May 7, 1930 - February 20, 2021

Her family will remember her by the hum of her sewing machine, the fragrant aromas drifting from her kitchen, and the lilt of her voice as she brought one of her stories to life. As a skilled seamstress, the compliments her daughters received for the outfits she created for them filled her with pride and accomplishment. A true southern cook, she made the best pinto beans, corn bread, and King Ranch casserole. She could usually be found in the kitchen, stirring a steaming pot of homemade chili or vegetable soup, a pie, or bundt cake baking in the oven. Rarely did she flip through a magazine without clipping a new recipe to try. A voracious reader and educator herself, she instilled in her children a love of learning and reading. Bedtime stories were a regular thing; trips to the library were filled with anticipation and excitement. At the dinner table she transformed the events of her day into colorful tales that could only have come from her unique imagination.

Lucille Mahla was born on May 7, 1930 in Nashville, Arkansas and passed from this life on February 20, 2021. After graduating from Nashville High School in 1948, she attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and became a fourth-grade teacher. In December of 1958 she married Curtis H. Mahla and from that point on, became devoted to the life and family they would create together. They began married life in Little Rock but after a few years decided they preferred to live in the country. They bought property near Cabot where they raised their three children and made many long-lasting friendships. Lucille carved out a place for herself in the community as President of the PTA and President of the neighborhood Home Extension Club. In 1983, Curt's job took them to Anchorage, Alaska, then to San Antonio, Texas. But after fourteen years away, Lucille longed to come home. In 1997, they returned to rural Arkansas where she was always happiest.

Lucille was a genuinely creative, feminine spirit with a thrifty, and resourceful nature. She enjoyed traveling, square dancing with Curt, and camping in their RV with friends. For her family, she envisioned and created unique items such as purses, jackets and sleeping bags. Designing and planning outfits was her favorite activity. Lucille added her own unique touch to every meal she prepared, every story she told, and to all the lovely clothes she enjoyed wearing and creating. She retained her beauty even in old age. It was difficult not to notice her.

Lucille Mahla was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Hattie (Porterfield) Furnatter of Nashville, and her brother, Kenneth Furnatter of Little Rock. She is survived by her husband of sixty-three years, Lt. Col. Curtis H. Mahla, son Phil Mahla, architect, New York, New York; daughter Susan San Miguel, attorney, Austin, Texas; daughter Sharon Pollock, teacher and librarian, San Antonio, Texas and their spouses; Grandchildren Ariel San Miguel, Justin Pollock, Laura Pollock, and Sean Dixon.

Funeral services will be held at Roller Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd North Little Rock, 72116 at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 4, 2021. A private burial will be held at a later date at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR  72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com