An Irishman’s daughter, “Luke” Lucille Gannon LeMieux was born on February 14, 1939, to Larry and Lucille Gannon in Great Falls, Montana. She passed away on Monday, December 16, 2019, surrounded by her loving and devoted husband Allen of 60 years and her nine children.
Luke was raised on the Box L Ranch with her 8 siblings on the Missouri river near Great Falls. Her love of family, horses, ranch life, and the great outdoors began there and carried throughout her lifetime. She was a tall, beautiful tomboy who could buck bails, hunt, and break horses with the best of them. These attributes earned her the nickname “Tuffy” by her four brothers.
Luke graduated from Great Falls Central Catholic High School. Upon graduating she worked as an x-ray tech for three years. She met Allen LeMieux through her brothers at the Box L Ranch. They married on January 9, 1960, and settled in Boulder, Montana where Allen was the county attorney.
Luke loved the outdoors all her life. She was an avid fisherman and watcher of wildlife. She always had a pair of binoculars on the kitchen counter.
Luke was involved in many civic organizations, including The Saddle Club and The Boulder Women’s Club. She was a Girl Scout Leader, a 4-H Leader, a member of the Boulder School Board, and she established the Boulder Bookmobile. She was also an EMT and Hospice volunteer.
She was a member of St Catherine’s Catholic Church, and was involved with Catholic Youth Education and Catholic Marriage Encounters. She loved her Rosary and was devoted to prayer.
Allen was concerned Luke wouldn’t like newlywed life in a small town. On the contrary, she fell in love with Boulder and Boulder fell in love with her.
She was the first to invite a new person in town over to dinner, take food to a grieving family, and visit the housebound. She would open her home and dinner table to strangers and community alike. Always greeting people with a strong bear hug and warm fresh baked bread. Where there was room at the table for 11, she always made room for more. These gifts serve as a memory to many of the LeMieux kids’ friends and relatives. She was a second mother and mentor to many. She poured her love not only into her children, but into the hearts of all. She changed people’s lives. Her strong faith in God, love, kindness, and acts of service are her legacy.
Luke and Allen shared an eternal love that was beyond measure. They set an example that true-love exists. Her first love was being a wife to her husband. She was devoted to their marriage, friendship, partnership, and happiness. To be in the presence of Luke and Allen was to experience love itself.
Her second love was her nine children. They were raised with great love and faith in God. It gave Luke joy to see her children carry on her example of faith, love, and friendship with one another and pass forward these influences to others. Family memories include ice skating, hunting, sledding, backpacking, horseback riding, basketball, picnics, camping, cattle-drives, softball in the mountains, riverside bonfires, and midnight swims.
Luke is survived by her loving husband Allen of 60 years; her children John (Mary) of Manning, ND, Rita Bullock (Lance) of Boulder, Monica Stone (Ron) of Wallace, ID, Colette LeMieux (Vernon) of Montana City, David of Clancy, Alex (Mary) of Helena, Bernadette Botz (Michael) of Billings, Maria Rogne (Steve) of Helena, and Pierre (Jamie) of Jefferson City. She is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren who have been greatly impacted by her unconditional and supportive love; 13 granddaughters (Rachelle, Sarah, Miranda, Morgan, Jaden, Kaitlin, Ivy, Hailey, Laura, Ellie, Mary, Aysia, and Landry), 13 grandsons (Tyler, Jeremiah, Matthew, Nicholas, Cody, Dylan, Joshua, Forrest, Daniel, Hayes, Andrew, Garrett, and Lane), and great grandchildren (Autumn, Logan, and Cedar). Luke is survived by siblings Joe (Trudi) Gannon, Dick (Debbie) Gannon, Jack (Anne) Gannon, Rita (Dan) Sands, Tom Gannon, Mary Catherine (Bob) Rearden, and Ed (Diane) Gannon.
She is preceded in death by infant great granddaughter Paisley Jo Bennett, her parents Larry and Lucille Gannon, her sister Teresa Oberts and brother-in law Mike Oberts, and sisters-in-law Theresa Gannon and Kathy Gannon.
Along with her legacy, Luke leaves behind numerous friends and relatives who have been touched by her love and kindness.
Luke was larger than life, she was magic, she was poetry, and she was beautiful. She filled our lives with adventure, God, and love. Her love of family was unparalleled. May God’s perpetual light shine upon her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Ramsey Keller Memorial Fund, which helps to offset the cost of infant funerals. The Ramsey Keller Memorial Fund, 2318 Virginia Lane, Billings MT 59102, 406-670-8504 or visit their website, kisses2heaven.com.
The family extends gratitude to the caring staff at Edgewood in Helena.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, January 3rd at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd, Helena, MT.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 3, 2020
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday January 3, 2020
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, Montana 59602
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Jamon and Lisa Jewett says
Alex and family, So sorry to hear about your Mom. Praying for you at this time and hope the memories bring you many smiles. Love you guys ❤️
Jessie (Work) Lesofski says
Pierre and Family, You have my most sincere condolences. Sending you Hugs and Prayers.
lori norby says
My sympathy to the family. Luke was a “one of a kind ” type of lady. Her first priority was her family but she still had plenty of hugs,smiles and food for all. I will always appreciate all the stories and home videos that Luke and Allen shared with me to see and know the wonderful family that you are. Lori
Joe and Diane Jewett says
Dear Alex and family we are so very sorry to hear of Luke’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Joe and Diane
Janet Cunningham says
The entire town of Boulder was gifted by Luke’s presence. Recently at my brothers funeral I had an opportunity to visit with David and shared several stories about the joy and kindness Luke and Allen shared with my family. They were just good people. Hugs to all the family. The Kramer family loves you.
Karen Ford Austin says
Like most kids from Boulder, Luke seemed like a second mom to me. I have fond memories of her teaching CCD for years and loving every minute of it. Everyone knew she loved her family beyond measure, but we also knew that she held a special place in her heart for the rest of us too. I feel blessed to have known her and hope that I can be half the wife and mother she was. May God ease your hearts during this time of loss knowing she is with her Heavenly Father and is in peace.
Larry and Pamela Boepple says
John, Mary, Hayes, Morgan and Garrett: I didn’t know this wonderful soul you call Mom & Grandma, but I do know how it feels to lose someone so special. We pray you find comfort in your memories and in the caring love of family and friends. God bless you all and your family. Pam & Larry
Corinne Bennett Reynoso says
Sending love and prayers to all of the family. Love, Corinne
Maura Dixon says
Thinking of all of you. I remember your mom worn great fondness… She was a strong and faithful servant and has certainly earned her just reward. Wishing you peaceful days and restful nights.
Maura Dixon (Stagg)
Marilyn Vukonich says
Collette, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know how she loved her family and was loved endlessly by you. I’m sending rayers and love to you and your family.
Gretchen Mayes says
The first time I met Luke, I sat next to her in church. When Mass was over, she turned to me and said they were going to brunch in Basin and I should come along. I was so touched by the kindness of this perfect stranger. What a beautiful class act this lady was!
Thoughts and prayers to all of you- may your memories bring peace.
Chuck & Vanessa Tolson says
We are saddened to hear of Luke’s passing; our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shelley Mitchell says
Aunt Luke we will miss you! Love you all, from your Mitchell nieces and nephews. LeMieux cousins, are thoughts and prayers are with you and your Dad at this sad time.
Nora Thackeray says
Luke was an amazing lady! My memory of her is that anytime there was a loss or a need Luke was the first person there. She was a great lady!
Lance;M Bullock says
LeMieux crew
Sorry for your our loss
Great job on the obituary I think it was perfect
You are all so special as individuals and especially as a family
Your family is everything god intended a family to be
Your mother made sure of it and kept god first
I know you’re dad helped also
I’m proud of all of you and have thousands of great memories from being around the LeMieux crew
Love you all
Lance
Lani Ammen Jeffery says
Sorry for your loss. She was exceptional. Unconditional love kind funny… I could go on. Thank you for share her. Hugs
Kelly Samson says
my favorite childhood family is never forgotten and always cherished. I send you all blessings and strength <3
Julie Evans says
Sincerest sympathy with the loss of such a wonderful lady. Your hearts are surely heavy, but heaven is a bit brighter now.
Kathy Zeeck says
Luke was my hero and mentor. She taught me about being a strong, loving mother, wife and woman. My family first came to the Gannon circle through my cousin and his friendship with Luke’s brothers. Her family absorbed my family into their lives and when John and I came to Boulder, Luke and Allen took us to their hearts. I will always love her.
Rick & Donna Rogne says
Our Friend, Luke,
Our first remembrance of Luke goes back to early days of our children in high school. Michelle would be talking of going to your home and the fun, warmth and welcome she experienced while being there with her friends, the Lemieux children. You provided that environment that made it a home of comfort, sharing and love.
As years passed, you accepted our son into your family with open arms and loved him as one of your own. Soon, we too were a part of your family with the same old familiar Lemieux warmth of friendship and love. We shared many wonderful meals and memories together. Who else ever goes across the USA with their in-laws for a week long vacation! We did and it was wonderful. Ben & Jerrys in Vermont will never be the same!
Thank you Luke for giving us wonderful memories with you and your family. We share 4 beautiful grandchildren, and spouse, a daughter and son who will cherish your memory forever. You are gone but never forgotten. We love you and will see you again with our Lord in another world. Love and friendship always, Rick & Donna Rogne
Josh D Pallister says
As you all know, Luke was always a welcoming and uplifting spirit.
The Pallister clan cherished our time with Luke.
We all have many fond memories of her and will surely miss her smile.
Our hearts are with you all.
Susa Olson says
My heartfelt condolences to Allen and the LeMieux family. Luke and Allen raised nine amazing kids. Mark and I thought the world of you guys! Luke was one classy lady and I am so blessed to have known her.
Joey Retz says
To the entire Gannon Family,
I am so sorry for you all in losing your wonderful Mother, Wife, Sister, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She was one in a million and I am grateful to have known and loved her.When my husband, Bob, (her first cousin) was dying from pancreatic cancer, Luke came and stayed with us for 2 weeks. She was a a God-send. I don’t know how I would have managed with out her by my side through his last days.I am so sorry I can’t be there for her Memorial but I had to have hip replacement surgery on Dec. 20th and am not able to make the trip to Helena. I am with you all in spirit if not present in body. I send my love and prayers. Joey Retz