Lucile Redus

Lucile (‘Cile) Redus passed away March 2, 2021, in Lubbock, TX. She was born May 11, 1924, to Lucile and Charles Read in Lubbock, and graduated from Lubbock High School. ‘Cile then attended Texas Tech University and Texas Women’s University. She married Hardy Dean Redus in Saunderstown, RI on June 3, 1944. ‘Cile’s and Dean’s children were Susan (Susie), Charles (Chip), Wesley (Wes) and Timothy (Tim). Dean preceded her in death August 7, 1996.

During the teacher shortage of WWII, she filled in at Swedonia School near Hamlin, TX, teaching all subjects to Junior High students in a single classroom. ‘Cile was a homemaker and artist and later owned and operated The Soup Kettle Herb Farm south of Woodrow. ‘Cile designed the unique, intricate, Cape Cod style house in Lubbock that our family has lived in from October 1958 to present day.

Over the years, while raising their own four offspring, she and Dean made room in their home for some 30 other children – some foster children, some refugees, some exchange students, and other young folks in need of a place to stay. ‘Cile also showed great compassion toward animals. Over the years she housed a menagerie of dogs, cats and other pets. She was active in animal rescue groups in Lubbock and battled bravely for an upgraded animal shelter.

‘Cile was also a consummate gardener. All who passed by the house remarked on the “oasis” in Lubbock, with a forest of trees, an inviting lawn, amazing flowers, and a few wild animals in the property that she made beautiful. She was filled with compassion and could never bring herself to turn down a cry for help in the family.

‘Cile was encyclopedic in her knowledge of family history, having traced the family line and their varied stories to before the American Revolution. ‘Cile was fond of books of all types, and filled the house with volumes of books, encyclopedias, periodicals, and correspondence between ancestors. She also excelled in painting and other visual art forms. ‘Cile’s paintings, drawings, watercolors line the walls of the house with memorable scenes. She had a unique talent honed to perfection for capturing the soul of people whose portraits she rendered.

‘Cile’s faith in Jesus Christ began when she was a young child who came to know His unfailing, surpassing love. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she twice served as Bible Moderator for Women’s Circles.

‘Cile is survived by her daughter Susan Redus, son Timothy Redus, both of Lubbock, and son Wesley and his wife Cheryl of Prescott, AZ, granddaughter Heather Webb, and great-granddaughters Arianna Webb and Verrity Webb. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Hope Austin and Barbara Thompson-Estes, and son Charles.

The family suggests memorials to Meals on Wheels, lubbockmealsonwheels.org or the South Plains Food Bank, spfb.org or Lubbock Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/animal-services.

Please scroll down to watch the life tribute video.