Lela Peck

Hastings resident, Lela E. Peck, 99, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2011 at Mary Lanning Memorial HealthCare, Hastings, Nebraska.

Services will be Tuesday, March 22, 2011; 11:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, Hastings with Rev. Alan Davis officiating. Burial will be Wednesday, March 23, 2011; 1:00 P.M. in Silver Creek Cemetery, Falls City, Nebraska. Visitation will be Sunday, March 20, 2011; 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M., Monday, March 21, 2011; 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the Good Samaritan Village - Children's Ark or First United Methodist Church - Second Century Project.

Lela was born to Josephine and Elmo McCann on October 8, 1911 at their farm home 3 ½ miles northeast of Falls City, Nebraska. She was christened in the Presbyterian Church in Falls City. At the age of 5, her parents bought a farm near Shubert, Nebraska. Lela attended a rural elementary school and graduated from Shubert High School at the age of 16. She rode a horse to school every day. She then attended Peru State Normal School receiving a teaching degree. She taught at Boatman Rural School in Nemaha County for three years, teaching Kindergarten through 8th grade. She also taught in Richardson County for two years. In 1935, she married Dr. Eugene W. Peck, Sr. and moved to Auburn, Nebraska where her husband set up his veterinarian practice. He preceded her in death on March 10, 1984. Lela was a long time active member of the Auburn community. She was an active member of the Methodist Church for over 50 years and enjoyed calling on members. She taught Sunday school and bible studies from 1935 through 1988 to a variety of ages. She belonged to United Methodist Women and gave many programs. She was an active member of Kiwanis, Auburn and Nemaha County Women's Association, Salvation Army, Library Association, Christian Women's Association, Nemaha County Museum Board, YWCA, and the Senior Fellowship Group. In the organization of Camp Fire, she was an active leader for a group of girls from Blue Birds through high school. She organized the first blood mobile for Nemaha County and organized small pox vaccinations for children in the Auburn area. She also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Rest Home in Auburn. In 1988, she decided to move to Hastings to be closer to her family. She resided at Good Samaritan Village, starting first in the housing area and moving to different levels of assisted living as she needed it. She quickly made friends and enjoyed participating in many activities. She became an active parish caller for the First United Methodist Church where she belonged to United Methodist Woman and Group Two. Lela was honored with a Special Mission Recognition Award. She enjoyed the fellowship with the Golden Kiwanis Group at GSV. Over her lifetime, one of her greatest joys in life was sharing her artistic talents with others.

Lela was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dr. Eugene W. Peck, Sr.; and two sisters.

Survivors include:
Children & Spouses: Dr. Eugene W. Peck, Jr. & Barbara Peck - Hastings, NE
Dorothy L. & Kenneth Carnes - Lincoln, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Kristine & David Coblentz
Dr. Kim Peck & Shane Balderston
Jeffrey & Bridget Peck
Matt Carnes & fianceé Amanda
Jay & Robyn Carnes
Great-Grandchildren: 12