Nell Fancher Lukens of Walla Walla, Wash., passed away peacefully at Eagle Springs on Oct. 18, 2012. She was 84.
     Nell was born in Tonasket, Wash. on Feb. 10, 1928, to Robert Fancher and Wanda McMillan Fancher.
     Nell and her brothers and sister grew up on the Pilot Wheel Ranch, a large cattle ranch outside of Tonasket.
     She graduated from Tonasket High School in 1945 and attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., where she was a cheerleader and a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. At Whitman, she met and married her first husband, David Stevens; they moved to Stillwater, Okla. where she received a bachelor of arts degree from Oklahoma State University.
     After returning to Walla Walla, Nell worked for six physicians for several years as office manager and later became part-owner of Greg Jones Travel Agency. She also worked at Whitman College in Harper Joy Theater and in the Alumni Office.
     In 1977, Nell married Eugene (Hank) Lukens of Seattle, Wash., who was then a faculty member of University of Washington’s dental school and a fellow native of the Okanogan Valley.
     Nell was a member of the Walla Walla Country Club and several organizations in Walla Walla including Junior Club and the Book Club. She enjoyed golfing, cooking and entertaining. Her family and a wide circle of friends were the center of her life. She had the happy ability to make friends by being “just plain folks.”
     Nell and Hank travelled extensively, including several cruises to all parts of the world. They also enjoyed their summer cabin on the Kettle River, near Curlew, Wash.
     Nell was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Wanda Fancher; her brother, Bill Fancher; and her sister, Roberta Fancher Coon. She is survived by her husband, Hank Lukens of Walla Walla; brother, Jick (Helen) Fancher of Quincy; son, David (Susan) Stevens, and granddaughters, Molly and Emma of Napa, California; Mark Lukens of Bellevue, Kathy Lukens Williams (Ron) of Kirkland; and niece, Mary Coon (Mel Butler) of Mercer Island.
     Per Nell’s request, there will be no memorial service. Contributions may be made to the Harper Joy Theater of Whitman College through Grosclose-Herring Funeral Home in Walla Walla.