Melva Lucille Ullery, 95, Freeman, MO died Saturday, April 23, 2011 at her home in Freeman. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the Freeman Presbyterian Church in Freeman, MO. Burial will be in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, April 25, 2011 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Freeman Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 38, Freeman, MO 64746 or to Grace Hospice, 9233 Ward Parkway, Suite 201, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Lucille was born February 3, 1916 in Freeman, MO to Henry Thomas "Tom" and Ula Mary (Hart) Van Meter. She attended school at the Freeman School, as well as Scarritt Elementary and Northeast High School in Kansas City. She worked in the Agriculture Office at the Cass County Courthouse in Harrisonville, MO prior to marriage.

Lucille was married to the love of her life, John Ellis Ullery, on April 11, 1941 in Butler, MO and they were lifelong residents of Freeman. She was very active in the Freeman community, particularly in the Freeman Historical Society. She was also a lifelong member of the Freeman Presbyterian Church, where she was a deacon, sang in the choir, and participated in numerous church activities.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Howard Hart Van Meter, a sister, Mary Maxine Lott and an infant son, Gerald Ellis Ullery. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, John, of the home; two sons David Ullery of the home and Dennis Ullery and wife, Susan of Kansas City, MO; one granddaughter, Karen Ullery Williams and husband, Brian of Kansas City, MO; one niece, Linda Riehle and two nephews, Wayne Ullery and Glendon Ullery.