Jennie L. Tichota, of Blair, NE, passed away peacefully at her home October 11, 2024. Born on January 27, 1933, in Craig, NE, she was the daughter of Marion (Mac) and Jennie Burnette (Lester) McMullin. Growing up in Craig, Jennie completed her education at Craig High School.
In 1946, Jennie met Bob Tichota, her one true love, and the couple wed on June 10, 1951. They settled in Blair in 1956 and were blessed with four daughters, enjoying a beautiful 76-year love story that continued until Bob's passing in February 2022. Their daughters cherish the tales of their parents' early romance and the lengths they went to be together.
Jennie's career was dedicated to Great Plains Communications, where she served diligently as a data entry specialist. Well-regarded for her meticulous nature and strong work ethic, she retired in February 1998 after years of dedicated service.
Beyond her professional life, Jennie was a devoted partner to her husband, actively supporting him during his time with the Blair Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department and the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter Association. She served for over 20 years with the Blair Firefighters Auxiliary, embodying the spirit of community service.
Together, Jennie and Bob shared a love for camping, serving as campground hosts for Nebraska Game & Parks, with their longest tenure being over 25 years at Fremont State Lakes, particularly in the Cottonwood Cove campground.
A woman of diverse talents and interests, Jennie had a passion for sewing, crafting exquisite dresses for her daughters that showcased her creativity. She was an avid reader, losing herself in numerous books, and enjoyed researching family histories, preserving, and sharing the legacies of her ancestors with her loved ones.
Jennie leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and commitment to her family and community. She will be profoundly missed by her children, grandchildren and friends, who will forever remember her warmth and the joy she brought into their lives.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Tichota; her parents, Marion (Mac) and Jennie Burnette (Lester) McMullin; her in-laws Raymond and Mildred Tichota; daughters Jennie Lynn and Deborah Kay; sister Peggy Memmott; sisters-in-law Connie Denny and Shirley McVicker; and nephew Monte Lund.
Jennie is survived by daughters Marian (Ernie) Porter and Brenda (Patrick) Jenny; son-in-law Randy Nelson; sister Joan (David Howell) Zessin; brother Jack (Marilyn) McMullin; brother-in-law Jack (MaryLou) McVicker; grandchildren Kellie (Jeremy) Pleska, Megan (Tony) Storm, Alyson (Bruce) Meyer, Katarina Nelson, Natalie (Brian Rishel) Nelson, Ashton (Leah) Stewart, Jeffery (Megan) Stewart, Blake (Carina) Jenny, Brooke Jenny; as well as her nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.
Jennie will always hold a special place in our hearts, remembered as a loving soul whose spirit lives on in all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 19, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. A luncheon will be held at the Blair South Fire Station, at 218 S. 16th Street in Blair following the service.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 18, at Campbell Aman Funeral Home in Blair, with family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
