Berniece Lanman, age 100, of Alma, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, leaving behind a century’s worth of stories, songs, and a legacy of love.
Berniece was born in Alma on March 1, 1925, the fifth of 10 children, born to Floyd and Clara Ellen (Schaefer) Stratton. She attended Alma Elementary School and graduated from Alma High School in 1942. She pursued higher education and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Nebraska, Kearney (formerly Kearney State Teachers College).
Berniece Stratton was united in marriage to Kenneth Joe Lanman on May 21, 1944, in the Methodist Church in Phillipsburg, Kansas, and to this union, three daughters were born: Connie Jean, who passed away in infancy, Donna Sue and Barbara Gail. The family made their home in Phillips County, Kansas, and Harlan County, Nebraska, before moving to Wilber in 1961, where they resided for 40 years. In 2001, they returned to their hometown of Alma, but spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona, until Kenneth’s passing in 2004.
Her 40-year teaching career began in a humble one-room schoolhouse on the Prairie Dog and continued with 35 years dedicated to the Crete Public Schools, where she retired in 1988.
A gifted musician, passionate about country and gospel music, Berniece played piano, acoustic guitar, electric steel guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and even attempted the banjo. She wasn’t just a listener but a performer, sharing her music across Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Arizona. Berniece was recognized by America’s Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018 for her contributions to the genre and American history. With this love of being on stage came a love of travel by camper, plane, and even by boat. She also enjoyed fishing, especially at Harlan County Lake, where she found pleasure in the adventure and time with family and friends.
She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and an active member of the Wilber United Methodist Church, participating in the choir and fundraising. After moving back to Alma, she sang with the Alma United Methodist Church and volunteered at the Caring Cupboard.
Berniece was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; and two daughters, Connie Lanman and Barbara Lanman.
Berniece is survived by one sister, Ruth Atherton; one daughter, Donna Anthony of Buckeye, Arizona; five grandchildren, Aniece Collins and her husband, Josh of Pawling, New York, Reece Sukovaty and his wife, Sarah of Roca, Amy Jo Anthony of Glendale, Arizona, Callee Anthony of Buckeye, and Sara Reynolds and her husband, John of Phoenix, Arizona; 12 great-grandchildren: Hayden, Sofia, Wyatt, Elise, Ensley, Caleb, Emma, Alma, Selman, Antonia, Levi, and Mason; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A graveside funeral service for Berniece was July 7 at the Alma Cemetery. In place of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the non-profit Nebraska Music Education Association in memory of Berniece Lanman to support music education and performance in Nebraska.
The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.
