Lola E. Leu-Goedeker

April 25, 1909 - April 3, 2007

HAYES?CENTER?-- Lola E. Leu-Goedeker, 97, died Tuesday (April 3, 2007) on her ranch west of Maywood.

She was born to John Roy and Margaret Corlett Leu on April 25, 1909, in Hayes County. She attended country school then attended the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis.

In the midst of the great depression and in her twenties, she started her own ranch known as the Tail Holt Ranch. She was the owner/operator of the ranch for more than 70 years, until her death.

During World War II, she took an active part with the war effort and she always felt very patriotic and supportive of our troops.

On Jan. 7, 1959, she married Waldo G. Goedeker. The couple was married for 25 years. Over the years she helped many young people in their pursuit of an education as a contributor to the Leu Scholarship Foundation. In 1984, she was named one the 50 American Heroines in the Ladies Home Journal.

She was President of Federated Garden Clubs of Nebraska, was on the board of directors National Council State Garden Clubs, a member of the Leu Foundation, the Nebraska Council Statewide Arboretum which she helped establish, the Nebraska Cosmetology Association, Central Nebraska Judges Council, Small Business Association, American Legion Auxiliary, National Nebraska Wildlife Association, Nebraska Chapter of the Blue Star which she helped establish, Stock Growers Association, National Cattleman's Association and the Red Angus Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Gladys Vissor and Edna Nelson; and a brother, Si.

She is survived by Harold Chessmore of Hayes Center, whom she thought of as a son; numerous cousins and many friends and acquaintances.

Services will be 10 a.m., Saturday at Adams & Swanson Chapel with the Revs. Eric Meissner and Jim O'Kane officiating. Burial will be in the Maywood Cemetery.

Visitation is today until 9 p.m., at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.

A memorial has been established in her name and condolences may be shared online at www.adamsswanson.com.

Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.