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Obituary

Elizabeth “Betty” J. Whitcomb

August 17, 1931 - August 5, 2021

Elizabeth “Betty” J. Whitcomb

Elizabeth “Betty” J. Whitcomb, was born to Ralph and Hazel (McPherson) Connell in Lincoln, NE and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949. She then attended the National Business Institute and was a member of Nu Phi Mu business girl’s sorority and Beta Sigma Phi. In her younger years she was active in the Community Women’s Club and P.E.O. She was an active long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the Country Club of Lincoln. She married Thomas T. Whitcomb in 1953 and together they owned and operated 3 retail drug stores. They opened Van Dorn Pharmacy in 1962 and from the beginning she was an integral part of the business. She loved greeting people and helping any way she could. In her back office she prepared deposits, paid invoices, prepared payroll and statements but also remembering to bring Tom lunch or dinner on those long workdays. She enjoyed doing radio commercials for the store and liked to refer to herself as “the voice of Van Dorn Pharmacy” but she was much more than that to her family. She was adventurous and bubbly and always had a positive attitude with a smile on her face. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter and always telling us how much she was praying for all of us.

She was preceded in death by her son Scott Whitcomb, daughter Marcie Whitcomb-Fuentealba and survived by her husband Thomas T. Whitcomb, daughter Nancy (Whitcomb) Sundberg and son-in-law Craig Sundberg, grandchildren Aaron Sundberg (Amber), Brett Sundberg (Jenny), Elizabeth Sundberg (Ross), Nicholas Fuentealba and great grandchildren, Colin, Teddy, and Emma Sundberg.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 17th at 3:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel located at 3950 Hohensee Drive (40th &Yankee Hill Rd).  Livestream available ten minutes prior to service at roperandsons.com/livestream.

Memorials can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 7130 Kentwell Ln, Lincoln, NE 68516.

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Share a Memory or Condolence

August 30, 2021

I knew Mrs. Whitcomb’s kids and shopped in her store. I remember her as a very nice lady. She had a sweet smile and treated us with kindness. Deepest condolences to her family, especially my schoolmate, Nancy.

– Christine (Kuhn) Cary
August 17, 2021

Betty used to count offering in the church office and that is when I first met her. She was always kind and willing to help, always had a smile on her face

– Jill Ricketts
August 17, 2021

Thank you for a live broadcast of the Celebration of Life for Betty. The service was really wonderful. The pictures at the end are a wonderful tribute to Betty’s love of life and family.

– Barbara Bartmann
August 16, 2021

Whenever there was a family reunion, I found myself gravitating to Betty. She made you feel welcomed and comfortable. I will miss sharing stories and laughter. Our thoughts are with her entire family.

– John Whitcomb
August 15, 2021

Tom, Nancy and family, So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. I will always remember her for that amazing smile that she shared so freely. Her laugh was great. Marcie was her carbon copy. I will think of them together with Scott in heaven.

– Pam Zilly
August 13, 2021

Dear Tom, Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Betty was a delightful person. Your entire family was a great asset to Woodshire…as was your wonderful Van Dorn Pharmacy. Your family was one of the reasons Woodshire was such a great place to live! I regret that I will be unable to attend the Celebration of Life because I leave early tomorrow morning on a trip. Please know that my thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Dorothy Anderson

– Dorothy C. Anderson
August 13, 2021

I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the Celebration of Life in person. Betty was my 1st cousin and a wonderful person. She was dearly loved.

– Barbara McPherson Bartmann
August 12, 2021

Betty will be missed. I loved this lady. She was a close family friend.

– Doug Olney

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