Saturday, August 26, 2017
Service ~ 10:30 a.m.
Rosary ~ 10:00 a.m.
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Interment at St. John Cemetery ~ Weston, Nebraska
Friday, August 25, 2017 ~ 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Svoboda Funeral Home ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Saunders County Historical Society or St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wahoo, NE
Wahoo, NE – Arvella A. Woita, 82, of Wahoo, NE died Wednesday August 23, 2017 at the South Haven Care Center, Wahoo, NE due to complications from a heart attack.
Arvella was born at the farm west of Touhy, Nebraska on August 17, 1935 to Adolph and Anna (Fidler) Ohnoutka. She graduated from Valparaiso High School and the University of Nebraska with a degree in Elementary Education. She has been a resident of Wahoo since June, 1957.
Arvella was a school teacher for 37 years teaching at Districts 49, 113, 48, 62, 23 (28 years) and St. Johns in Weston. She also substituted at St. Wenceslaus Elementary and Wahoo Public. Her one room school, District 23, was featured in USA today and on local Television.
She married Robert Lee Woita on June 5, 1957 at Touhy. She is survived by her daughters Jenay (Bob) Morrill of Overland Park, KS, and Shelly (Steve) Couch of Fort Worth, Texas and grandchildren Madison and James Morrill and Elizabeth and Sam Couch; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, and her parents Adolph and Anna, sister Rose Strizek and brother Vlad Ohnoutka.
Arvella was a devoted, loving wife and mother, aunt, teacher, and friend. She was outgoing and friendly to all; never meeting a stranger.
She was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wahoo, Catholic Daughters, Weston Legion Auxiliary and Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Sorority.
Kurt Ohnoutka will be Lector. Pallbearers will be Arvella’s great-nephews: Cory Masek, Brian Masek, Mark Strizek, Darren Strizek, Keith Strizek, Shawn Strizek and Scott Ohnoutka.
“Mrs. Woita” as i knew her changed my life when i first met her at district #23. I just moved from lincoln where my class was around 250 students, and needless to say i was following the wrong crowd. When i moved to Wahoo, i entered the 5th grade mid year. Thats when i was introduced to “country school”. During my first day i was introduce to “duck,duck,goose”. I told Mrs. Woita that i was to grown up for that kind of game. Thats when we had “the talk”. She informed me that EVERYONE participates in ALL activities, and i knew better than to challenge her. From that day on she she was my favorite teacher of all. To this day sometimes when time slows down i think of her and my time at district 23 and smile. Thank you “Mrs.Woita” for being in my life. You’ll never be forgotten.
Janae / Shelly – your mother was a kind, sweet and loving person as I am sure all her former student will attest. We should all have made such a difference in the world. Peace!
My deepest condolences goes out to the family of Arvella Woita. I knew her as my teacher from being at District 23 for a couple of years. Such a wonderful lady. You are in my prayers
Jenay & Shelly–We were so sorry to hear of your mom’s sudden health issues and passing. What a wonderful lady, you will miss her so, but also have such great memories. Jenay, I remember a few years ago when we traveled to KC with Jean & Gordon and your mom. We had such a great time, you were such wonderful hosts and your mom was a great travel companion! I will always remember her lovely voice and gracious smile!
Sincere sympathy–Jim & Marj (Keane) Komenda
Arvella was the kindest person I know. We worked together on the Catholic Daughters education contest for several years. May your fond memories of her endure forever.
Our deepest condolences to the families of Mrs.Woita. She was a sweet person and always had a smile for you. All of our children had her for a teacher at District # 23.Alot of good memories,with the Christmas programs and all of the outings we went on. May you all find and peace and comfort. You all are in our prayers.
I had a crush on Arvella (Mrs. Woita) when I started at District 23 halfway through my kindergarten year. I gave her a key holder with a large pink (plastic) jewel. My crush lasts through today. She was an amazing teacher and a wonderful person. Like David, she changed the lives of six of my siblings and myself. It’s difficult to explain to anyone today what it was like to go to a one room schoolhouse with one, and eventually a second teacher. Some of my fondest memories are from the time we spent with her. I just took my sons by the school again which is now a private residence. Jenay/Shelly, I wanted to let you know that although your mom passed away over two years ago, I still think of her. Wishing you all the best. Charlie Noonan