Anita L. Webster

Anita Lorene (Vanderford) (Ahl) Webster, 90, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on October 6, 2026, surrounded by her family. Anita was born January 16, 1936, in a home in Auburn, Nebraska, to Joseph Austin and Laura Constance (McKinney) Vanderford. She grew up on a farm near Peru, Nebraska, with her brothers, Dale and Dean Vanderford. Anita attended school in Peru and earned her teaching certificate from Peru State College before later receiving her bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

While in college at Peru, Anita participated in a Methodist young-adult group. In an unusual twist of fate, it was there, on the same evening, that she met both of the men she would eventually marry. Anita married Ronald Dean Ahl on June 1, 1955. Together they raised their three children, Rhonda, Deborah and Jeffrey, in Springfield, Nebraska. In 1965, Ronald, Anita and Anita's brother, Dale, built the family's home in Springfield, a home that would remain an important part of Anita's life for decades to come. Ronald passed away on November 6, 1973, after more than 18 years of marriage.

Faith, family and church were important to Anita throughout her life. She and Ronald were founding members of the M&Ms group at Springfield United Methodist Church. Anita was an active member of United Methodist Women, serving as president and numerous other leadership positions over many years. Education, music, including playing piano, organ and being a choir director was important to her. She was also a long-time active member of P.E.O. Anita began her teaching career in 1958 and devoted much of her working life to education. She taught kindergarten, spent many years as a substitute teacher, and worked with children and adults in a wide variety of educational settings. Her career included Title I education, tutoring and teaching children with disabilities, working with homebound students, and teaching English as a second language to Laotian and Mexican adults. Her work reflected both her love of education and her willingness to devote extra time and individual attention to those who needed it most. In 1976, Anita married Donald Jack Webster, a United Methodist minister whom she had first met during her college days. Their marriage united two families, living in Curtis Nebraska from 1976 until 1981. They later lived in Lincoln and Pawnee City before returning to Springfield in 1989.

Anita and Don shared more than 28 years of marriage. After Don's death, Anita moved to Lincoln before moving to Fallbrook Assisted Living in 2025. Anita loved to travel and was especially proud to have visited all 50 states. Her travels also took her to Canada, Mexico, Israel, Egypt, Ireland, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece and Switzerland, as well as memorable destinations including the Holy Land, Gaza Strip, Suez Canal, Nile River, Rome and Barcelona. Anita was preceded in death by her husbands: Ronald Dean Ahl and Donald Jack Webster; and step-son: Wes Webster.

Over the years, she developed close relationships with others who came to think of her simply as Grandma, a role she embraced and treasured. She is survived by her children: Rhonda Chomos (Sandor), Deborah Denney, and Jeffrey Ahl (Jane); step-children: Marce Webster, and Donna Henry (Lee); grandchildren: Meghan Harbison, Julie Chomos, Christopher Hitt (Amanda), Jackie Lockett (Joe), Jason Ahl (Morgan), Wendy Webster, Courtney Webster, Ellen Lee, and Caitlin Henry; great-grandchildren: Jackson, Rose, Wyatt, William, Clara, Levi, and Wrenley; along with extended family, close friends.

Visitation 4:00-6:00 PM Monday (10/12/2026) at Roeder Mortuary Gretna Chapel; Service 10:30 AM Tuesday (10/13/2026) at Roeder Mortuary 11710 Standing Stone Dr. Gretna, NE; Luncheon at Springfield First United Methodist Church after service. Burial 2:30 PM Tuesday (10/13/2026) at Riverview Cemetery in Louisville, NE.

Memorial to Springfield First United Methodist Church.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. - Gretna Chapel - 11710 Standing Stone - Gretna, NE - 402-332-0090

www.RoederMortuary.com