LuElla "Lucky" Vath

LuElla "Lucky" Vath, 76, of Lake McConaughy, died Nov. 3, 2017, in her home near Lake McConaughy.

Lucky was born June 6, 1941, in Big Springs, Nebraska to Wayne and Velma (Caldwell) Macklin. She attended Big Springs schools where she was in the marching band playing the drums.

On June 7, 1959 Lucky married Walter Vath in Ogallala where they made their home. Lucky was employed as manager of A & W restaurant for Phil Stahl. Later she and Walter purchased and operated the restaurant. After selling A & W in 1978 she worked several jobs as bookkeeper and cashier. She was employed at several businesses including Pump & Pantry, Ogallala Tire Co., and Stickneys.

The Vaths purchased Ray's Trophy Shop and renamed it L & W Trophy and Engraving Shop, operating it for several years.

Lucky was active in the Ogallala Fire Dept. Auxiliary and also worked as a matron for the Keith County Jail. Lucky and Walter purchased their retirement home near Lake McConaughy in December 2007. They enjoyed watching the sunrises and sunsets. Walter passed away in 2013. Lucky enjoyed the wildlife at the Lake, loved growing roses, and collecting cookbooks and trying new recipes. She especially treasured the family gatherings and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. She attended the Methodist Church.

Preceding her in death was her husband, her parents, infant daughters: Penny Vath and Mikki Vath and daughter Rhonda Leonard; a brother Marvin Macklin and a sister Mayilyn Kochsmeier.

Survivors include a son Doug Vath of Sidney and a daughter Candy Warner of Laramie, WY, a son-in-law Joe Leonard of Ogallala;  and two grandsons: Jesse (Erin) Bunnell of North Platte and Sam Moyer of Laramie, WY and three granddaughters: Danika Bunnell of Cheyenne, WY; Amanda (Ben) Oeltjen of Broken Bow, and LuElla (Scott) Stimka of Sidney; and eight great-grandchildren.

Cremation was chosen. Private Family Services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent  by signing the Guest Book.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with the arrangements.

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