Shirley Ann Lucas

Longtime Alaskan Shirley Ann Lucas passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 9, 2023; she was 91 years old. Shirley was born to Clarence and Margaret Lostetter in Canton, Ohio. She graduated from Dover High School in 1949. One who excelled in school, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education from Miami University, Ohio, in 1953, and was a lifelong member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She met and married her husband, Charles Lucas Sr., in 1953. Her husband's military career took Shirley and her family to Air Force bases in France, Illinois, Maryland, and finally Alaska in 1973. She began a successful career as a contracting specialist after arriving in Alaska, eventually heading the Procurement Office at Fort Richardson. She was a dedicated civil servant for nearly 30 years. While she loved working, she equally enjoyed activities with family and friends. Whether it was golfing, swimming, bowling or playing cards, Shirley loved fitness and staying active. She grew beautiful vegetables in her garden and appreciated the challenge of daily word puzzles or Jeopardy. She loved music and singing along with the radio. Shirley also enjoyed a lifelong closeness with her sister Nancy. A devout Catholic, she was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Anthony's Church for many years. Shirley's kindness was only surpassed by her generosity. She was considerate, determined and brilliant. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; sons, Charles Lucas Jr. and John Lucas; her parents; and sisters, Jean Lostetter Yosick and Nancy Lostetter Stoffer. She is survived by her children, Thomas Lucas, William Lucas and Lori Lucas Craig; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service and reception in her honor is scheduled at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on May 20, 2023, at 1 p.m.