Lucille Elizabeth Cummings

Lucille Elizabeth Cummings was born April 30, 1924, in Jennings County, Indiana, to Carl Liston and Ora Clark Chaille, and died on July 15, 2025, at Westminster Village, Terre Haute, where she resided. The youngest of five children, her childhood was spent on the family farm near Brewersville, in a house designed by her mother and built by her father. A watercolor painting of that farmhouse was a source of comfort and memories in her final years. Chaille family life was centered around New Bethel Church, Zenas School, and the rural community which included grandparents and extended family as well as the family of James “Jim” Cummings, whom she married on August 24, 1945. He preceded her in death on August 21, 1991.

Lucille attended Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis) prior to their marriage. Jim’s career as high school teacher, coach, and athletic director took them to Bristow and Tell City, then to Terre Haute where he taught at Sarah Scott Jr. High. Family activities revolved around football and basketball games, school and church. Lucille served as scout leader, 4-H advisor, seamstress, baker and cookie maker, Sunday School pianist, and flower arranger.

After graduation from Indiana State University, she taught 19 years in Vigo County schools: 2nd grade at Montrose, and Title 1 Reading at Deming and Franklin Elementary Schools. She was an active member of the NEA, ISTA, and Indiana Reading Teachers. One of her favorite projects was keeping the hospital supplied with “Catch ‘em in the Cradle” kits for families of newborns to encourage the daily practice of reading to children. Later she made blankets for newborns.

Lucille enjoyed traveling, quilting, art, music and reading. A love of antiques and collecting led to an avocation as a dealer. An active member of Centenary United Methodist Church, she found many ways to live out her faith by “doing for” others.

Family includes her children, Rev. Cathy Cummings Chisholm, Idaho Falls, ID and Clark Cummings (Pamela) Loveland, CO; grandchildren Wendy Chisholm, Zachary Chisholm, Chaille Cummings Hymes, and J.D. Cummings: nine great-grandchildren, two of whom share her birthday; nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family is grateful to Don Dodson, whose devoted care for her was a blessing.

Her wish was that memorial donations be made to: 14th and Chestnut Community Center, Terre Haute; United Women in Faith of Indiana (UMW); Dorrell Scholarship Fund, Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, Evanston IL; or Centenary United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

Visitation will be at Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home on Friday, July 18 from noon to 2:00 pm with a graveside service to follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. A memorial service at Centenary United Methodist Church is planned for a later date.