Verna "Louise" Cristiano

Verna "Louise" Cristiano, 76 years of age, of Orleans, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2008 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, Nebraska.

Louise was born April 9, 1932 at Center, Colorado, the eldest of two children of Elisha McKinley and Verna Mae (Smith) Place. Following her education, Louise was united in marriage to Joseph Frank Cristiano in Colorado Springs, Colorado in May of 1948. To this union three children were born: Thomas, David and Ginger. The family made their home in Colorado prior to moving to Orleans in 1980. Louise's complete focus was caring for her children and living the life of a homemaker. She loved to tend to her garden and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her cats.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband of sixty years, Joseph of Orleans; one son, David Cristiano and his wife, Christi of Aztec, New Mexico; one daughter, Ginger Tuttle and her husband, Douglas of Grand Junction, Colorado; one grandson, Shane Tuttle of Aurora, Colorado; one granddaughter, Michelle Nyce and her husband, Tim of Aztec, New Mexico and other relatives and friends.

Louise was preceded in death by her son, Thomas in 1970; her parents; one brother, William Place and half-sister, Sybil Clemens.

Private family services will be held in Colorado.

There will be no visitation, the family is honoring Louise's wish for cremation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell Funeral Home in Orleans is in charge of the arrangements.