Florence Elizabeth Lantz

Florence Elizabeth Lantz, 96, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. Florence spent her life in Lexington, born November 15, 1915, to Roscoe and Florence (Allen) Fellers. She was raised on a farm southeast of Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School in 1933. She was united in marriage on February 24, 1938, to William Lantz. Florence and Bill resided on a farm north of Lexington where Bill was a farmer and Florence was a housewife and mother. Here they raised three children, Beryle, Wilma and Kathy. In 1987, they moved to town. Bill passed away in 1993. In 2007, Florence moved to Wel-Life Plum Creek Assisted Living in Lexington and spent the last year at the Plum Creek Care Center. The First United Methodist Church was very important to Florence. She taught Sunday school, and she was an active member of the Mercury and Women’s Clubs. Throughout Florence’s life she was very involved in the community, as a former member of the Kensington Club, Golden Hours Extension Club, Mother’s Club and a 4-H Club leader. Florence enjoyed cooking for family and friends. Cooking started early for her. At the age of 12 Florence became the main cook for both her family and the farm workers. Florence and Bill enjoyed entertaining their friends by hosting pinochle and bridge parties. They also participated in Kiwanis pinochle and bridge. This passion for card playing was passed down to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with whom they spent many happy hours teaching them the various games. Florence played bridge until November 2011. Working crossword puzzles was a daily event for years. Florence was a dedicated wife and mother. She loved her family deeply. Florence will be greatly missed. Survivors include her Son: Beryle of Omaha, Nebraska, Daughter: Wilma and husband Robert Clarke of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan; Kathy Lantz of Centennial, Colorado, Faithful friend: Kelly and husband Ted Harvey of Lexington, Nebraska; Grandsons: Stephen and wife Tayce Clarke of Vienna, Virginia, Jon and wife Beth Clarke of Troy, Michigan and Kenneth Lantz of Omaha, Nebraska; Granddaughters: Sara and husband David Gawlak of Suwanee, Georgia and Casie Lantz and Jeff Oswalt of Roswell, Georgia; Great-Grandchildren: Brendan, Benjamin, Dillan, William, Josiah, Jameson, Sophie, Susannah, Abby, Geneva, Ella, Ophelia and Allison. Florence is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband William, her parents Roscoe and Florence Fellers, and her siblings William, Floyd, Mina and Arthur. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska, with Reverend Tess Hufford, officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Friday, May 18, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.