Roma Leora Menke

Roma was born April 11, 1922 on a farm 3 miles south of Alexandria, NE to Frank and Adele (Mills) Joe. She went peacefully to her heavenly home on December 28, 2014 at the age of 92 years.

Roma attended a country school west of Alexandria for 2 years, then moved to the Alexandria Public Schools, where she graduated from 12 ^th grade in 1939. Later in life she took art courses in drawing, painting, and calligraphy. She also became a certified Nurse’s Assistant.

Roma was baptized at an early age by immersion in the First Baptist Church in Alexandria, NE, where she was a member until transferring to the First United Methodist Church in Hebron, NE. Roma was an active member of the Methodist Church for 60 years. Her passions at this church included teaching Sunday School, Bible School, giving Children’s Sermons during the services, directing the Children’s Christmas Program and singing in the adult choir. She also wrote many poems for special occasions at the church and throughout the community.

Roma was married June 22, 1942 to Ralph Detmer Menke of Hebron, NE. Their married life began in Wichita, KS where Roma worked in a Laundry & Dry Cleaning Business. They lived in Lincoln, NE, for a short time then moved to Hebron, where they lived the rest of their lives. Born to this union was one son, Kenneth Duane and one daughter, Denise Annette. Her beloved husband, Ralph, passed away in 1978. Roma worked for 23 years at the Blue Valley Lutheran Nursing Home in Hebron, 10 years in the nursing dept. and 13 years as the Activities Director. Roma herself became a resident at BVLH in March 2014 where she enjoyed new friends and many activities.

Roma had many hobbies throughout her life. She enjoyed writing poetry and short stories, painting in oil and pastels, drawing in pencil and charcoal, singing, playing the piano, yodeling and playing her autoharp. She entertained many people at the Blue Valley Lutheran Home, Belvidere Craft Fairs, Deshler Broom Days, Hebron Chamber of Commerce Christmas Roving Musicians, and singing/playing for many local funerals. Additionally she shared the passion of so many Nebraskans for Husker Football.

Roma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; three brothers, Melvin Joe, Francis Joe (Sally), Harley Joe; two sisters, Norma Arnold (Earl), Neola Lee (Gerald); one half-sister, Ida Walker; and one sister-in-law, Willine Joe.

Surviving to grieve the loss of Roma are her son, Kenneth Menke and spouse, Linda, of Tallahassee, Florida; daughter, Denise Menke-Bowers and spouse, Karen, of Oregon City, Oregon; grandsons, Jason Menke of Ponte Vedra, Florida, and Travis Menke of Tallahassee, Florida; granddaughters, Alexis, Sarita, and Elicia Menke-Bowers of Oregon City, Oregon; sisters, Bonita Joe of Lincoln, NE and Audrey Joe of Aurora, Colorado; sister-in-law Glorine Joe of Alexandria, NE; brothers, William Joe and spouse, Jane, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Lloyd Joe and spouse, Marilyn, of Lincoln, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A visitation will be Monday, January 5 ^th , from Noon-7 PM with family receiving friends from 5:00-7:00 PM at Price Funeral Home.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM, on Tuesday, January 6, at the First United Methodist Church in Hebron with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Burial will be in the Hebron City Cemetery in Hebron, NE following the service.

Memorials may be directed to: Hebron United Methodist Church, Blue Valley Lutheran Home, or Hebron Volunteer Fire/Rescue Dept. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and in lieu of thank you’s, the money that would be spent will be directed to one of Roma’s memorials. Price Funeral Home of Hebron, NE was entrusted with these arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to Price Funeral Home or left at www.priceurbauerahrendts.com