Waneta Wayne-Zehnder

Waneta "Nita" Mae (Johnson) Wayne-Zehnder, 94, was called home to her Heavenly Father on November 7, 2025. She was born on September 25, 1931, in Akron, OH.

Nita attended East High School in Akron before moving to Campbellsville, KY, for her senior year, graduating from Taylor County High School. There she met the love of her life, George Wayne Jr. She was a cheerleader, and "Wayne," was a point guard on the basketball team. They graduated in 1949 and married on October 13, 1951, sharing 53 wonderful years together until his passing in 2004. Nita found joy again when she fell in love with Cal Zehnder. They were married on December 27, 2009, and shared eight happy years before Cal's death.

A devoted University of Kentucky sports fan, Nita loved discussing games with her sons. She rarely missed their sporting events and later cheered proudly for her grandchildren. Nita was a long-time substitute teacher in Jefferson County. She line-danced every Tuesday until age 93 and had a lifelong love of music and dancing. A gifted pianist since childhood, she played for church services and sang in the choir. Strong in her faith, she was a dedicated member of Summit Heights since 1968.

Though she hoped to be called Grandma Nita, her first grandchild lovingly said "Nee Nee," a name embraced by the entire family. "Nee Nee" adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who eventually called her "Nee Nee the Great." She touched everyone she met and will never be forgotten.

Nita was preceded in death by husbands George Wayne Jr. and Cal Zehnder; parents Emery Johnson and Josie Bell Johnson; stepmother Sara Johnson; brother Jesse Weatherford; sisters W. Lee Pickle and Elaine Johnson; and granddaughter Ashley Marie Wayne.

She is survived by her sons David (Amy), John Gregory (Donna), and Scott (Kim); grandchildren Spencer (Lisa), Wesley (Meredith), Katherine (Maurice), Laura (Dylan), Andrew (Linnzi), and Jessie (Travis); and ten great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, November 14, from Noon–7 p.m., at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY. The funeral service will be Saturday, November 15, at Noon. Private burial.

To honor Nita's vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear Kentucky Wildcats gear or anything blue. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Kentucky Hemophilia Foundation.