Della Mae Courter, 92, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Lexington.

Della Mae was born the fifth child of Walter and Samantha (Thompson) Courter on August 8, 1923. She graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1940. She took normal training in high school, and upon graduation, taught school at the Cracker Box Bacon and District #6 rural school for eight years. She furthered her education at Kearney State Teacher’s College.

In September of 2013, she attended the dedication of her name being placed on the Wall of Honor in the Educational Building at the University of Nebraska-Kearney for being a One Room School House Teacher.

Upon retiring from teaching, Della and her father moved into Lexington and built the Green Valley Motel which they operated from 1955 to 1987.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for many years and was a member of the Elizabeth Circle.

Della Mae moved to Eastlawn Apartments, and was a green thumb worker at the Lexington Library. In 2014, Della Mae moved to Park Avenue Estates.

Della Mae was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Lyle and Loren Courter; and two sisters, Beulah and Edna Reed.

Left to mourn her passing are her nephews and nieces, including Bob and Nola Reed of Lexington, and Thomas Reed of Lexington, other relatives and many friends.

Della Mae’s wishes were for her body to be cremated and a graveside service to be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the First United Methodist Church or the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com