Luella R. "Lu" Hage

Luella (Lu) Rae Hage, age 81 of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away peacefully, September 30, 2024.  She was born November 9, 1942, in Bucyrus, Ohio, the daughter, of the late Raymond and Miriam (Smith) Thornton.  She graduated from Theodore High School. Theodore, Alabama, in 1960.  Lu attended the University of Dayton, Elmhurst College and graduated from Augustana College, earning her undergraduate and masters degrees in Speech Pathology.  Lu worked with stroke victims at Moline Public Hospital, eventually transitioning to Moline Blackhawk Center to teach children.  She also taught speech in several of the Moline Public Schools, from where she retired.

She married Dr. Sam M. Hage on June 22, 1966, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  They attended and were very involved in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline, Illinois.  Lu and Sam enjoyed spending time with friends and family, as well as traveling and playing golf.

Lu moved to Palm Harbor, Florida, to be close to her son, Sam M. Hage II and his family, and her step-daughter, Sandy Van Oosten, and family.  In 2016 she returned to Ohio in order to be near and care for her mother.

She is survived by her son, Sam Hage II (Megan); grandchildren Sammy, Owen and Lyla; as well as step-daughter, Sandy Van Oosten (Chuck); granddaughter, Heather Strawn (Shane); grandsons, Eli, Peyton; granddaughter, Ashley Mayers (Justin); great-grandson, Hudson; sister, Barb McDermott, niece, Caryn Petros (Pete); great-niece Liliana; and nephew, Michael McDermott (Jordain); and great-niece Madison.

Lu loved her family, friends and community deeply.  She was a very kind, caring and compassionate individual who was always helping others and giving in any way she could.  Her faith was an important part of her life.  Throughout her career as a teacher, she impacted many children, making a positive difference in their lives.  She was a role model to all, especially her family.  She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday October 7, 2024 from 4:00 until 6:00 P.M. at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn.  Lu will be laid to rest at Rock Island National Cemetery in Illinois with her husband Sam.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.