Lucille (Lucy) Elizabeth Hollis, 76, passed away on Nov. 27, 2020 in Springfield. Born on March 31, 1944 to Edward and Luella Royle, she spent much of her childhood on the family farm along Royle Road in Ridgefield, Wash.
Lucy married Lawrence (Larry) Hollis and made a life in Springfield, where they recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. When her children reached school age, Lucy found herself behind the steering wheel of one of Springfield’s school buses. For almost 30 years she carefully transported kids around in her big yellow bus. If you attended public school or Head Start in Springfield after 1972, good chance it was Lucy upfront behind the wheel. Between her morning and afternoon drives, she would return home in time to prepare a meal for Larry, where they’d spend their lunch hour sitting together behind their TV trays enjoying the latest drama on “The Young and the Restless.”
Lucy loved to drive. She loved to take care of others. She loved being involved. When not preparing a meal at home, she could be found organizing meals at the Springfield Moose Lodge for members.
In retirement, her love of driving and caring for others did not wane. It was commonplace to call her midday and catch her driving a senior friend to an appointment, the grocery store or simply out for ice cream. In the evenings, you could find her enjoying her Springfield Moose Lodge friends with Larry and catching up on the latest happenings. She received her green cap, red tassel and stole, and served as the Star Recorder and Senior Regent of the Women of the Moose. She worked in harmony with other members to provide a helping hand.
She was welcoming and an excellent listener. Friends and family will say Lucy was a friend they could trust and confide in. They could call her anytime and unfold the days of their lives without judgment. Many will remember her big, warm hugs.
Lucy leaves behind husband Larry; daughter Mona Davis (Kevin) of Sarepta, Lo.; son Mark Hollis (Angela) of Vancouver, Wash.; daughter Melissa Sanford of Springfield; siblings, Lionel Royle, Margaret Svir, Marci Sather and Kenneth Royle; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and is preceded in death by parents, brothers Thomas and Robert Royle, and son-in-law Dana Sanford.
Mom, you are already dearly missed. We’ll keep a TV tray handy (just in case) and be prepared to update you on the latest happenings. You are forever remembered for your laugh, your compassion, and the love you shared with your family and friends. There are simply not enough lines on this paper to sum up all the episodes of the Life of Lucy.
Send expressions of sympathy to Larry Hollis, c/o Major Family Funeral Home, 112 N. A St., Springfield, OR 97477. Share written memories of Lucy to be used for her Celebration of Life in 2021 at the Loyal Order Moose Lodge #1726. A graveside service will be Tuesday, Dec. 15, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at 1 p.m. Arrangements by Major Family Funeral Home.
