Lucille Emerson, age 94, of Philip, S.D. died on Thursday, September 7, 2017, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Lucille Catherine was born to Harry and Leaona (Fargen) Parsley in Flandreau, S.D. She attended grade school in the country and graduated from Egan High School in 1942. She went to Madison Teachers College for two years.

Lucille was united in marriage to Keith Emerson on September 16, 1947, in Brookings, S.D. They made their home on the Emerson ranch north of Philip.

Lucille was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart Alter Society. She graduated from Black Hills State University in 1973 and taught in the Haakon County school system from 1967 to 1987.

She was also a lifetime member of the South Dakota Teachers Association. Her hobbies included painting, reading and dancing.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband Keith Emerson of Philip; sons, Greg (Kathy) Emerson of Powell, Wyo. and Mark (Terry) Emerson of Pierre; a daughter, Debbie (Duane) Fitzgerald of Pierre; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Ralph, Wayne, Paul and John Parsley; sister, Mary Rosheim; step-sisters, Mary Jane and Patricia “Patty”; daughter, Ann Reinsch; and great-granddaughter Katelyn Oberg.

Mass of Christian Burial was held September 11 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 345, Philip, S.D., 57567.

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.