Lelagene A. Jantz, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at her home following a very brave battle with lung cancer.
Lela was born July 14, 1934 in Hay Springs, Nebraska to William and Eleanora (Wenske) Votruba. Lela grew up in Hemingford and graduated from Hemingford High School.
After graduating, she moved to Alliance and worked at Northwestern Bell as a telephone operator. She later moved to Dodge City, Kansas where she met her husband, Dennis Jantz. They were married September 15, 1957. To this union they welcomed three children, Tammy, Karen and Scott.
Lela worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 14 years before retiring. She enjoyed sewing and making quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Tammy (Tom) Fletcher of Alliance, Karen Best of Alliance, and Scott (Jodie) Jantz of Lincoln. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kelly (Marc) Davies, Josh (Lori) Fletcher, Kody Fletcher, Brock (Mandie) Best, Brittany (Jake) Perkins, Bridget (Tanner) Brandt, Seth Jantz, Clair Jantz, Lydia Jantz and Sam Jantz; ten great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Shirley (Jim) Styvar of Loveland, CO, Bernice Herian of Lakeside, and Delphine (Dale) Campbell of Hemingford. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sisters, Norabelle Abbott and Annabelle Collins, her brothers, Delbert Votruba, Lloyd Votruba, Clifford Votruba, Julius Votruba and Willard Votruba.
Memorial services will be held Friday, October 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel. Mr. Greg Carter will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Alliance Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Alliance Eagles Club Auxiliary or Regional West Hospice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.