LeMay Parduhn Britain passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at her home in Oelrichs. She was 78 years old.
LeMay Parduhn DeLapp was born February 16, 1935 in Mitchell, the third child of Kenneth Dewey and Mamie Emily (Parduhn) DeLapp, Sr. She received her schooling in Mitchell public schools where she was active in both the high school and municipal bands, playing flute and piccolo, and was drum major for the Mitchell High School Marching Band.
She attended Dakota Wesleyan University and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration in 1957. After graduating, she was employed as receptionist and bookkeeper in the offices of Drs. Gillis and Brogdon in Mitchell until her marriage to Maynard Britain on March 8, 1959.
They began their married life near Oelrichs, living with Clarence Britain, Maynard’s father, where they were engaged in farming and ranching.
In the fall of 1959 LeMay began teaching in Oelrichs High School for an annual salary of $3,400, one of three teachers on the high school staff, which included the superintendent, too.
Her first year of teaching included teaching five different subjects, being advisor of the yearbook and the monthly school newspaper and directing the school play. This was an experience never to be forgotten as it was a year of frustration, excitement and added learning. Without the knowledge and experience of some of the older students with the newspaper and yearbook, she felt she would have “never made it.”
Her first period of “retirement” began in the spring of 1961 and ended in the fall of 1968 after having her two children—Vann and Kari—when she returned to teaching until her second retirement in 1990.
As she was growing up, LeMay set goals for her life. There were four things she had determined she would never do or be. She had grown up in a mid-sized city accustomed to numerous activities going on. Although she loved visiting her relatives’ farm in the Frederick area, she vowed she would never marry a farmer or live in a small community. Wrong!
Next, she realized the frustrations teachers often encountered, along with the long hours of preparation, grading and extra responsibilities they had, so she decided she would never be a teacher, although she had a teaching degree, but instead would be a good secretary. Wrong again!
Finally, while she was working in the doctor’s office, she sympathized with the very pregnant women who would come in during the summer suffering from the heat because of their “condition.” She swore she would never be pregnant during the hot summer months. Vann and Kari were both born in August. Did she regret any of her four “nevers” that happened? No, not one of them—she wouldn’t have any of them any other way.
LeMay was an active member of her community and church, coordinating the church prayer chain program for many years. She especially relished the fellowship provided through the church, United Methodist Women, the Bunco and Pitch groups. She was an original member of the Chadron State College Community Symphonic Band and played flute and piccolo with the band for nearly 20 years, which she dearly enjoyed.
Over the years, she and Maynard have taken in hundreds of Oelrichs, Chadron and Hot Springs sporting and arts activities. After moving to Oelrichs, she soon learned that small communities actually do offer a great deal by way of activities. The added bonus of a small community is that one has a greater opportunity to really get to know and love the people who make up the community.
She is survived by her husband, Maynard ‘Brit’ Britain of Oelrichs, her daughters Vann (Martin) Miller of Oelrichs and Kari (Mark) Jastorff of Cedar Falls, Iowa, her grandchildren Sommar (Jon) Nelson of Phoenix, Ariz., Tiffany Jastorff Gillies of Hot Springs, Matt Miller of Chadron, Neb., and Kayla (Will) Miller Burns of Hot Springs, four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family is thankful to all those lifting up their thoughts and prayers, as well as those able to attend the November 18, 2013, tribute to wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend at the Prairie View Methodist Church near Smithwick. Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Oelrichs.
Memorials may be directed to benefit the Prairie View Methodist Church Education Program.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to presiding Pastor Paul Smith assisted by Pastor Morris Nelson; McColley’s Chapel of the Hills; the Prairie View United Methodist Church; the Prairie View United Methodist Women hospitality committee; Lois Putnam; Cindy Trent; Prairie View Chancel Choir; Devon Trent; and all others who have provided their steadfast support.