Christian Biography of Ellen Lanham

Ellen Lanham, the daughter of John and Vera (Morton) Pedersen, was born on November 6, 1923 at the family farm south of Ruskin, Nebraska along with a twin sister Ethel. She passed away on July 31, 2013 at Thayer County Health Services, Hebron, Nebraska at the age of 89 years, 8 months, 25 days.

She was baptized at rural Bethany Church. She attended Riber Country School and graduated from Hardy High School.

Ellen worked at various homes, caring for children until her marriage to Ralph G. Lanham on July 27, 1945 in Concordia, Kansas. Ralph was home on leave from the Army at the time. After Ralph's discharge from the service they farmed around the Nora, Nebraska area. Ellen helped with the farming and chores. To this union three children were born, Dennis, Rhonda and Cindy. They lived on the farm until 1986 when they moved to Nora, but still kept farming. Ralph passed away March 21, 1995 after 49 years of marriage.

Ellen belonged to several neighborhood clubs, the last one being the Nora Club. She served on the town board a few years and was a member of the Nora Methodist Church. She enjoyed gardening, flowers especially her holly hocks, tying blankets, crafts, and baking. She especially enjoyed her family and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph, two brothers Ray and Donald, sisters Mabel, Clara, Dora, Christina, Wilma, Margaret, and Ethel.

She is survived by her son Dennis and wife Lorene of Nora, Nebraska; daughters Rhonda Itzen and husband James of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Cindy Meyer and husband Bradley of Nora, Nebraska; seven grandchildren: Annette Durkin and husband Patrick, Darrin Lanham and wife Jill, Rebecca Corman and husband Dan, Cathlene Crawford and husband Mike, Brandon Meyer and wife Jessica, Alicia Greenwell and husband Paul, and Trevor Meyer; six great grandchildren: Zak Corman, Kaden Lanham, Ethan Greenwell, Tenley Lanham, Kevin Crawford and Ryan Greenwell; sister-in-law Leona Anderson of Deshler, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 10:30 am from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Nebraska with Pastor Evelyn Phillips officiating.

Music was congregational hymn "Amazing Grace" with Carlita Price as organist and recording "On Eagle's Wings."

Visitation was held on Friday from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Pallbearers were Jim Lynch, Jerry Lynch, Burley Copas, Dennis Harms, Berson Pedersen, Alan Lanham, and Mike Lanham. Honorary Pallbearers were Grandchildren Annette Durkin, Darrin Lanham, Rebecca Corman, Cathlene Crawford, Brandon Meyer, Alicia Greenwell and Trevor Meyer and Great Grandchildren Zak Corman, Kaden Lanham, Ethan Greenwell, Tenley Lanham, Kevin Crawford and Ryan Greenwell.

Interment was in the Nora Cemetery at Nora, Nebraska.

Memorials in care of the family.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.