Former state Sen. Ardyce Bohlke, of Hastings, has died from complications of brain cancer. She was 69.

Bohlke’s daughter-in-law, Stacey Bohlke, tells the Associated Press that the former stateswoman died Thursday at Mary Lanning Health Care in Hastings.

Bohlke, a Democrat, was appointed by then-Gov. Ben Nelson in 1991 to fill a vacancy in the Legislature. She was elected in 1992 and 1996, and served until 2001.

During her time with the Legislature, Bohlke served seven years on the Education Committee, including as chairwoman for six years. She helped pass legislation that increased the state’s share of funds for K-12 schools from about 40 percent to more than 50 percent.

A funeral service is set for Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings.