Lucille Orvella (Fanning) Metzler was born August 19, 1923, at a small ranch house in Fort Bidwell, CA to Charles and Lillian (Bucher) Robinson a pioneer family of that area. Lucille’s Great Grandfather, Robert McConaughy settled the MC Ranch in Adel, OR; it still carries his initials.
During her school years, she went by her stepfather's last name – she was known as Lucille Harvey. She was a 1940 graduate of Lakeview High School.
She was a rodeo queen in 1940 and Theme Girl of the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Ceremonies held in Redding, CA. After graduation, she worked at the Lake County Examiner. During World War II she worked at the US Naval Deportation Center in Oakland CA, as a secretary.
She and Staff Sergeant Charles Fanning were married on August 21, 1943. Three months later he was shipped overseas, and she didn’t see him for three years. Upon his return, they moved to Alliance, NE, Charles's hometown. Their oldest daughter Cherie was born there. Linda their second daughter was born in Lakeview after they returned to Lakeview.
Lucille was working at Fremont Sawmill in the office when a stroke caused, her to lose her eyesight and forced her to retire.
After fifty-four years of marriage, her husband Charles Fanning passed away on April 5, 1997. She later married Kenneth C. Metzler who also has preceded her in death. Others that have preceded her in death are daughters; Cheri Irene Houley and Linda Ailein Eitner, mother; Lillian Harvey, sisters; Ardena (Tiny) Kuempel and Nola Mae Gerber, brother; Bill Harvey, and 2 grandchildren.
Lucille is survived by grandson’s; Charles (Molly) Barber and Scott (Karen) Roush, granddaughter Terra Langslet, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Lucille to the Lake District Hospital Cancer Travel Fund, 700 South J Street, Lakeview, OR 97630, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
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