Nell Elizabeth McDonald-Lucht

After a lingering illness, Nell E. McDonald-Lucht (Tabbs) passed away in Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Washington on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. She was born to Millie Joe and Charley McDonald on November 1, 1948, in the Indian Hospital in Nespelem, Washington.

Tabbs, as we all knew her, lived her younger years in the Omak, Washington area. She attended St. Mary's Mission School; graduated from Coulee Dam High School, June 1967. She spent one year at (IAIA) Institute of American Indian Arts School, Santa Fe, New Mexico; one year at Lewis/Clark College, Vancouver, Washington, then came home to work for the Indian Health Services; BIA-Colville Agency; Chemawa Indian School, Salem, Oregon; Nespelem Elementary School and the Colville Confederated Tribes CTEC.

Tabbs married Darwin L. Lucht on November 6, 1968. They had two sons: Darrin Lee and Douglas Ray Lucht. She made her home in Nespelem since the mid-sixties to present time. Tabbs was well known for her meticulous housekeeping, artistic touches in her home, flower garden and general décor. She collected figurines, pictures, cups, wall hangings, T-shirts, etc, depicting owls. She loved to water ski, snowmobile, dance, camp out, boat and travel all over. When her health began to decline, she stayed in her apartment and read paperbacks galore; did all kinds of puzzles: Word-Find, Anagrams, etc. Tabbs had a sense of humor and enjoyed a good (or even a bad) joke. Her TV was her constant companion, and she encouraged company to visit her.

Nell E. McDonald-Lucht (Tabbs) was preceded in death by her parents, Millie and Charley McDonald; four brothers: John Edward, William Cecil, Richard Louis and Charles Jr. McDonald; one sister, Mary Susan McDonald; niece, Mary Jennifer Marchand; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Nell is survived by her two sons: Darrin Lee and Douglas Ray Lucht; grandson, Justin Lucht; brother, Daniel D. McDonald; sisters: Kathy M. Womer and Dodi C.M. Marchand and nephews: Willie, John, and Russell Womer, and Billy J. Marchand; niece Charissa Marchand, cousins, et al.

Precht Harrison Nearents Funeral Home on Elmway in Okanogan, Washington, is assisting with services for a later date.

Her cremains will be placed in the Sweiptkin Family Cemetery near Omak.