Redonda May Latta

Redonda May Golding Latta was born March 12, 1929, near Stratton, Nebraska, to Clarence Emery and Lena (Welch) Golding. She passed away September 11, 2014, at the age of 85 at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Nebraska.

Growing up with her two older brothers on the family farm south of town, Redonda learned the arts of gardening, cooking, and caring for a family from her beloved parents while attending the neighborhood country school.

Redonda married Albert Latta, Jr., on February 12, 1950, in Stratton. Three sons—Jerry, Lynn, and Todd—were born to this union. They owned and operated Latta Repair for more than 50 years with their sons joining them in later years. Bert was the businessman and mechanic, but Redonda was always in the background helping with the books or keeping the shop tidy.

Although she was challenged with numerous health problems throughout her life, Redonda not only overcame those obstacles but encouraged other people facing similar issues. She served as the president of the local chapter of the Ostomy Association for many years, and she and Bert traveled to several national conferences for the organization.

The focus of Redonda’s life was her family. Her cooking, crafts, and conversation helped newcomers to the Latta clan feel warmly included throughout the years. Holidays built memories for a lifetime, and ordinary, everyday meals shared together brought the family even closer. Her boys, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren looked forward to birthday cookies from Grandma every year.

Redonda was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bert on January 23, 2007; and her brother Donalane Golding.

She is survived by her sons: Jerry and wife Diana Lynn of Stratton, Lynn and wife Sandra of Stratton, and Todd and wife Janet of Grand Island; grandchildren Clint Latta, Shari Rooney, Joni Ernst, Terry Latta, Natawnya Garner, Jeremy Latta, Merrill Latta, Meredith Thompson, and Michael Latta; 20 great-grandchildren; brother Burdette Golding and wife Zelpha of Stratton; sisters-in-law June Golding of Grand Island and Arda Latta of McCook; and numerous other relatives, especially her devoted niece Jane Marie.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2014, at Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Sheila Taylor officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.