Lucy Stucky

Lucy A. Stucky

Battle Creek

Lucy A. Stucky, 73, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully in her sleep secondary to complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS - Lou Gehrigs disease) on January 27, 2015 in the woodland home she built with her husband. 

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents (Maryl and Richard Fletcher), husband (Arnold), and sister (Maryl Lynne). Surviving are brother Douglas Fletcher (Melody) and sister Martha Mihaly (Rob).

Lucy was born October 22, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  She was an accomplished athlete who was born and built to lead by example.  In high school she was known for being able to compete with the boys on the track and in the swimming pool.  She earned her bachelors degree in education from Miami University in Ohio.  While there she served as captain of the swim team, Shakerettes, and synchronized swimming team. 

She continued competitive tennis into her late 60's and set more than a few state records in Masters swimming.

Lucy was hired as a first grade teacher by the Battle Creek schools and on the first day of orientation met her future husband.  Moonlight canoe rides, campfire music, square dancing, and woodland adventures won her heart shortly after.  Together with persistence, vivid imagination, and hard work they built life long friendships, unforgettable family memories, a beautiful home, and a reputation for charity and good will.  She completed her Master's degree at MSU and taught first grade for several years but decided to remain at home to raise her four children. She was intimately involved in the lives of many children beyond her own.  In addition to numerous tours of duty as a school and community volunteer she was the first female Webelo leader in the state of Michigan which at the time created quite a stir in certain circles. Later in life she returned to teach first grade and young 5's at Dudley school until she retired in 2003.  Following that she and Arnie enjoyed trips around the world making new friends and pen pals wherever they went.

Lucy was well known for her boundless energy, tenacity, and can do attitude.  She completed the heavy stone work on the family cabin and home, including an impressive fireplace and two story turret. Her sprawling gardens fed the family year after year while an array of flowers attracted droves of honeybees, humming birds, and butterflies. 

She was generous with her time and talents sharing many fond memories and lifelong friendships with her quilting group, the Red Hats, and school system retirees who were well known for celebrating unusual and even imaginary holidays.  Despite the inevitable effects of ALS on endurance and mobility Lucy continued to knit and complete various arts and crafts with her grandchildren.  She never lost her love for nature and spent long hours enjoying the flowers, birds, and nature in motion around her picturesque home. 

Surviving are Kirk (Mary), Eric (Alison), Mark (Romana), Meri Lynn, and seven grandchildren - Da'Lin, Silas, Luke, Julie, Dayne, Fletcher, and Michala.

Through her entire life Lucy thought of others before herself.  She committed herself to various research projects that will hopefully one day reveal the causes and cure for ALS.  In death she made a gift of her body to that same objective. 

A memorial to honor Lucy will be held on February 21 at 10am at the Robin's Nest. In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Leila Arboretum Society Inc. or the Battle Creek Public Schools. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Lucy may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com