Helen Lucille Atherly, 87, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at her home.

Lucille was the daughter of Ira and Alice (Carlton) McCullough. She was born on the family farm one mile east of Strawn, KS. She grew up on the farm and graduated from Strawn High School.

On August 17, 1952, Lucille and Russell Duane Atherly were married at Strawn. They became the parents of four children. They moved to Topeka where Lucille cared for her family and home. She also provided in-home childcare for a number of children. She was affectionately known by many of these children as "Granny". The relationship she had with many of these children would continue through adulthood. In addition to her love for children, Lucille was an excellent seamstress. Besides clothing, she created many beautiful quilt and craft projects. As an avid gardener, Lucille enjoyed spending time outdoors tending to her flowers and crops. She and her sisters spent many happy hours together on the farm canning and freezing the summer harvest.

Lucille was a long-time member of West Side Christian Church in Topeka. She demonstrated more of her love for children by maintaining the church nursery and helping with Vacation Bible School for many years.

She was preceded in death by Duane, her husband of more than 56 years, on June 24, 2009. She was also preceded by her brothers, Victor, Fred, and Beryl McCullough and sisters, Wilma Carlton, Mildred Truelove, Alice DeLong, Anna Lou From, and an infant sister, Lillian McCullough. Lucille is survived by her sister Ileene Newsome and in-laws Marjory and Richard Holmer, and Joan, Donald, and Elladean Atherly.

She leaves her children, Virginia Powell (Marty) of Eureka, KS, Rodney Atherly of Wakarusa, KS, Randall Atherly of Topeka, KS, and Debra Roberts (Mike) of Arvada, CO; a granddaughter, Larissa Wells (Josh) of Eureka; two step-grandchildren, Michele Leaden (Jim) of Topeka and Todd Roberts (Sianna) of Arvada, CO; great-grandchildren, Tanner, Taylor, Tyler, Tyrel, and Trayce Wells; step-great-grandchildren, Cameron and Tucker Leaden and Michael Roberts; numerous nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington, KS. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery at Burlington.

The family will meet with friends from 1:00 P.M. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Atherly will lie in state from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, December 17, 2021, at Jones Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to West Side Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave., Topeka, KS 66606, or may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.