Lucille “Lucy” Ude
Lucille "Lucy" Ude was born at home in Webster Groves on May 5, 1921 to Helen and George Benne. She passed peacefully on April 29, 2023, six days before her 102nd birthday.
Lucy was raised in Webster Groves, where she was known for turning cartwheels across her front yard on Marshall Ave. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1939. Ten years later she married Nelson Ude, also a Webster Groves native. Together they undertook the construction of a beautiful home they designed and built that would remain the family home until their two daughters, Karen and Kim, were married and gone. They did not have contractors for most of the construction but actually built the home with their own hands.
She and Ned were active members of the Barrett’s Little Theater Group, Trinity Lutheran Church and part of the founding members of the Cool Dell Swim Club. The family loved taking regular vacations across the U.S., Current River floats and camping trips with dear friends. She worked at Washington University for many years in both the Steinberg Art Gallery and the Law School. When the girls were grown, Lucy and Ned traveled extensively in Europe and to North Africa.
Lucy was a lifelong artist working in pastel, oil and watercolor and was recognized especially for her portraits, which were commissioned by many families over the decades. After retiring, she and Ned moved to Terre du Lac where they made many good friends and enjoyed sharing the lake with their daughters and grandchildren. Lucy played bridge, golf and, of course, continued painting. In 2016, she moved to Cape Albeon to be near her daughters and still live on a lake.
Throughout her long life, she also faced several challenges including breast cancer and the death of her husband, Ned, in 1991. Yet she continued to find joy in life and focused on her many blessings.
Lucy leaves behind two daughters, Karen April Ude - Gilbert and Kim Helene Ude- Blair, Karen’s husband, Dave, their children, Lisa and Todd, his children Ray, Naomi and Julian, Kim’s son, Alexander and Lucy’s brother, Bud Benne’s, children, her niece Linda and nephews Steve and Jeff, along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also leaves her son-in-law, Vincent Kennedy Blair, (Alexander’s father) who remained close to her up until the very end.
Her family is incredibly thankful to have had this beautiful, gifted and courageous woman in their lives for so many years. They will forever hold her in their hearts.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Autism Speaks.
SERVICES: service in the Great Hall of Ambruster Chapel on Wednesday, May 3rd at 10:30am, followed by a graveside service at Oak Grove Cemetery (7800 St Charles Rock Rd
St. Louis, MO 63114).
