Lucille M. Klingensmith, 95, passed away on February 22, 2025.  She was the wife of the late Ronald Klingensmith (D.2001), and the daughter of the late Mary (Wolfe) and Kenneth Bowser.  She is survived by her beloved sons, Dennis (Kim), and Shawn (Linda), her cherished granddaughters, Hunter (Sean), Margaux (Blane), Harlee (Austin), Gracee, and her dear brothers, Robert (the late Thelma) Bowser and John (Helen) Bowser, along with treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Born in Ford City as Margaret Lucille Wolfe, for most of her life she went by Lucille; and in her later years, friends called her “Lucy.”

Her 50-year marriage to Ronald Klingensmith began in 1952. They started out in a small apartment, then built a house in Allegheny Township, where they raised their first son, Dennis.  In 1971, they moved to West Leechburg where they raised their second son, Shawn, and spent their early retirement years.  Dennis and Shawn recall their mother always welcoming their friends into her home, whether it was during the day or very late at night for a snack or a game of Risk.

In 2000, Lucille and Ron built a home in Champion (the mountains) to be closer to their grandchildren.  Hunter, Margaux, and their friends, enjoyed popping into Grammy’s for a chat (and a Pop-Tart) anytime day or night.  Harlee and Gracee have wonderful memories, including visiting the local zoo, eating wedding soup, and fighting over who got to ride the toy tractor down Grammy’s driveway.

In 2013, she moved to the Bethlen community in Ligonier, where she lived her remaining years.

She enjoyed being a member of and attending church.  Regardless of the denomination, it was people and friendships she made that were important.  She was a member of the Indian Head Church of God.

In 1952, she began her long career as a fourth-grade teacher, which brought her joy and occasional challenges.  She retired in 1988.  She remined close with those she taught with through the years, attending luncheons and exchanging letters.  She was a graduate of Indiana State Teachers’ College (IUP), where her sorority sisters, June, Joanne, and Peggy, became lifelong friends.  They made it a point to visit each other yearly, with letters and phone calls in-between.

Lucille loved to travel, absorbing and recording the history of every destination. She always found someone to join her on an adventure and never turned down an opportunity to travel with others.  When not traveling or volunteering, she engaged in prolific journaling, stamp collecting, knitting, and gossiping.

The family gives special thanks to everyone who took such special care of Lucille in Concordia at Bethlen.  As per Lucille’s wishes, there will be no public funeral services.  A private family gathering will be held in the Spring.  Donations can be made to the Leechburg Historical Society, PO Box 156, Leechburg, PA  15656.