LaVeta May (Bernard) Howard
LaVeta May (Bernard) Howard was born Dec. 5, 1926, in rural Dundy County, Nebraska, to Henry (Hank) Adam and Helen Lucille (Louch) Bernard. LaVeta grew up near Benkelman and attended 1st through half of 8th grade at Hiawatha school. Her parents moved to their home place in rural Dundy County and she finished 8th grade at Hoover Country School.
On Feb. 24, 1946, LaVeta married Johnnie Edward Howard at the Pleasant Valley Church in Dundy County. LaVeta and Johnnie lived and worked on a farm and feedlot in Dundy County, moving into Benkelman in 1949 where Johnnie was employed as a truck driver. In 1950 during the Korean Conflict LaVeta joined Johnnie at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he was stationed. In 1951 the family moved to Sidney, living there until purchasing the home place north of Palisade, in 1954. In 2016 LaVeta moved her home to Hayes Center. In Dec. 2018 she became a resident at Brookdale Senior Living in McCook, which later changed to Kinship Pointe.
LaVeta was a devoted wife and mother. She worked beside Johnnie on the farm and ranch. While in Sidney, she worked in the Ordnance Plant defusing bombs.
LaVeta was baptized in and became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Legion Aux. #318 and a life member of VFW Aux. #7028 all in Palisade. She belonged to numerous card clubs in Palisade and Wauneta. LaVeta enjoyed fishing and traveling in their motor home. She spent hours crocheting blankets for family members. Most of all she loved being with family.
LaVeta passed away Monday, April 19, 2021, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center, In Kearney. LaVeta was 94 years of age.
LaVeta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Johnnie; one sister Maxine Reynolds; her brother Marlin Henry Bernard; and grandsons Ira Lee Howard and Joshua Keenan Howard.
Survivors include: sons, Darryl and wife Ronda of Wauneta, Dean and wife Mary Jo of Palisade, Jimmie and wife Marylin of Hayes Center; six grandchildren, JoDean Crouse, DeAnn Davis, Mandy Buderus, James Howard, Nick Howard and J.J. Howard; 10 great-grandchildren, Alicia Douglas, Weylin Davis, Angela Crouse, Jared Crouse, Tyler Davis, C.J. Howard, Haylee Davis, Manon Buderus, Gavin Buderus and Casee Tobiasson; four great-great-grandchildren: Harper Douglas, Everlee Davis, Dallas and Zoey Tobiasson; sister, Arlene Sharp of Logan, Kansas.
Funeral services were held Saturday, April 24, 3 p.m. (MT) at the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Wauneta, with Pastor Keith Wellman and Rev. Greg Stuckwisch officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta.
Visitation was held Friday, April 23, 2-6 p.m. (MT) at Liewer Funeral Home, Wauneta.
Memorials, in LaVeta’s memory, have been suggested to the Howard Family for a future designation.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is entrusted with arrangements.