Lola Marie Cummings

Lola Marie (Melton) Besta Cummings Lola Cummings, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025. She was born in New Haven IL to Julian (Jack) Melton and Pauline (Poole) Melton as one of 5 children. She was preceded in death by first husband, James Besta and second husband, Glenn Cummings, her parents and three brothers, Charles Melton, Clyde (Rusty) Melton and Bobby Melton. She is survived by her sister Anna Lou Fulkerson, two sisters-in-law, Kay Besta and Sandy Melton and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her 5 children; Cindy (Terry) Bull, Deb (Tim) Spaeth, Jim (Cesar Gonzalez), Terry (Phyllis) Besta and Paula (Maggie Day) Besta, 6 grandchildren, Nate (Trish) Egbarts, Tyler (Meagan) Nath, Amanda (Zach) Self, Alec Spaeth, Gwyn Besta, and Landon Jacobsen, and 5 great grandchildren; Logan Egbarts, Cade Egbarts, Bodhi Nath, Aurora Nath, and Hadley Self. Lola grew up and graduated from High School in southern Illinois. She enlisted in the Air Force for a short time in 1957 hoping to travel and was stationed at Chanute AFB , IL. After being honorably discharged, she joined her parents and brother in Omaha NE in 1959. She met the love of her life, Jim Besta, on a train trip from St. Louis to Omaha. They played “crazy eights” in the club car and started dating when back in Omaha. Jim and Lola were married in 1960 and had five children. They lived in Omaha for a few years and moved to Valley NE in 1969 where they happily raised their family. She enjoyed life in the small town with Jim and their children. Sadly, Jim passed away in 1991. She moved to Fremont after Jim’s passing until she met her second husband, Glenn Cummings, on a blind date. They were married in 2002 and lived in Omaha until his passing in 2006. She moved back to small town life in Valley a few years later. Lola enjoyed working at a variety of businesses throughout her life. She was employed at AAA Travel, City of Valley, Valmont Industries, and 3M. She found many long-lasting friendships through her different jobs. She loved the Huskers, especially during their 70s and 90s championships! She enjoyed watching her children play sports. You could always hear her cheering from the stands. Lola had a passion for gardening, crafts, and thrifting. She also enjoyed traveling and visiting her children that had moved out of state as well as dropping some coin at casinos along the way. Lola had a great personality! She was a little feisty and always loved a good joke even if sometimes a little inappropriate! We will miss her laugh and sense of humor. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials suggested to the family for later designation.

Lola Marie Cummings

August 13, 1939 - July 23, 2025