Vyvyonna Lanna Samaniego, age 83, of Celina, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her home.

She was born on March 3, 1943, in Celina to the late Theodore and Lucille (Schunck) Gilliland. On July 2, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan, she married Roger B. Samaniego, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.

Lanna is survived by her loving husband, Roger; their children, Theodore "Ted" J. (Annette) Samaniego, Rockford, R. Tim Samaniego, Cridersville, Tracie (Ramon Loera) Samaniego, Celina, Anitra Barnes, Cleveland, Tennessee, Denise Amador, New Bremen, and Claire Samaniego, Xenia; 14 grandchildren, Rachel, Nick, Ashley, Alicia, Christina, Roger, Kirsten, Caleb, Alexis, Evin, Asher, Zoey, Matt, and Kevin; 29 great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law, Kenny Wynk, Coldwater.

In addition to raising their own family, Lanna and Roger opened their home and hearts to 15 foster children over the years, a true testament to Lanna's caring and compassionate nature.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Sherry Mireles and Margo Wynk.

Lanna was a 1961 graduate of Celina High School and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Dayton. She devoted many years of her professional life to serving as Executive Director of the North American Indian Cultural Center, where her work and advocacy reached communities throughout the state of Ohio.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Celina, the Celina Eagles, and the Celina Moose. Lanna was also inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame in recognition of her dedicated advocacy on behalf of Native American and Indigenous people.

Above all, Lanna treasured her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took great pride in her Native American heritage and enjoyed beadwork, Native American arts and crafts, collecting Native American baskets and turtles, and writing poetry. She also had a special love for animals and generously supported numerous animal-related causes throughout her life.

Lanna will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and devotion to her family and heritage. She was passionate about helping others and dedicated much of her life to causes that were close to her heart. Through her family, her advocacy, and the many lives she touched, Lanna leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and service. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina, with Pastor Steve Merold officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD 57325.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys are honored to care for Lanna and her family.   

To share condolences, memories, or expressions of sympathy, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.