Lucile Mae Roberts, Colonel retired, 94, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Jan. 24, 2016, at Highlands Health & Rehab in Bella Vista. She was born on May 7, 1921, in Independence, Iowa, to Thomas R. Roberts and Mrs. Bertha B. (Beal) Roberts.

She graduated as valedictorian of her class at Decorah High School. Lucile attended Luther College for two years then transferred to the University of Iowa School of Nursing in Iowa City, Iowa, where she received her baccalaureate degree. Based upon her student academic records and her performance in the clinical education phase of this program, which were outstanding, she was admitted to membership in Sigma Theta Tau Honorary Nursing Sorority.

Seventeen years later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing Education at the University of Minnesota. She served 30 years of active duty in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War.

Lucile established the School of Anesthesiology for Nurses at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Wash. While in Vietnam, she was the Army's Nurse Anesthetist Consultant over five Evacuations Hospitals as well as providing daily anesthesia for our wounded military forces in one of these units. Upon retirement from the Army Nurse Cops, she received the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster award in 1978. She served in the rank of Colonel during her final four years of military service.

She immediately moved to Bella Vista, Ark., July 1978. She was active in the Bella Vista First United Methodist Church choir, hand bell choir, and United Methodist Women and Missions Committees. She was a member of the Military Officers of America, American Legion, Retired Army Nurses Association, Military Women of America, University of Iowa Alumni Association, American Association of University Women, and Benton County Democrats. She enjoyed participating in the many programs of the Bella Vista Tennis Association.

She was a member of Heritage Club at Luther College and received the Distinguished Service Award from Luther in 1973.

In December 2010, she was admitted to Brookfield Assisted Living, and in July 2013, Highlands Health and Rehab. She received compassionate care at both facilities.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Thomas Roberts Jr. ’38; her sisters, Mrs. Ruth Roberts Peacock ’40 and Dr. Mary Margaret Roberts ’44; her nephews, Dennis Peacock and James Peacock.

A Memorial Service was held Jan. 29, 2016, at the Bella Vista First United Methodist Church, Bella Vista, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to Bella Vista First United Methodist Church music program or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.