Saturday, August 25, 2018 ~ 10:00 a.m.
First Christian Church ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Interment at Ashland Cemetery ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Friday, August 24, 2018 ~ 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Marcy Chapel ~ Ashland, Nebraska
First Christian Church ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Merna (Newsham) Lehr was born in Ashland, NE on July 8, 1927 and passed away on August 22, 2018 at the age of 91. Born to Noble and Gladys Newsham, Merna attended the public schools in Ashland and two years at the University of Nebraska. She married Don Lehr after he returned from WWII service. She taught elementary school for a year before she and Don moved to Papillion, NE and started raising their surviving five children: Sherry Swanson (Gary), Steve Lehr (Donna), Stu Lehr (Jim Elliott), Sheila Kuhn and Scott Lehr (Dawn). When her oldest, child, headed to college and her youngest, started kindergarten, Merna began her job as school secretary. She worked at that job until Don got a job in Wood River and later Alliance, NE. During those years Merna was active in the Methodist Church where she often played the piano. She continued playing piano for the Christian Church when she and Don retired to their childhood home, Ashland, NE. Her sister, Ruth Parks, also lives in Ashland. Merna enjoyed knitting and baking cookies for her grandkids and 10 great-grandkids. Merna survived her husband Don, who passed away in 2014, and is rejoined with him in heaven.
RIP dear Merna, you will be remembered always!
Sending thoughts and prayers and sincere condolences to you and your family
I can never explain how much Mrs. Lehr meant to me. She was like a second mom to me and I have so many deep heartfelt memories. I am so thankful I was able to spend time with her in June and last year also, I will add those visits to my other wonderful memories. My love and deep sympathy to all her family, and to Sheila, thank you for sharing you mama with me.
Our condolences to the family. We are actually shirttail relatives. Of course we knew the family growing up in Papillion. Don found out we were related and shared info with us. My mom was good friends with Merna and remember them well..
Our sympathy,
Dave and Sue ( Ehlers ) Keefer
Merna was a cousin to me. I am from the Flanniagn family. Matilda Flannigan was my great grandmother.My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Lifting your family in prayers of comfort. I so appreciated your mom n dads support and encouragement when i served Ashland.
Sending deepest sympathy to Merna’s family. I have fond memories of Merna. She shared bright laughter and didn’t miss school activities with her busy and growing family. She will be missed.