Lucile was born on November 1, 1925. She was 99 years, 6 months, and 3 days. We were hoping to celebrate her 100th birthday but God had other plans.

She was born to Ray Wilson McKie and Letha (Jackson) McKie. The McKie family lived in several places around Otis and Akron before settling north of Akron. Lucile  attended Akron  Schools. She graduated in 1943.  In the fall of 1943, she started her teaching career in one room schoolhouses for the next seven years.

On November 22, 1950, she married Walter George John Nitzel. Three children were born to this union: Janice, William, and Susan.  The family lived in several places in Akron until moving out to the base line in 1960. During her time on the farm, she earned her  bachelor's degree during the summers . In 1963, she taught at Gary School, south of Brush, for several years. After teaching there, Lucile taught at Lone Star School, north of Otis. In 1973, Lucile and Walter moved to Ft Morgan.

They were members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church since 1973. Lucile attended faithfully and sang in the choir until covid hit. She loved playing the piano and taught both her daughters how to play.

In one more week, Lucile would have been a 55-year member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865. She held every office in Tent 23 (the local part of the organization) and every office in the Colorado/Wyoming Department. She was chosen to be National Secretary for the year Janeth Seyfang was National President. They had many travels together and had a great time attending all the events a National President is required to attend. She was also a member of the National Council for several years. Lucile's mother, Letha, was a long-time member. Current family members that are also part of the organization are Susan, daughter, Linda Ring, niece, and Letha Ring, great-niece.

Lucile was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Letha; her husband, Walter; her brother and wife Wayne and Florence; her brother and wife Bob and Teresa; her brother-in-law Bob Carver; her brother-in-law Alton Reed Jr; her brother Carl Dennis; her-in-laws Edna, Leonard (Velma) (Dorothy), Leona Highland (Bob); Ruth Allen Urban (Len) (Carl), Vern (Dorothy), Victor (Jacqueline); her daughter, Janice Marick; and two grandsons, Matthew Marick and Joshua Marick.

Lucile is survived by her son William; her daughter, Susan; her brother Gene; her sister Nancy Reed; her sister, MaryLou Carver; her brother Allen; five grandchildren Ed, Nate, Janell, Aaron, and Anna; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 at the Akron Cemetery Gazebo at 2:00 p.m.  Interment will follow at the Akron Cemetery.