Verna Madeline Pittenger Ziebell

Verna M. (Pittenger) Ziebell, 89, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, August 22, 2008, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. She was born March 17, 1919, at home on a farm west of Johnson Lake, to Robert and Mina (Hawks) Beyl. She grew up on the farm and attended high school at Elwood. Once Verna was out of high school she married Gordon Pittenger on August 10, 1935. To this union three children were born: Gordon Dean, Diana, and Linda. The family lived on a farm nine miles southwest of Elwood until 1954. The family then moved to Lexington where Verna and Gordon opened Pittenger’s Dairy Sweet, which was a popular hang out in the fifties and sixties. The two of them ran the business until 1968. Following owning their business Verna stayed busy cleaning houses for many years. On February 25, 1976, Gordon passed away. On June 17, 1978, she married Oscar Ziebell in Lexington. Verna stayed busy cleaning homes after her marriage to Oscar. Following both of their retirements they spent a lot of time traveling. They enjoyed going to Branson, Missouri a couple times a year. Verna had many hobbies; she enjoyed dancing, working in her flower beds, gardening, cleaning houses and cooking. She also loved music and playing the piano. Verna was a very talented piano player. But most importantly, spending time with her family was her number one priority. Verna was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Survivors include her husband of thirty years: Oscar Ziebell of Lexington, Nebraska Two daughters: Diana McCartney of Chappell, Nebraska Linda and husband Dan Nelson of Lincoln, Nebraska Two step-daughters: Janet and husband Dennis Austin of Brighton, Colorado Jolene Ziebell of Madison, Nebraska One step-son: Don and wife Jill Ziebell of Lexington, Nebraska Seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Verna was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Gordon, one son; Gordon Dean, one grandchild, two great-grandchildren, one sister; Dorothy Ogorsolka, one brother; Bud Beyl and son-in-law Richard McCartney. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor Dean Hanson, officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Visitation will be held Monday, August 25, 2008, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are kindly suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences or reflections may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com