her family for comfort at this time.
Muriel Wild says
Debbie and Bruce,
So sorry to hear about your loss of Cissie. She and Vern were our good neighbors for more than 50 years. Their yard and flowers were always so beautiful. Whenever John and I walked on Wallace, Vern and Cissie would stop us for a visit with them. We have missed them- now I miss John.
Sincere sympathy,
Muriel Wild
Kristie Edgmond says
The Craig family was my second family growing up. I was always at their house – so Vern, Cis, Debby, Bruce and Socks were my family. I was so lucky to live just down the alley from them, and have many fond and special memories of happy times spent with them. They were always wonderful, kind and caring people. I think of them all the time, and know that Cis will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Debby and Bruce – my sincere condolences.
Judy Palmquist says
I met Cis while teaching fitness back in the 80’s, and our exercise friendship continued until she moved. What an inspiration. She came to my midlife (40+and fit again) classes, then later to the senior (very lively senior) classes later, and yes, Ruth Jones was there as well! She was/ is an inspiration with her can do, friendly attitude. She is one of those people who have made me say over the years, “I learn so much more from those in my classes than what I could ever impart”. So long Cis, your memory and inspiration lives on!