CONNIE L. (KIPLING) BANTZ

Connie Lou (Kipling) Bantz was born December 13, 1939 in Auburn, Nebraska. She was one of three children of Alva and Nevada (Hayes) Kipling. Connie attended school in Auburn, and then went to beauty school in Lincoln, Nebraska. Although she had been married previously, Connie married Robert Bantz, the love of her life, in December of 1997. During her lifetime, she was blessed with three children: Tye, Kim, and Johnny. Connie and Bob made their home mostly in Auburn, but spent summer months in Bullhead City, Arizona. They enjoyed being in Nebraska for the fall harvest and to be near family during the holidays. In addition to the many years she spent as a beautician, Connie also worked at the Good Samaritan Center in Auburn. She had been a member of the Auburn Christian Church and the Auburn Eagles. Connie enjoyed shopping and going to craft shows, and liked to read mystery books in her spare time. She loved being with her family, and her dogs were very special to her as well. After Bob’s passing in 2009, Connie was able to remain in their home in Auburn for many years. She became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn in January of 2016. It was there she passed away, with family around her, on Thursday, October 26, 2017. She had reached the age of 77 years, 10 months, and 13 days. In addition to her husband Bob, Connie was preceded in death by her brother Fenton Kipling and sister June Shepherd. Connie is survived by her children Tye Bantz of Auburn; Kim and husband Jay Theye of Auburn; Johnny Curttright and significant other Susie Kreifels of Auburn; grandchildren Michaela and husband Carney Turner of Omaha; Chandra Cooney of Auburn; Carlee and Chloe Curttright of Auburn; great-grandchildren Jaysa and Brady; other relatives and friends. A funeral service was held Monday, October 30, 2017, at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Special music by Neil Diamond was played. Casket bearers were Tye Bantz, Johnny Curttright, and Jay Theye. Burial was in Bedford Cemetery at Howe. Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.