Roni Sue Vapenik

Roni S. Vapenik, 60, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at her home near Lexington. She was born February 28, 1955, in St. Francis, Kansas, to Leo Valgene and Edith Maxine (Stover) Foster. She moved with her family as a young girl to Wauneta, Nebraska, where she graduated high school in 1973. She then went onto further her education at Patricia Stevens Business College in Omaha. Roni was united in marriage to Marty Vapenik on August 31, 1974, in Wauneta. Three girls were blessed to this marriage; Tiffany, Terah, and Makenzie. Roni was a stay-at-home mom until her girls were in school. She then worked at Home Federal Savings & Loan for several years. But, her love for children took her to Morton Elementary where she was a Para-Professional. Prior to getting sick, Roni worked at New West Therapy in Holdrege, Nebraska. Roni always loved to travel. She caught the bug as a young person when she, her parents, and two sisters lived in Ghana, Africa for a year. She taught classes at Central Community College for many years. She loved quilting, woodworking, stained glass creations, and anything “crafty”. Family was her most important priority. As the girls each married and they had their kids, this was Roni’s joy. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone, even after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 5 years ago. Roni will be so missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her husband, Marty of rural Lexington, Nebraska; daughters, Tiffany (Keith) Murphy of Lexington, Nebraska, Terah (Anthony) Smith of rural Cozad, Nebraska, and Makenzie Vapenik of Hayes Center, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Tabytha Racicky, Tyler Racicky, Keith Murphy, Jr., Shon Murphy, Dilan Smith, Christian Smith, and Hannah Smith; one great-grandson, Aaron Harms; two sisters, Wilma O’Neil of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and, Lois (Glen) Clatterbuck of Omaha, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, extended family and a multitude of friends. Roni was preceded in death by her parents; and, three sisters, Karen LeAnn, and Dolora & Valerie Gene in infancy. It was Roni’s wishes her body be cremated. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, November 20, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at LexChristian Church in Lexington with Pastor Daniel Sauer officiating. Memorials are suggested to LexChristian Church or the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.