Lorraine Hannah December 14, 1929 – June 10, 2025

By Jason Frederick | June 19, 2025 |

Betty Lorraine Hannah was born at home December 14, 1929 in Wauneta, to Cecil and Mabel (Hallet) Maddux. Lorraine attended the country school southwest of the family farm, she graduated from Wauneta High School where she went on to earn a teaching degree from McCook College. On December 21, 1950, Lorraine married Richard L. Hannah at the parsonage of Methodist Church in Stratton. The couple made their home 10 miles south of Stratton where they engaged in farming wheat, milo and corn and raised cattle and pigs. Lorraine taught third grade at Stratton Elementary School and was Dick’s right hand on the family farm. She helped farm the land, take care of the livestock, fix fences and whatever else needed to be done. Both Lorraine and Dick were involved in teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and MYF youth group. She was a member of the Community United Methodist Church and Farm Bureau. Lorraine was a gentle soul whose presence brought warmth and joy to everyone who knew her. With a deep love for nature, she found quiet delight in bird watching and tending her garden. Her creativity shone through her tole painting, each brushstroke a testament to the beauty she saw in the world. She found peaceful satisfaction in completing jigsaw puzzles—patiently fitting each piece together, much like she did with the people in her life. More than anything, her greatest joy came from the time spent with her family. Whether she was laughing with her children and grandchildren, cuddling great-grandchildren, or marveling at the wonder of great-great-grandchildren, her love was steadfast, tender, and boundless. She was a God-fearing woman whose faith guided every step she took. Her life was a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love—kind, compassionate, and unwavering. She was a light in this world, offering encouragement, wisdom, and grace to all who crossed her path. Her legacy is not only in the things she created or the hobbies she loved, but in the lives she touched so deeply and the love she gave so freely. She was truly a beautiful example of Godly living and unconditional love, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She dedicated her life to her husband and family, showing great love and was an inspiration to all who knew her. She cared for her husband, Dick at home during a long and debilitating illness. Lorraine is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Hannah; grandson, Heath Todd; mother, Mabel Maddux; father, Cecil Maddux; brother, Joe Maddux and sister, Clara Hamilton. Lorraine is survived by her children: daughters, Diana L. Latta and her husband, Jerry and Janet Sue Smith and her husband, Danny; grandchildren: Clint Latta and wife, Jody, Shari Rooney and husband, Chad, Joni Ernst and husband, Ryan, Heather Gavitt and husband, Dave, Heidi Lowry and husband, Kirk, Tommie Marie Cassen and Erik Cassen and wife, Shawna; great-grandchildren: Trae Latta and wife, Shaila, Ariel Vandike and husband, Kyle, Chloe Schrader and husband, Talan, Hayden Rooney, Claire Rooney, Jylz Ernst and wife, Kaly, Grey Ernst and Milan Ernst, Emory and Alyssa Dye, Mitchell Lowry and wife, Kim, Shannon Oyewole, Sierra Percival and husband, Rob, Tyler Hueftle, Jonathan Markland and his wife, Alyssa, Hannah Reinhart and husband, Chris, Jayden Kreegar and husband, Jordan, Taytem and Ellianna Hueftle and Glenn Cassen; great-great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Arianna Latta, Bentley and Bodey Vandike, Haven Dye, Camden Oyewole, Cohen, Lilianna, Alexis, Wyatt and Makayla Lowry, Avery, Denton and Baker Percival, Zeppelin Markland, Greyson, Huntley and Leightyn Reinhart, Aria, Hattie and Baby Kreegan, due December 2025, as well as her beloved pets and constant companions, Koda and Izzy. Cremation was chosen and services were scheduled for 10:30 AM on Thursday morning, June 19, 2025 at the Stratton Community United Methodist Church in Stratton. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery of Stratton followed services. Memorials are suggested to the family of Lorraine Hannah for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.