Lucile, third of four children, was born in Salt Lake City to Joseph Alvin Schoenhals and Anna Margarete Wollrab. Lucile led a rich and active life for over 101 years. She attended West High, hiked and camped in Millcreek Canyon, picnicked at Liberty Park, rode the train to Saltair, and danced at Covey's Dance Hall on Mondays ‚ 10 cent night! During the Great Depression, Lucile worked at Auerbachs (starting wage $35 a month) and played on their baseball and basketball teams, The Shamrocks. In 1936, the basketball team traveled by bus to Wichita, Kansas, to compete in the National Finals.
Lucile taught herself to play the drums and became a drummer in several all-girl bands. In 1938 she joined Ruth Horan's dance band. They wore royal blue slacks and flame-colored jackets. One of their first jobs was playing at the Heidelburg on Main Street between 3rd and 4th South, which had a pretty rough reputation at the time (though the young women didn't know it; after all it was an adventure). Lucile then joined Mickey Paramore's Band, and besides regular gigs at the Old Mill, Dugway, and Newhouse Hotel, they played all over the West, from pre-glitz Vegas to Ely to Elko to Jackson Hole. Besides drumming, Lucile sang and did a tap dance routine for the floor shows. They were talented musicians and beautiful women, always fashionable in one of their ten sparkling formals or their black tuxedos.
During World War II, Lucile worked for the Civil Service in Logan, then transferred to Fort Douglas. After the war ended, she began working at the Presidio in San Francisco. There, in 1946, she met Army Sergeant, Norris ‘Rusty' Hughes. They married, moved with the Army to Seattle, and in 1950 gave birth to a daughter, Cheryl Ann. All three soon moved to Japan where Lucile continued her work in managing civilian personnel. After a divorce, Lucile and Cheryl moved back to Salt Lake City where Lucile began a new career in real estate, helping to manage a variety of offices. She continued working full time until age 93, slowed down only by macular degeneration. She never missed a day of work, driving her stick-shift orange VW Bug through the many streets of Salt Lake. In 1960 Lucile married Marion ‘Steve' Parsons and gained 3 wonderful step-children: Randy, Kent and Bonnie. Steve died in 1971, and soon after that, Lucile moved into Capri Homes on 9th East and 3600 South, where she lived for over 40 years. At Capri Lucile cultivated wonderful friendships; she was part of several groups that met in the evenings to connect spiritually and to play games. She would play any game anytime and was always up for ‘just one more hand.'
For the past 4 years Lucile lived at Pacifica Millcreek Assisted Living, where she forged new friendships and received outstanding care. The family is grateful for Pacifica's support, as well as for the loving comfort provided by Brighton Hospice.
Lucile is survived by her daughter Cheryl Hughes (Doug Gregory), step-children Randy Parsons, Kent Parsons, and Bonnie (Leonard Collins); numerous nieces, nephews, and grand children. Preceded in death by sister Emily Schoenhals (John Van Cott), brother Alvin Schoenhals (Carol), and brother Ralph Schoenhals (Barbara).
Lucile was a remarkable woman: generous, fun-loving, hard-working, and positive. All of us whose lives were graced by hers are so very grateful for her life, her example, and her unconditional love.
Viewings will be held Friday evening, April 1, 2016, from 6:00—8:00, and Saturday morning, April 2, 2016, from 10:30-11:30, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. There will be a graveside service for family and close friends on Saturday at noon at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
