Donita L. Elrod

Donita Lou was born November 19, 1946, in Tecumseh, Nebraska to Anna Clara (nee Warnholz Nordmeyer) and Laurith Hansen, the final addition to the family of seven siblings. She was baptized on December 8, 1946, and confirmed on March 26, 1961. She spent most of her earliest years living on the family farm in Burchard, later in Beatrice and Lincoln.

Donita was deeply devoted to her family, friends, and education. On February 23, 1963, she married Myron ‘Mike’ Lee Elrod of Loup City. Mike and Donita raised daughters Angela and Shannon in Beatrice and Lincoln. She obtained her GED while waiting tables and raising a toddler, studying well enough to test out of several subjects. Learning remained a core passion throughout her life. She served with the Lincoln Police Department for 37 years, working her way up from meter maid to 9-1-1 Dispatch Shift Supervisor, retiring in 2007.

Over the years Donita nurtured numerous friendships and interests. She was a skilled roller skater, proud sister of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and devoted family archivist and Stephen Minister with her church. She was a bookworm and crossword master; bowling, diamond art, and elephant enthusiast; fanatical Husker Volleyball fan; and avid mah jongg player and teacher. Her dependability in sending greeting cards was unmatched. She infused each pursuit with zeal and warmth. Her qualities and bright personality will be remembered fondly.

Donita is preceded to heaven by her mother and Papa; sisters, Dolores (and brother-in-law Gerald) Krueger and Dorothy (and brother-in-law John) Bruns; brother, Harold (and sister-in-law Goldie) Hansen; sisters-in-law, Anita Hansen and Micheline Hansen; and a lifetime of beloved cats and dogs.

She is survived by the great love of her life, Mike; daughters, Angela Hartley and Shannon (John) Shepard; grandchildren, Rachel (Derrick) McMullen, Kyle (Alyssa) Hartley, and Blaze Shepard; brothers, Howard and Dean Hansen; sister, Donna (Russ) Hobbs; several nieces and nephews; countless dear friends; and her legacy of deep courage, faith, and love.

Memorial service will be held at United Lutheran Church (5945 Fremont Street, Lincoln) at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. A livestream of the service will be available via United Lutheran’s website (https://unitedlutheranlincoln.com YouTube link at the bottom righthand corner of home page).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to any organization of the donor’s choosing.