Mildred M. Lanning, 98, of Seneca, KS, died early Sunday morning March 6, 2005 at the Life Care Center in Seneca.

She was born October 15, 1906, in Seneca, the daughter of Henry L. and Sarah Jane Stevens Carpenter. Mildred grew up in Seneca and graduated from the Seneca Public High School in 1925. Following graduation she was employed by Charles Story, the county clerk, at the Nemaha County Clerk’s office. While working there she met her future husband, Nemaha County Attorney Harry Lanning. She also played the piano at the Seneca Theater for silent movies with her brother, Herb Carpenter, along with Charles Jermane on the bass.

She married Harry Lanning on June 19, 1929. They lived in Seneca, and she worked in her husband’s law office. During the 1950s she was employed in the Nemaha County Register of Deeds office by Mildred Firstenberger. Her husband, Harry, preceded her in death on August 23, 1981. She continued to live in her home until her health required nursing care. She first entered the Apostolic Home at Sabetha and later entered Life Care Center in Seneca.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Eastern Star for over 75 years, the G.F.W.C. Seneca Woman’s Club, and the P.E.O., all in Seneca. She was active in Seneca community activities and liked playing bridge. Mildred came from a musical family and enjoyed music and playing the piano all her life.

Survivors are two sons, Judd A. Lanning of Norman, OK, and Albert B. “Bruce” Lanning of Topeka; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Roy, Floyd, Dewey, Herbert, an infant, and Fray Carpenter; and a sister, Betsy Carpenter.

Funeral service will be 1:30 PM Wednesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Burial will be in the Seneca City Cemetery. Family will meet with friends from 7 to 8 PM Tuesday at Lauer Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given for the United Methodist Church or Life Care Center, both in Seneca, and sent in care of the family.