Lorideen M. Larabee, 86

Lorideen (Deanie) May (Bejot) Larabee was born to Jesse Francis and Leah Ida (Primmer) Bejot on April 3, 1938 in Ainsworth, NE. She died May 20, 2024 in Ames, IA, 86 years old.

She grew up in Ainsworth, NE and attended Ainsworth Public Schools, graduating in 1956. On December 25, 1956, she married Norman (Norm) S. Larabee in Ainsworth. They had three sons, Randolph (Randy), Michael (Mike) and Phillip (Phil). They were married 63 years.

Lorideen spent the first six years of her marriage in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Kansas with Norm. Upon Norm’s release from the Army, they returned to Nebraska. They owned and operated a Coast-to-Coast Store and later a True Value Store together for 41 years in Neligh, NE. Lorideen’s greatest joys were Norm, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and her family and friends. She enjoyed every moment she had with them.

She was active in the Neligh community and belonged to Neligh Mrs. Jaycees, American Legion Auxiliary, the Neligh Library Board and Foundation and the Antelope Memorial Hospital as a volunteer. She was a faithful member of the Neligh United Methodist Church and held many positions, including the United Methodist Women’s group for many years. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and a 4-H leader. She enjoyed her coffee ladies and card playing groups. Lorideen enjoyed her embroidering making several quilt tops and many other items through the years.

Lorideen is survived by her children, Randy (Beth) Larabee of Ames, IA, Mike (Lynne) Larabee of Eau Claire, WI, and Phil (Laura) Larabee of Monticello, IA; grandchildren, Maggie (Zach) Draper of Boone, IA, Laura (Matt) Bradner of Ames, IA, Jacob Larabee of Sussex, WI, Alberto Larabee of Eau Claire, WI, Eva (Matt) Larabee-Federspiel of Monticello, IA, Rachel Larabee of Monticello, IA; and great-grandchild, Amelia Leah Draper.

Lorideen was preceded in death by her husband, Norm; her parents, Jesse and Leah Bejot; brothers, Francis Bejot, Dennis Bejot, Victor Bejot, Lewis Bejot; and sister, Mary Lou Van Doozer; and her sisters-in-law, Melba Bejot and Janet Bejot.

A celebration of life will be held this summer. The family requests memorials go to Neligh Public Library, Antelope Memorial Hospital, and the American Legion Auxiliary.