Anita H. Drinnin, 88, of Columbus, Nebraska, died peacefully at home with her husband of 65 years by her side on Monday, August 2, 2021.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 6 at 10:30 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Brandon Foster officiating. Interment will be in the Columbus Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home and continue on Friday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Friday at 10:15 AM at the church. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or the donor's choice. The funeral will be broadcast live on Gass Haney Facebook page.

Anita was born near Loretto, Nebraska on August 24, 1932 to parents Leo & Helen (Roucka) Strehle. She grew up in the Leigh, Nebraska area and graduated from Leigh High School. Anita was united in marriage to Sam Drinnin Jr. on November 12, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran church in Columbus. She joined Sam in Agana, Guam where he was serving in the US Navy Seabees. After returning home to Nebraska, they returned to the farm where they started their farming/feedlot operation and raised their three children. They remained on the farm after retirement.

Anita was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since her marriage. She served her church and community by being a Sunday School teacher as well as volunteering in the church office. She shared her sewing & baking talents and love for flowers by serving as a 4-H Leader for many years. Anita earned top honors in the Adult Division of the Make it With Wool contest with her sewing skills. She served as a past President of the Nebraska Feeders Auxiliary where she volunteered her time promoting the Beef industry for many years. Anita was a long time member of the Night Owls Extension Club. She enjoyed quilting and completed quilts for all of her family members. The Columbus community was provided an opportunity to see her gardening skills when she showcased her flowers and yard at The Parade of Gardens. Her biggest joy was spending time with her family; children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sam and Anita enjoyed camping vacations with their children and traveled extensively in their retirement years. Anita was a faithful, joyful, kind, and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Anita is survived by:
Husband: Sam Drinnin of Columbus, NE
Daughter: Judy (Rick) Rickert of Thornton, CO
Daughter: Diane (Trent) Wurdeman of Riverton, WY
Son: Mike (Beth) Drinnin of Clarks, NE
Seven Grandchildren
Fifteen Great-grandchildren
One Great-Great-Grandchild

Anita was preceded in death by:
Parents: Leo & Helen Strehle
Brother: Don Strehle
Infant daughter: Carolyn Ann Drinnin
Parent in-laws: Samuel P. and Irene Drinnin, Sr.

Service Folder Information
I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I've found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembering joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with time of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I've savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now; He set me free.



In Loving Memory Of

Anita Drinnin

Born
Wednesday, August 24, 1932
Loretto, Nebraska

Entered Into Rest
Monday, August 2, 2021
Columbus, Nebraska

Service
Friday, August 6, 2021 10:30 AM
Trinity Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiant
Rev. Brandon Foster

Music
Ann Cattau – Organist & Soloist
"Borning Cry"
"Scars In Heaven"
Congregational Hymn
"How Great Thou Art"

Pallbearers
Matthew Rickert
Samuel Drinnin
Jennifer Rickert
Jarad Drinnin
William Wurdeman
Kendra Drinnin
Lee Wurdeman

Interment
Columbus Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska