Roxanne “Rocky” Marie Kananiwaialeale Nitta, age 57, of York, Nebraska, stepped into heaven on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Roxanne was born on March 17, 1968, at Camp Kue Army Hospital in Okinawa, Japan, to Roland Tsuneo and Marvillee Naniwaialeale (Kaiwa) Nitta. She attended St. Theresa School in Kekaha, Kauai and entered the boarding program at Kamehameha School Kapalama Heights in Honolulu, Oahu, where she graduated in 1986. Roxanne remained close with her classmates throughout her life, cherishing those lifelong
friendships. She attended Marymount Palos Verdes College in Palos Verdes, California before pursuing her passion for travel and adventure in the Travel Industry.
In 1992, she married Leeon Stecher, and together they welcomed their daughter, Erika Leeanne Lilinoe Stecher, on March 11, 1992, who was the heart of her soul and light of her life.
She had a deep desire to experience the world, from staying at the Ice Hotel in Sweden to opening travel offices in Japan & Mexico. She grew up loving all sports and was a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Huskies. She enjoyed learning to cook Korean food and was an enthusiastic BTS fan, proudly embracing her love of music. She treasured her multi-cultural heritage (Hawaiian-Japanese-Chinese-Portuguese-Irish), and will be remembered for her warm heart, adventurous spirit, and deep love for family and friends.
Roxanne served as an office supervisor at the York DHHS office from January 2022 until October 2025, where she was known for her dedication and kindness.
She is survived by her former spouse Leeon Stecher of Quartz Hill, CA, daughter Erika Stecher of York, NE, father Roland Nitta of Houston, TX, brothers: Francis (Rosalie) Nitta of Kauai, HI, Marvin (Patti) Nitta of Gig Harbor, WA, Mark (Kathy) Nitta of Grand Terrace, CA, sisters: Raleen (Zee) Rivera of York, Rhona (Jim) Joyner of South Carolina, Rena (Asa) Williams of Little Rock, AR, Kathy Nitta of Houston, TX, Karen (Alan) Acevedo of Colorado Springs, CO, her hanai sisters Davida Poliala Ayers of Wailuku, Maui, Davernay Nanea Wassurman of Kahului, Maui, Yolie (Jerry) Uhrich of South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother Nani, eldest brother Jeffery, and nephew Zacharia Rivera.
It was Roxanne’s wish to be cremated and laid to rest in the Hawaiian Cemetary family plot in Kekaha, Kauai. There will be no viewing, however visitation and signing of her book will be on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 1-8 p.m., with family greeting friends from 4-7 p.m. at Metz Mortuary in York. Memorials may be directed to her estate, c/o Rena Williams, 35 Mannie Road, Little Rock, AR 72016.