Alita M. (Koch) Burdick

Alita Mae Burdick, age 93, of Johnstown, NE, passed away peacefully into the kingdom of Heaven surrounded by the love of her family on April 8, 2026.

Alita was born in Ainsworth, NE on October 20, 1932. She was adopted and raised by Jacob and Christina Koch and her uncle, Carl Koch. She grew up on a ranch in southwest Johnstown where she attended Johnstown grade school until her family moved west of Ainsworth. She graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1951. She was raised with strong family values, a deep appreciation for rural life, and a work ethic that would define her years ahead.

In November 1950, she met the love of her life Ben R. Burdick at a dance in Johnstown and on October 29, 1951, they were united in marriage. Together, they built a life rooted in the Nebraska Sandhills working side by side ranching and raising their family. They were married for almost 70 years until Ben passed in September of 2021.

Alita was a devoted wife, mother, and partner. Ranch life required resilience, strength, and endless dedication—qualities she embodied daily. She planted and harvested gardens, canned her harvest every year, grew beautiful flowers, milked cows daily, had chickens, sold cream and eggs in town, worked alongside and supported Ben’s work as a lifelong cowboy, and created a home for family and friends that was loving and warm. Alita always enjoyed animals. Life was certainly hard but if you asked Alita it was without a doubt, worthwhile. In 1973 they purchased their place in Johnstown where she remained until after Ben passed.

Alita was an amazing cook. Her cooking traditions have been loved and enjoyed by so many. If you stopped at Alita’s, she always had something to eat and if she didn’t she insisted she could whip up something real quick and she always did. She loved the grocery stores and the weekly deals she was able to find there. She patronized both in Ainsworth weekly.

Alita was a member of Johnstown Home Band Club and DOES in Ainsworth. Alita and Ben were faithful members of the United Methodist Church in Johnstown. Her Christian faith was an important part of her life, guiding her values, strengthening her through life’s challenges, hardships and sorrows. Ben and Alita sure loved to dance and enjoyed playing cards, hosting many card parties over the years in their home with friends.

Together, Alita and Ben raised four children: Terry, Rox Ann, Cindy, and Benny. Family was the center of Alita’s world, and she took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and the generations that followed. Her home in Johnstown became a gathering place over the years filled with love, stories, and enduring traditions for many years.

Alita lived through remarkable times—from the post-Depression era into the modern age—and yet she remained grounded in the values of faith, hard work, and her family. She witnessed and contributed to decades of ranching life, helping preserve such a way.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; her beloved husband, Ben; and her daughter, Cindy. Alita is lovingly remembered by her children; her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and all who knew her as a steady and devoted presence in their lives.

Her life was a testament to a bold character, a contagious laugh, quiet strength, and enduring love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. We celebrate the life she lived and rejoice she and Ben are reunited, dancing together once again.

Funeral Service was held on Monday, April 13, 2026 in the Ainsworth United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael W. Eurit officiating at the event. Music was provided by Mr. & Mrs. Mike Baxter singing “Far Side Banks Of Jordan” and “In The Garden.” The obituary was read by Loralea Frank. A Tribute was given by Byron Burdick. Casketbearers were: Rick Goochey, Mark Frank, Trevor Burdick, Mason Frank, Andy Hershberger and Hagin Frank. Honorary Casketbearers were: All of Alita’s Other Family & Friends. Memorials were suggested to the family in Alita’s name for a future designation. Interment was in the Ainsworth Cemetery under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.