LaNita Faye Maurer

LaNita Faye Turpin was born on July 22, 1938, to Clifford and Leona (Jones) Turpin. She was welcomed home by her brother Richard (Dick) and a few years later her sister, Jan completed the family. LaNita spent her childhood years in Bassett, Nebraska, and attended Rock County High School, graduating in 1956.

During her high school years, she was very active and talented. She participated in chorus, girls’ quartet, mixed chorus, triple trio, band, cheerleading, and volleyball. She was elected Homecoming Queen her senior year and was a member of the honor society and served as a class officer. Following high school, she obtained her elementary teaching certificate and taught in two small one-room schoolhouses in Rock County.

LaNita married the love of her life, Bob Maurer, on November 15, 1958. They began their life journey living on the family ranch south of Bassett. It was there that they started their family and were blessed with four children - Lisa, Tressa, Todd and Jaci. They ranched, raised their children, and lived there until 1971 when they moved to Montana. LaNita devoted her early years to raising their children (which proved to be challenging) and later began a long and successful career in insurance, working for the Mandeville Agency in Columbus, Montana for more than 25 years.

LaNita had a deep love for music and for people. She taught piano lessons to many young students, played the organ for church and was an active member of Sweet Adelines. She directed the Billings Chapter for many years and sang in several quartets as well. She also enjoyed acting and participated in numerous community theater productions in both Nebraska and Montana.

Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished every visit with them, whether it lasted five minutes or an entire afternoon.

Due to declining health, LaNita entered Beartooth Manor on January 9, 2025, where she spent the final year and one day of her life. During her time there, she touched on the lives of many residents and staff members.

LaNita completed her earthly journey on Saturday afternoon, January 10, 2026, surrounded by her family. She is reunited in heaven with her parents, Clifford and Leona Turpin; her brother – Dick Turpin; sister and brother-in-law– Jan and Corby O’Hare; mother- and father-in-Law – Alice and Ray Sybrant; her brother- and sister in-law Jake and Marcella Maurer; and her nieces, Jeanie Maurer Shankland and Tricia Turpin Hermann.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bob; daughters Lisa (Ben) Fischer of Bassett, Nebraska, Tressa Lemmon of Columbus, Montana, Jaci Maurer of Brewster, New York; and son Todd Maurer of Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson. Additional survivors include her sister in-law Reenie Turpin of Lincoln, Nebraska; brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Cheryl Maurer of Henderson, Nevada; special friends Jim and Grace Lukkes; caregiver Laura Fritz, along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.