Nita Cunningham Spencer, 90, of Chadron, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Nita was born on April 17, 1936, to Juanita and David Cunningham in Washington, D.C. She met her husband, Keith Spencer, on a blind date, and love quickly followed. They were married on June 23, 1956, in Denver, Colorado. In 1961, they moved to Chadron, where they raised four children together. Nita worked alongside Keith in his business ventures, helping run Modern Business Machines, assisting in the CPA office, and serving as Vice President of One Leasing Company, Inc.
Nita was active in the community and cherished many long‑lasting friendships. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the Chadron Culture Club, the Flower Mission, a quilting group, a birthday coffee group, and a regular coffee group.
A woman of many talents, Nita enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies. Her very first quilt placed Runner‑Up in Nebraska’s Bi‑Centennial Quilting Contest. Nita also did woodworking, stained glass, multi medium art and oil and water color painting.
Nita will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, compassion, and love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Keith; her children: Theresa and husband John, and granddaughter Katie; Michael and wife Nofa; Andy and wife Liz, and grandchildren Whitney and Case; and Vivian and husband Vic, and grandson Ashton; three great‑grandchildren; her loving sister Bernadette Ortiz; nephew Patrick and wife Kady, and nephews Robert and wife Eleanor, and Stephen and wife Grace Cunningham.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita and David Cunningham, and her brother, David Cunningham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chadron Public Library Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Memorial Services will be held on August 18th, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chadron, NE. A Rosary will be held on August 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chadron, NE.