LaVeda F. Connelly, age 91, of Sutherland, went peacefully to be with her Savior on March 15, 2013 at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala. She was born on July 9, 1921 to Henry and Ivie M. (Brown) Sytsma in a sod house nine miles south of Brady. She attended elementary school at District #74, later graduating from Brady High School with the class of 1940. LaVeda taught country schools in the Brady area for several years.
On June 18, 1945, she married Harold Ray Connelly in Aberdeen, WA where Ray served in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge from the Navy, the couple made their home in North Platte where they were blessed with three daughters. In 1966, the family moved to Sutherland where Ray worked for the Union Pacific Railroad. She was a charter member of the Hope Baptist Church in Sutherland.
LaVeda loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and read God's Ward every day. She also enjoyed flowers, birds, and reading poetry. One of her favorite pastimes was sharing stories of her childhood.
Survivors include three daughters, Marleen (David) Kendall of Lingle, WY, Carol Rademacher of Falls City, NE, and LaRae (Richard) Garretson of Ogallala, NE; a sister, Mabel (Irvin) Stanard of Lincoln, NE; a sister-in-law, Carolyn (Milton) Sytsma of McCook; ten grandchildren; and twenty-one great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sisters, Minnie and Bertha, a brother, Milton, and a granddaughter, Ellie Mae. Memorials may be given to the Hope Baptist Church in Sutherland. Online condolences can be made at adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday March 19, 2013 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Rev. Dale Fischer officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE. Visitation will be Monday from 9 am until 9pm. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.