Lolita Woodmansee

Lolita “Lita” Woodmansee

June 18, 1943 – November 16, 2023

Ms. Lolita Woodmansee, born June 18, 1943 in the Philippines, daughter of Merceliano Nino and Esberta Lomboy, passed away peacefully at Bronson Battle Creek on November 16, 2023 surrounded by family. Lita married Martin (Willie) Burbank and divorced, then married Norm Woodmansee and divorced; she later married Dewey Vaden and was widowed. Lita attended McKinley High School in Oahu, Hawaii. Lita worked in catering and the restaurant business. 

Lita was born in the Philippines then moved to Oahu, Hawaii. She and her siblings remained in Oahu until all turned of age. She enjoyed going to the beach with friends and family. As a young adult, she moved to “the States,” worked, and started a family. She spent most of her life in Battle Creek working in the restaurant business.

She enjoyed attending church, being with her family, close friends and pets, with her favorite being her dog, Ozzy. She enjoyed authentic Filipino food and cooking. Her favorite place to go was Springfield Tavern to spend time with her close friends. 

Surviving is Lita’s daughter, Billie Jo Burbank; grandchildren, Nicholas Jacobsen, Keanu (TiAirra) Wheeler, Keara Wheeler, Keagan Love, Kahlea LeBlanc; sister, Esther (Dennis) Caluya; brother, Keith Nino; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Dewey Vaden; parents, Esberta Lomboy and Merceliano Nino; sister, Jodie Floyd; grandson, Corey Jacobsen.

A service will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Bedford Cemetery, 114 Wells Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49017. A Celebration of Life will follow at 365 Outreach Building (RWOC), 365 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49014. Memorial contributions for the family may be directed to Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.