Eva O’Dean Coleman, 89

Eva O’Dean Coleman, age 89, formerly of Ainsworth, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021, at Memorial Community Care in Aurora, NE.

Eva O’Dean, the daughter of Ike and Gladys (Lane) Barnes, was born on December 12, 1931.

O’Dean attended rural school District #35 east of Bassett, NE and graduated from Rock County High School in Bassett in May 1950. She taught grades 1-8 at the “Buell” school in Rose, NE followed by the Thompson School south of Newport.

O’Dean was married to Robert Coleman on June 13, 1954 in Bassett. To this union were added two daughters, Roberta and Carol. Her many jobs included secretary to the Elementary and High School Principals, seamstress (alterations and creations), church secretary in Valentine and Ainsworth, and certified lay speaker. Her interests included United Methodist Women, 4-H, Job’s Daughters, Order of Eastern Star, Epworth Village, Walk to Emmaus Leader, gardening, puzzles, quilting, square dancing, and being a ‘Grandma’ to two grandchildren and five great-grands.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charles and Lloyd Barnes; a sister, Neva Murphy; and her husband, Bob.

Those left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Roberta Coleman of Alameda, CA and Carol (Gary) Lewien of Aurora; granddaughter, Michelle (Jeremy Borgman) Lewien of Seward; grandson, Aaron (Laura) Lewien of Kearney, NE; five great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Isabelle and Isaac VanBeek; Gavin and Ryan Lewien; two sisters, Erva (Bart) Peirsol of Farnam and Susan Blattner of Bassett; and many relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, July 13th at the Bassett Memorial Cemetery. Rev. David Feddern officiated. Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date. Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com.