Lucile was born at home in Carlock, Ill. on April 13, 1921, the oldest of six children of the late Elmer and Jessie (Kiser) Bayles.

She rode her horse to schools near Carlock and graduated from New Trier High School in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka in 1939.

While working in Evanston, she married the late Harry J. Davidson on Aug. 4, 1941, in Chicago. They bought a farm in Felch and began raising five children before they had electricity, running water, or a telephone. Seeing the windmill through her kitchen window was a favorite view. The windmill stands as a monument to their years together.

She was a loving wife and mother, lively and enthusiastic. She encouraged the children in all that they attempted. She had the gift of hospitality. All visitors were made to feel genuinely welcome. No one ever left her house hungry. She was a dynamo in the kitchen, an avid reader, and card player. She also enjoyed playing dartball for many years.

Besides being an outstanding homemaker, she worked several years in Iron Mountain at Kay’s Kitchen and the Dickinson Hotel, where she met many dignitaries. She worked for local potato farmers during fall harvests.

Her culinary talents were recognized by winning a potato bake-off. The prize included a train ride to Chicago to be on the popular Don McNeil’s Breakfast Club radio show.

She is survived by three sons, Robert of Felch, Edward (Janet) of Felch, Doug (Cynda) of Fruitport; two daughters, Ann (Randy) Sheldon and Muriel (Jim) Bratcher, both of Columbiaville; five sisters, Cleo Colaw of Bloomington, Ill., Marjorie Martin of Bloomington, Elma Voorheis of Normal, Ill., and Shirley Rosendahl of Gibson City, Ill.; sister-in-law, Marie Bayles of Normal; 18 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; daughter-in-law, Darlene Davidson; brother, Elmer Bayles; and an infant great-grandson, Nicholas Jerome.

She chose to be cremated and did not wish to have any memorial services. The family will hold a private service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in her memory to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 186, Felch, MI 49831, where she was a member, a quilter and member of LCWA. Memorials may also be made to the Dickinson-Iron Gideons, P.O. Box 332, Quinnesec, MI 49876.

Condolences to the family of Lucile Davidson may be expressed online at ernashfuneralhomes.com

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.