Louis Leroy Lani passed away October 19, 2016, near Ely, Nevada. Louie was born in Ely, Nevada on January 13, 1957, to Lawrence “Doll” and Margaret Yelland Lani. He joined an older brother, and two older sisters. 
Near age two the family relocated to Oakland, California. His father died in November 1963 and the next summer he and his Mom moved back to North Spring Valley, residing on the Yelland Ranch with his Grandmother, Marion Yelland, and his Uncle Bill Yelland who was Louie’s father figure. Louie attended the Taft School.
He later returned to California to live until adulthood; when he went to Arizona to live near his sisters and worked in construction for his brother-in-law, Wayne Ulrich; and later at Carefree Inn performing golf course maintenance. He returned to the Ely area in 1990 and remained there until his death. He worked on various ranches, mostly in North Spring Valley, as a ranch hand and was caregiver to his Mother the last several years before she passed away in 2014. Louis never married.
His passion was the solitude of being outdoors in the mountains and valleys, hunting Native American artifacts. His partner and constant companion was his 16-year-old dog, Pups, who was ferociously protective of Louie and “their” truck.
Survivors include: sister, Nancy (Wayne) Ulrich, Ash Fork, Arizona; sister, Karen (Jim) Cazier and brother, James (Carol) Lani both of Ely. Nephews living in Ely: Keith, Christopher and Bradley Lani; Shawn Lani of San Francisco, California and Richard Lani of Pendleton, Oregon. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, great nieces and nephews survive Louis, as well as special friends the Andrae Family in North Spring Valley.
He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Eugene Degler, and both Lani and Yelland Grandparents and many aunts, uncles & cousins. Cremation is being handled by Mountain Vista Chapel in Ely.
His cremains will be spread with his Mother’s in Spring Valley at a later date. We will all miss Louie and his quiet and demure demeanor, as he drifted between family and friends.
Family requests donations to the Dick Yelland Scholarship Fund at the First National Bank of Ely, in Louis’ memory.
Louis was by best friend growing up in Spring Valley I would spend the weekends at his Family ranch and we would go fishing and riding his motorcycle. When I left Spring Valley and Ely I never got the chance to come back and visit him anymore. I know that He loved ranching and hunting. He was a hard worker and devoted his time to his family. God bless you Louis and you will never be forgotten.
Daniel Garcia
As a younger kid, I remember him as a wild guy. Colorful.
Thank you so much Danny. Louis always had great stories about the fun you had when you were together at the ranch. We will miss him so much, I wish you could have got to visit again. I’m thankful you have such good memories, he did too. God Bless you too. Louie’s sister, Karen
Karen,
Sorry for your loss, and my prayers go out to you and your Family. May God bless you all.
Danny