In Memory of Lona Ristine

About Lona:

November 22, 1932 – April 21, 2026​

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Lona Elaine Abelbeck Nelson Ristine was born on November 22, 1932, to Amel and Zetta Leece Abelbeck at Superior, NE. she grew up on a farm northeast of Hardy, NE. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Lona attended rural schools in the Hardy area and graduated from Hardy High School in 1950. She taught in rural school near Hardy for two years, and then attended Fairbury Junior college. Later she taught in Dalton, Nebraska and then received her bachelor’s degree from Kearney State College in 1956.

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She married Donald J Nelson on June 22, 1957, at Hardy, NE and then moved to Detroit, MI where she taught elementary school and received her master’s degree from Wayne State College University in 1967. She and her family lived in Michigan and later in Venezuela, South America, where she taught elementary school. They returned to Nebraska in 1969 where she continued to teach until her retirement in 1992. She and Don retired to their lakeside home in North Platte, NE until Don died May 1, 1993.

 

On December 26, 1994, she married Burton M Ristine of Gothenburg, NE. They made their home where she was a member of the American Lutheran Church. Burton died on October 9, 2009.

 

Ms. Ristine was active in the church, in community activities, Retired Teachers, Open Door Club, and she belonged to several bridge clubs. She enjoyed traveling and travelled to many parts of the world. She was, also, an avid reader. Lona loved her family, teaching, and being with her children. She was a CASA volunteer and a mentor in several elementary schools.

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Survivors include two daughters, Pamala (Michael) Derreberry of Locust Grove, VA and Lori (Pete) Stamile of Bella Vista, AR, a son David (Pamela) Nelson of Liberty, MO. Seven grandchildren: Brian Beach (retired military) of South Dakota, Brent (Rachel) Beach of Culpepper, VA, Brandon (Lauren) Beach of Cumberland, RI, Taylor Maxwell of Astoria, NY, Nathan Maxwell of Lowell, AR, Mitchell Maxwell of Rogers, AR and Evan Nelson of Kansas City, MO. Five great-grandchildren: Brooke (Lawrence) Du Sablon, and Bryce, Blake, Brielle, and Ryker Beach and one great-great-grand child (Matteo). Bonus son: Ross (Kressy) Ristine of Gothenburg, NE, and bonus daughter Ann (Bruce) Hausmann of Elizabeth, CO. Six bonus-grandchildren: Cameron (Kellie) Ristine of Lincoln, NE, Torey (Matt) Franzen of North Platte, NE, Blake (Madison) Ristine of Gothenburg, Norman Derreberry of Virginia Beach, VA, Rhys (Madi) Hausmann of Denver, CO and Reagan Hausmann of Denver, CO. Six bonus great-grandchildren: Ava and Cash Franzen, Brady, Piper, Hank, and Calvin Ristine.

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She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband’s Don Nelson in 1993 and Burton Ristine in 2009, her brother and sister in-law Dwight & Phyllis Abelbeck of Lincoln, NE and one bonus son Jim Ristine of Gothenburg.

Give a Memorial Gift

No memorial designations have been made at this time. 

 

If you'd like to make a donation to Hosanna! Lutheran Church in Liberty, MO, you may give online or mail a check designated to the memorial fund to Hosanna! Lutheran Church, 2800 N. Church Rd., Liberty, MO  64068.​