Zetta Luetta Oakley, (Annie), age 93, passed away Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at her daughter Rexene’s house in Omaha, Nebraska. She had a great weekend of watching the Cornhuskers win and was surrounded by many family members.
She was born on August 4th, 1931 to parents Ivan Clair Haining and Blanche Bowers at Cheyenne County, Kansas. She attended school at Benkelman, Nebraska.
Zetta married Charles Rex Wonderly on Feb 4, 1948 and they were blessed with 3 children: Sally, Jerry and Rexene. Rex was in the Army and stationed in Germany. In 1955, Zetta and children came back to the United States following their divorce.
Zetta then remarried in August 5, 1956 to Clifford E. Oakley at Trenton, Nebraska. They were blessed with two daughters: Rita and Terri.
Zetta worked as a nurse in Stratton, Nebraska 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 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 camp grounds and facilities at least 11 years. Zetta also worked at Evangelical Free Church organizing many church dinners and events.
Zetta was a member of the “Red Hats Society”, the Eagles Club and a local Doll Club for over 25 years. Her passion was collecting porcelain dolls, teapots and other numerous treasures. She loved spending time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Cliff, her parents and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
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, Terri Propes of Litchfield Park, AZ; brother-in-law, Wayne (Jeanie) Oakley of Englewood, CO. 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 Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Evangelical Free Church in McCook, Nebraska at 10:30 am. A lunch will be served following the celebration. Internment will be in the Benkelman, Nebraska cemetery at 1:00 pm mountain daylight time. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.