Mina Lucile Tidwell

Our one of a kind, spunky, fun-loving mom, grandma, great grandma, sister and aunt -- Lucile or Lucy to everyone else -- passed peacefully into Heavenly Father’s arms after a long life full of adventure, laughs and love. Born in Pocatello, Idaho, she grew up in Shelton, Washington where she was the center of attention, much to her sister Joanie’s chagrin. With her outgoing personality and stunning beauty she was in the high school drama club (of course), a Song Queen (cheerleader) and literally was the most popular girl as the 1957 Mason County Forest Festival Queen (a really big deal back in the day).

Having 4 children by the age of 23 didn’t hold this remarkable lady back from a series of moves and ventures in her 20’s and 30’s (and let’s just say it; with more than one husband chasing this fiery redhead), including: Sitka and Juneau, Alaska (multiple times); Redmond, Washington; Astoria; Omaha, San Diego and Shelton. Among other business ventures, she co-owned and managed the Potlatch Motel and Canoe Club in Sitka; co-ran a vending business in Astoria and sold real estate in other places. She continued acting in local little theater plays wherever she went. And she was an original member of the New Archangel Dancers in Sitka, something she remained extremely proud of.

Returning to Juneau in 1979 she met and married the love of her life, Ted Tidwell. Poor Ted had no clue what he was getting into from the get-go. With his 3 kids and Lucile’s 4, all in their late teens and early 20’s, with hot-rods (including Lucile’s 1969 blue Corvette), life was filled with daily drama but a lot of fun. Mom did the bookkeeping for Ted’s successful Arctic Carpet business, they built their dream home and took the family on several trips including Costa Rica, Hawaii and the Yukon.

Eventually they sold the business and moved to Skagway where they owned and operated Sgt. Preston’s Lodge; Irene’s Inn and Restaurant, Skagway RV Park and Dr. Fun Tours. A lot of our family members have expressed fond memories of living and working in Skagway for Ted and Lucile during summers and longer, including Lucile’s kids, her sister Joan and husband Pat and several nieces. Lucile was a volunteer fireman, the town coroner and the Skagway State magistrate, (unbeknownst to most, toting a Glock pistol under her robe during proceedings). When the tour season winded down, she would drag Ted into the Yukon, moose and bear hunting, panning for gold and fishing. Life was good and full.

They retired to Arizona in 1997, where mom became an avid and quite good golfer. They relocated in 2003 to Haugen Montana, just down the street from Joan and Pat. After Ted passed in 2007, she moved in permanently with Carla and her husband Kevin, initially in University Place, then to Belfair on the Hood Canal where Carla and Kevin set her up with her own waterfront cottage.

Mom had a flare for the dramatic and a love of life. She cared greatly about all her friends and family and thought it was her job to make sure everyone was well entertained. At times, much to our dismay she was more than happy to do the craziest and silliest of things if it meant getting a chuckle or smile. Many family members and friends are well acquainted with her famous Moose call.

Mom finally began to slow down and enjoy the subtleties of life, doting over her grandchildren and great grandchildren, gardening, enjoying time with her friends and attending to church activities and service. She was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She especially loved serving in the Seattle Temple as a Temple Ordinance Worker.

Most of all, she was our beloved mother, grandma, great grandma, sister and aunt. We’re comforted knowing that she has left her infirmities behind and is in the loving arms of Ted along with her cherished daughter Xanny, her mother and stepfather Vivetta and Lamar McBride and six brothers and sisters. She was also preceded in death by her father Carl Faulk when she was a young child.

Mom believed in eternal families and preached incessantly that we all need to do what it takes to be with her one day. Our family, daughter Carla (Kevin Keely), son Sheldon (Stephanie Winters), son Brent Woods, stepdaughters Lori (Joe Croteau) and Lisa (Haynes Tormey), grandchildren Scott, Brenden, Emily, Sam, Danielle, Sean, Michelle, great grandchildren Westin, Hunter, Maddy, Ashley, Iann, Maeve and Esme, her sister Joan (Pat Kellen) and many, many nieces and nephews will miss her immensely. We are consoled by the love, kind words and memories expressed by family and friends.