LaNeta (Kerner) Locke, aged 67, passed away January 22, 2026.
LaNeta (Kerner) Locke, aged 67, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026 in Branson, Missouri. Born on September 8, 1958, in Concordia, Kansas to parents LeRoy and Margaret (Jorgenson) Kerner. LaNeta spent her early years on a farm just north of Jamestown, Kansas. There she developed her lifelong love for animals and all of nature and the simple things of life. She attended Jamestown Schools until the family moved to Concordia, Kansas where she graduated from Concordia High School in 1976.
After high school, she attended Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Administration of Justice. Her career path led her to Junction City, Kansas where she began her career as a probation officer, and she met the love of her life, Ron Locke. They were united in marriage on May 11, 1985 in Concordia, Kansas. Her career later led the couple to Hutchinson, Kansas where she continued serving as a probation officer for the rest of her twenty five year career. In November of 2013, Ron and LaNeta moved to Hollister, Missouri to enjoy the beautiful Ozark Mountains and all things Branson. LaNeta will be remembered for her unique sense of humor and her cooking skills which she shared proudly with all of her friends and neighbors. LaNeta's love for Boston Terriers, Bonnie, Gracie and MiniMe was unbreakable.
Their love and companionship brought endless happiness into her home. LaNeta was preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Margaret Kerner and loving husband Ron Locke. LaNeta leaves behind a brother Bruce and his wife Carol Kerner of Hutchinson, Kansas. Nieces Angela Kerner of Kansas City, Missouri, Kimberly and husband Travis Berges and great-niece Brynlee Berges of Junction City, Kansas. Cremation has taken place and LaNeta will be interred at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri beside her loving husband Ron.
A private family celebration of life service will be held at a later time in Hutchinson, Kansas under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory of Branson, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be given to a local pet rescue of your choice.
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