Lucy Marie Bridgland was born March 11, 1923 in Gothenberg, Nebraska, the daughter of Walter Winfield and Ethel Frances (Purdy) Cox. She was baptized on April 9, 1950 by Richard Urbach in North Star, NE. Lucy grew up and graduated from high school in Cedar Rapids, NE. During World War II, she lived in Denver, working at the Safeway Grocery Store until 1947 when she returned to Fullerton, NE. On November 30, 1947, Lucy was united in marriage to Darwin Arthur Bridgland in St. Edward, NE. They were blessed with three children and 63 years of marriage. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Nance County, NE until 1956 when they moved to rural Benson, Minnesota to farm. Lucy worked at Fingerhut for 12 years. They wintered in Texas for 29 years. Lucy taught Sunday School for several years in Nebraska. They were members at First Evangelical Free Church in Benson and Lucy was a member of the White Cross. She enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Benson Golf Club. Other things Lucy enjoyed were bowling, quilting, crafting, puzzles, and playing cards. She enjoyed traveling to different places and she collected angels. Lucy especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was called from this life on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at her home. She attained the age of 88 years, 1 month and 19 days. Lucy is survived by her husband Darwin of Benson; her children: LoAnn (Tom) Hagen of Benson, Paul (Marilyn) Bridgland of Marshall, and Leroy (Gloria) Bridgland of Hopkins; six grandchildren: Wayne (Krista) Hagen, Wanda (Jason) Huettl, April (John) Hart, Darwin (special friend Kim Hessian) Bridgland, Stefanie Bridgland, and Daniel Bridgland; seven great grandchildren: Tracy & Tyler Huettl, Noah Hagen, Ashlee, Jack, Claryssa, and Jonathan Hart; siblings: Ruth Holleman of Fullerton, NE, Donna Mae (Russell) Bennett of Cedar Rapids, NE, and Ralph (Carol) Cox of Fullerton, NE; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, her brothers: Francis, Claude, Vernon, Tom, and Howard Cox; and a sister, Mattie.
