Josephine Lamb

Josephine Allen Kellenbarger Lamb Josephine Kellenbarger Lamb passed away September 5, 2015 at JMMMC in Broken Bow, Nebraska. She was born Josephine Allen Kellenbarger, April 28, 1928 to Ray and Esther (Warner) Kellenbarger in the large farmhouse in Dale Valley between Anselmo and Merna Nebraska. Jo was very proud of the family farm that was homesteaded in 1883. She was the youngest of three redheaded sisters and spent her youth on the farm, attending the one room Dale Valley School through eighth grade. Jo graduated from Merna High School as Valedictorian in 1945, barely 17 years old. Following her mother’s footsteps she attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, studying Home Economics. She had an illustrious career at the University. She was a member of Omicron Nu, and Phi Upsilon Omicron, two honor societies well respected in human sciences. The most prestigious college honor was being named to the Mortar Board Honor Society. She remained close to the women friends she made in college. As a senior at the University she went on a blind date in January of 1949 with Howard Lamb of Bassett, Nebraska. After graduation in May of 1949 Jo and Howard were married on Oct. 9, 1949 in the Kellenbarger farm home. For the next six years they resided in Omaha, Phoenix, and Chicago. Their sons, Philip and David, were born during this time. In 1955 Howard and Jo moved back to the Kellenbarger family farm in Dale Valley. In 1956 they moved into the current home where Jo was born and married. For the next sixty years Jo worked on the farm and in the home, raised her children, joined many organizations, made countless friends, and supported her husband in all his endeavors. She was a member of the Merna EUB and now Merna United Methodist Church, a Sunday School teacher, a member of various church boards, and a staunch supporter and leader of the Ladies United Methodist Women’s group. She was a driving force in the Dale Valley Extension Club, later known as Dale Neighbors Club. Jo was President of the Custer County Home Extension Council, served on the local Historical Society, and enjoyed reminiscing about Nebraska history. She was an avid reader, particularly pioneer stories. Most recently she was a member of the Lunch Bunch, a group of close friends that meet every Monday in Broken Bow. Jo did not journal but she faithfully wrote a letter every Sunday summarizing her activities and the farm’s events during the preceding week. They went to relatives near and far. The letters will be missed. Jo spent sixteen years of her life supporting Howard in the Legislature in Lincoln. She campaigned door to door and helped write speeches. While in Lincoln she was a member of The Legislative Ladies, Unicameral Club, and Bible studies. She also continued her education by taking classes at the University, community colleges, and the YMCA. Jo has traveled the world and has seen Australia, the Mediterranean, Saudi Arabia, the Panama Canal, and all of the US, but she loved Dale Valley. She will be missed by every life she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Esther Kellenbarger, her sisters, Shirley Kellenbarger and Ruth Kellenbarger, and one brother in law, Niels Johnson. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Howard Lamb, son Philip (Cindy) Lamb of Yakima WA, son David (Donalee) Lamb of Anselmo NE, grandsons Chris (Jen) Lamb of Bellingham WA, Colin (Tristen) Lamb of Ellensburg WA, Jason Lamb and Rodney Lamb of Anselmo NE, granddaughter Elizabeth Lamb of Yakima, WA, great granddaughter Jane Lamb of Ellensburg WA, sister in law Ruth Johnson of Lebanon MO, nieces Carol (Stanley) Bowman of Lebanon MO, and Linda Johnson of Los Angeles CA. Services will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015, 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Merna, Nebraska with Pastor Bill Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Merna Cemetery at Merna, Nebraska. Visitation will be held on Wednesday 8 AM to 8 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary with family greeting friend 5 PM to 7 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Merna United Methodist Church or the Anselmo Merna Scholarship Fund. Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow in charge of arrangements.