Zetta Luetta Oakley

Zetta Luetta Oakley

Aug. 4, 1931 - Sept. 3, 2024

Omaha, Neb. - Zetta Luetta Oakley (Annie), age 93, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at her daughter Rexene’s house in Omaha, Nebraska. She had a great weekend watching the Cornhuskers win and was surrounded by many family members.

She was born on Aug. 4, 1931, to parents Ivan Clair Haining and Blanche Bowers in Cheyenne County, Kansas. She attended school at Benkelman, Neb.

Zetta married Charles Rex Wonderly on Feb. 4, 1948, and they were blessed with three children: Sally, Jerry, and Rexene. Rex was in the Army and stationed in Germany. In 1955, Zetta and the children came back to the United States following their divorce.

Zetta remarried on Aug. 5, 1956, to Clifford E. Oakley in Trenton, Neb. They were blessed with two daughters, Rita and Terri.

Zetta worked as a nurse in Stratton, Neb., before moving to Red Willow Lake, 13 miles north of McCook, where Cliff worked for Nebraska Game & Parks. She worked for the McCook Police Department as a meter maid for several years. She was head of housekeeping at the McCook Hospital. She also was a fantastic cook at the Pow Wow Club, cooking delicious steaks for over 13 years. She was a housekeeper for private homes, too. She worked at Nebraska Game & Parks, maintaining the campgrounds and facilities for at least 11 years. Zetta also worked at Evangelical Free Church, organizing many church dinners and events.

For over 25 years, Zetta was a member of the Red Hats Society, the Eagles Club, and a local Doll Club. Her passion was collecting porcelain dolls, teapots, and other treasures. She also loved spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cliff, her parents, and several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws.

Survivors include children Sally (Ed) Vontz of North Platte, Jerry (Robin) Wonderly of McCook, Rexene (Dennis) Johnson of Omaha, Rita (Lawrence) Herron of Central City, and Terri Propes of Litchfield Park, Ariz; brother-in-law Wayne (Jeanie) Oakley of Englewood, Colo; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; cousins; and a host of family and friends.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in memory of Zetta Oakley.

A celebration of life for Zetta (Annie) will be on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Evangelical Free Church in McCook, Neb. A lunch will be served following the celebration. Internment will be in the Benkelman, Neb. cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Mountain daylight time. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.