Lucille Marie Schlotte

Lucille Marie (Fish) Schlotte, lovingly known as “Lucy,” was born on August 23, 1934, in Watertown, South Dakota, to William and Frances (Dummann) Fish. She was baptized on September 9, 1934, and confirmed on June 6, 1947, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown. Lucy grew up in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School in 1952. She continued her education at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, where she attended for two years.

In March 1954, Lucy met the love of her life, Martin “Marty” Schlotte, and the two were married on October 10, 1954. Their marriage of more than seven decades was blessed with three children: Kevin, Mary Ann, and Jill. During Martin’s career with the United States Government Civil Service, the family embraced a life of adventure, making homes in numerous communities across the country, including Pierre, South Dakota; Rogers, Arkansas; Kenmare, North Dakota; Kahlotus and Ayre Junction, Washington; Brookings, South Dakota; and several locations throughout Texas and Mississippi. In February 1973, the family settled in Arlington, Texas, when Martin accepted a position at the Dallas Naval Air Station. It was there that they established a lasting home and became members of Grace Lutheran Church.

Lucy devoted much of her life to caring for others. In addition to raising her own family, she opened her heart and home to at least a dozen foster children throughout the years, offering them kindness, comfort, and a place to belong. She began her working career at Gamble’s Department Store in Watertown before later joining Trinity Insurance Company in Dallas, where she worked faithfully for 14 years until her retirement in 1996.

Her faith was an important part of Lucy’s life, and she remained actively involved at Grace Lutheran Church for many years. She faithfully served through the Altar Guild, assisted with the church thrift store, helped with newsletter mailings, and volunteered with Braille ministry. She also enjoyed participating in LifeLight Bible study, where she continued to grow in her faith and fellowship with others.

Lucy was a beautiful person, inside and out, whose kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including reading, sewing, and adult coloring. Above all, she treasured her family and the many relationships she cultivated throughout her life. Whether through her own family, the children she fostered, her church community, or the friendships she formed along the way, Lucy had a special way of making others feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.

Lucille is survived by her beloved husband, Martin Schlotte of Arlington, Texas; her son, Kevin Schlotte of Arlington; her daughter, Mary Ann (Mary) Schlotte of Arlington; her brother, Randy Fish of Brookings, South Dakota; her grandsons, Eric Schlotte and Gary Hilliard, both of Arlington; and six great-grandchildren, including Christopher Schlotte of Arlington, who shared a particularly special bond with his great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Frances Fish; her sisters, Virginia Fish Barbee and Evelyn Fish Martin; her brother, Dan Fish; and her beloved daughter, Jill Marie Schlotte.

Lucy's life was a testament to faith, devotion, compassion, and unconditional love. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her unwavering kindness, and the countless lives she touched. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she shared and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.