She worked at Methodist Hospital as a chaplain secretary, then at Millard Public Schools as a cafeteria cook for Middle and High School. Lifelong Nebraska football fans, LaNita and Jerry were season ticket holders for over 40 years. She and her sisters have been avid fans of the Nebraska women’s volleyball team. Jerry and LaNita enjoyed golfing and in retirement were able to devote more time to traveling (they visited nearly all 50 states), spending time with family and friends, and volunteering at Faith Westwood Church, where they were charter members. LaNita liked to play golf with her sister and friends at a local par-3 golf course; she knitted and crocheted beautifully; and loved reading and meeting with the book club, especially enjoying mysteries and detective novels until it became too difficult to read.
LaNita was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, and sisters Julie Murphy and Derelea Keefauver.
She is survived by sisters Ardyce Stanley of Wayne, NE, Judith Rath of Omaha, NE, and Kathie Woods of Central City, NE, brother-in-law Ken Murphy (Carolyn) of Lincoln, NE; three children Lori (Eriks) Pencis of Aurora, CO, Steve (Linda) of Placentia, CA, and Al (Erin) of Lincoln, NE, 8 granddaughters and 11 great-grandchildren. She will be missed by many other family members and friends.
A celebration of LaNita’s life will be held April 18th, with visitation at 10AM and service at 11AM, at Faith Westwood UM Church, 4814 Oaks Lane, Millard, NE.
A private inurnment will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Omaha.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: United Women in Faith at Faith Westwood United Methodist Church, Millard, NE.