Nellie Jane Moncrief, 93, of North Platte, passed away September 27, 2021 at North Platte Care Center.Nellie was born March 15, 1928, in North Platte, to Daniel and Nellie Schaeffer Thompson.Nellie will always be remembered for her passion for her cats and her love for crocheting.&nbsp;

Survivors include her daughter, Nellie (Peter) Marburger; along with many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; Nellie is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Nellie; 5 brothers and 4 sisters.&nbsp; Cremation was chosen.&nbsp;&nbsp; Book signing will be 9-5, Monday, October 4, 2021, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.

Nellie Jane Moncrief, 93, of North Platte, passed away September 27, 2021 at North Platte Care Center.Nellie was born March 15, 1928, in North Platte, to Daniel and Nellie Schaeffer Thompson.Nellie will always be remembered for her passion for her cats and her love for crocheting.&nbsp;Survivors include her daughter, Nellie (Peter) Marburger; along with many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; Nellie is preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Nellie; 5 brothers and 4 sisters.&nbsp; Cremation was chosen.&nbsp;&nbsp; Book signing will be 9-5, Monday, October 4, 2021, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.

Nellie J. Moncrief (1928-2021)

Evelyn Irene Daly, 92, of Broken Bow, passed away on September 27, 2021 at Brookestone&nbsp;View, Broken Bow, NE.&nbsp; Evelyn was born on July 6, 1929 in Wallace, NE to Frank and Eva (Whitaker) Correll. She&nbsp;attended grade school in rural Wallace and graduated high school from the University of&nbsp;Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis in 1947.&nbsp; The family moved to their ranch home in&nbsp;McPherson County south of Tryon in 1946.&nbsp; Evelyn married Gerald Pyzer on Jan 17, 1948 in North Platte.&nbsp; Gerald preceded her in death on&nbsp;March 19, 1950. On February 12, 1953 she married Emory Daly at her parents’ home.&nbsp; To this&nbsp;union 4 children were born; Patricia, Charles, David and Lori.&nbsp; Emory preceded her in death on&nbsp;November 27, 1975.&nbsp;&nbsp; Emory and Evelyn purchased a ranch on the Dismal River south of Thedford in 1961. Evelyn&nbsp;spent many years in the Thedford community where she attended her children’s school events&nbsp;including high school rodeos which she greatly enjoyed. She also worked at the local grocery&nbsp;store. Evelyn was very talented in sewing, crocheting and knitting and was often in the kitchen&nbsp;cooking and baking.&nbsp; She moved to North Platte in 1985 and spent many years working at the&nbsp;Walmart store.&nbsp; She loved seeing the people she knew come thru the store and many made it a&nbsp;point to go thru her checkout stand. In 2015, she officially retired and moved to Broken Bow.&nbsp; Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents and in-laws; husbands; daughter, Patricia; grandson,&nbsp;Derek Daly; brothers, Clarence, Ted and Rusty; brothers-in-law, Clinton (Jean) Daly, Swede Daly&nbsp;and Dick (Meredieth) Daly; sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Hermal) Priest and Wanda Daly.&nbsp; She is survived by her children, Charles (Melanie) Daly, David (Sharon) Daly, and Lori (Craig)&nbsp;Barta; grandchildren, Tyler (Rachel) Daly and children Camilla, Cooper and baby girl Daly (due in&nbsp;February), Colin (David) Daly, Riley Daly, Kari Daly, Benton Daly, Garrett (Amanda) Daly and&nbsp;daughter Palmer, Trevor (Derra) Daly, Jaecee (Cactus) Aanenson, and Wyatt Barta; brother Jim&nbsp;(Della) Correll; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Correll, Lois Correll, Rita Correll, Dee Daly and Vera (Bill)&nbsp;Jividen; brother-in-law, Byron Daly; as well as many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; Services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Adams &amp; Swanson chapel with&nbsp;Pastor Rick Johnson officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery near Tryon, NE.&nbsp; Visitation&nbsp;will be held noon – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021, with family present from 5:00&nbsp;to 7:00 p.m. at Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. The&nbsp;service will be livestreamed on the Adams &amp; Swanson Facebook page for those unable to&nbsp;attend.&nbsp; Memorials in memory of Evelyn can be made to the Callahan Cancer Center.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632931663059.jpeg" alt="Daly, Evelyn I. " />
 <figcaption>Daly, Evelyn I. </figcaption>
 </figure>Evelyn Irene Daly, 92, of Broken Bow, passed away on September 27, 2021 at Brookestone&nbsp;View, Broken Bow, NE.&nbsp; Evelyn was born on July 6, 1929 in Wallace, NE to Frank and Eva (Whitaker) Correll. She&nbsp;attended grade school in rural Wallace and graduated high school from the University of&nbsp;Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis in 1947.&nbsp; The family moved to their ranch home in&nbsp;McPherson County south of Tryon in 1946.&nbsp; Evelyn married Gerald Pyzer on Jan 17, 1948 in North Platte.&nbsp; Gerald preceded her in death on&nbsp;March 19, 1950. On February 12, 1953 she married Emory Daly at her parents’ home.&nbsp; To this&nbsp;union 4 children were born; Patricia, Charles, David and Lori.&nbsp; Emory preceded her in death on&nbsp;November 27, 1975.&nbsp;&nbsp; Emory and Evelyn purchased a ranch on the Dismal River south of Thedford in 1961. Evelyn&nbsp;spent many years in the Thedford community where she attended her children’s school events&nbsp;including high school rodeos which she greatly enjoyed. She also worked at the local grocery&nbsp;store. Evelyn was very talented in sewing, crocheting and knitting and was often in the kitchen&nbsp;cooking and baking.&nbsp; She moved to North Platte in 1985 and spent many years working at the&nbsp;Walmart store.&nbsp; She loved seeing the people she knew come thru the store and many made it a&nbsp;point to go thru her checkout stand. In 2015, she officially retired and moved to Broken Bow.&nbsp; Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents and in-laws; husbands; daughter, Patricia; grandson,&nbsp;Derek Daly; brothers, Clarence, Ted and Rusty; brothers-in-law, Clinton (Jean) Daly, Swede Daly&nbsp;and Dick (Meredieth) Daly; sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Hermal) Priest and Wanda Daly.&nbsp; She is survived by her children, Charles (Melanie) Daly, David (Sharon) Daly, and Lori (Craig)&nbsp;Barta; grandchildren, Tyler (Rachel) Daly and children Camilla, Cooper and baby girl Daly (due in&nbsp;February), Colin (David) Daly, Riley Daly, Kari Daly, Benton Daly, Garrett (Amanda) Daly and&nbsp;daughter Palmer, Trevor (Derra) Daly, Jaecee (Cactus) Aanenson, and Wyatt Barta; brother Jim&nbsp;(Della) Correll; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Correll, Lois Correll, Rita Correll, Dee Daly and Vera (Bill)&nbsp;Jividen; brother-in-law, Byron Daly; as well as many nieces and nephews.&nbsp; Services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Adams &amp; Swanson chapel with&nbsp;Pastor Rick Johnson officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery near Tryon, NE.&nbsp; Visitation&nbsp;will be held noon – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021, with family present from 5:00&nbsp;to 7:00 p.m. at Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. The&nbsp;service will be livestreamed on the Adams &amp; Swanson Facebook page for those unable to&nbsp;attend.&nbsp; Memorials in memory of Evelyn can be made to the Callahan Cancer Center.&nbsp;

Evelyn Daly (1929-2021)

Funeral service for Larry Hutchinson age 91 of White River, SD will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in White River.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the White River Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be at 10:00 AM before the funeral at the Church.&nbsp; A Celebration of life will be held at the Church at 7:00 PM on Friday, Oct. 1.

Survivors include sons, Randy, Barry, Bobby, Billy, and Ronald.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632931226575.jpeg" alt="Larry Hutchinson" />
 <figcaption>Larry Hutchinson</figcaption>
 </figure>Funeral service for Larry Hutchinson age 91 of White River, SD will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in White River.&nbsp; Burial will follow at the White River Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be at 10:00 AM before the funeral at the Church.&nbsp; A Celebration of life will be held at the Church at 7:00 PM on Friday, Oct. 1.Survivors include sons, Randy, Barry, Bobby, Billy, and Ronald.

Larry Hutchinson (1930-2021)

Laura Sanders finished 82 years of a life well lived, surrounded by family, at her home in Cozad on Sept. 26, 2021. Laura was born June 30, 1939 in Colorado Springs, CO, to Arthur Lloyd and Edith Elizabeth Binks Vandenburg. In her early years, Laura lived in Colorado and the Bay Area of California. She graduated from Mission High School in 1957 and worked for Pacific Bell phone company until she was 20. One weekend, her brother Robert brought a friend home from work and within two weeks Laura and Gordon "Pete" Sanders were wed. For a few months after the wedding on Oct. 28, 1959 in Bakersfield, CA, they traveled through the southwest states for Gordon's job with the Santa Fe railroad, before creating their legacy of a colorful, diverse, loving family. Through 82 years, three children, a couple of moves, and all of life's challenges, Laura was a generous friend, kind neighbor, loving mother/grandmother/wife, and a truly devoted servant to her Lord. Laura and Pete joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Barstow, CA, in 1975 and she served in various ways including Sunday School teacher, girl's camp leader, homemaking leader, etc. When Pete retired from the Santa Fe railroad in 1990, the couple moved to Cozad, NE and the couple embarked on adventures in ranching, river running, and the wildest sport of all...grandparenting. They traveled to visit the grandkids in California and Utah, and they became extra parents to those here in Nebraska. They made memories great and small on their ranch in Maxwell, on the Colorado River, in their "home away from home" at Little America in Salt Lake City, and on the beaches of Hilton Head and Newport Beach. Through the last thirty years, Laura's vision and health deteriorated. She continued to serve and help others, with increasing help from Gordon, for as long as she humanly could. After she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she braced for the worst, and was incredibly grateful for the blessing of several final good months that she filled with precious memories. Laura is preceded in death by parents Arthur Lloyd and Edith Elizabeth Vandenburg; sister Karen Wilkins, brother Robert Vandenburg, granddaughter Krystal Graff, and nieces Debbie Debalko and Betty Louise Moore. Laura is survived by her husband Gordon "Pete" Sanders; daughter Sandi (Tom) Graff; sons Gordon (Cyndi) and Eric (Joy) Sanders; sisters Patricia Douglas and Beverly (Ken) Condry; 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and some very cherished friends. The Sanders family extends heartfelt thanks to family and friends who lovingly cared for her in her waning months, particularly niece Kim Gilster; doctors and healthcare providers; Central Plains Home Health and Hospice, especially nurse Jessica, who was a rock and a beacon through the challenging journey. Memorial service will be Saturday, October 2, 2021 at noon, at Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad, NE. Friends who cannot make it to the service can share memories and condolences on the Berryman website,&nbsp;<a href="http://berrymanfuneralhome.com/">berrymanfuneralhome.com</a>. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the American Diabetes Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. When asked if she had a final message, Laura said "Love and trust Jesus. Treat others the way Jesus would ask. Take care of each other."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632930918760.jpeg" alt="Laura Sanders" />
 <figcaption>Laura Sanders</figcaption>
 </figure>Laura Sanders finished 82 years of a life well lived, surrounded by family, at her home in Cozad on Sept. 26, 2021. Laura was born June 30, 1939 in Colorado Springs, CO, to Arthur Lloyd and Edith Elizabeth Binks Vandenburg. In her early years, Laura lived in Colorado and the Bay Area of California. She graduated from Mission High School in 1957 and worked for Pacific Bell phone company until she was 20. One weekend, her brother Robert brought a friend home from work and within two weeks Laura and Gordon "Pete" Sanders were wed. For a few months after the wedding on Oct. 28, 1959 in Bakersfield, CA, they traveled through the southwest states for Gordon's job with the Santa Fe railroad, before creating their legacy of a colorful, diverse, loving family. Through 82 years, three children, a couple of moves, and all of life's challenges, Laura was a generous friend, kind neighbor, loving mother/grandmother/wife, and a truly devoted servant to her Lord. Laura and Pete joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Barstow, CA, in 1975 and she served in various ways including Sunday School teacher, girl's camp leader, homemaking leader, etc. When Pete retired from the Santa Fe railroad in 1990, the couple moved to Cozad, NE and the couple embarked on adventures in ranching, river running, and the wildest sport of all...grandparenting. They traveled to visit the grandkids in California and Utah, and they became extra parents to those here in Nebraska. They made memories great and small on their ranch in Maxwell, on the Colorado River, in their "home away from home" at Little America in Salt Lake City, and on the beaches of Hilton Head and Newport Beach. Through the last thirty years, Laura's vision and health deteriorated. She continued to serve and help others, with increasing help from Gordon, for as long as she humanly could. After she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she braced for the worst, and was incredibly grateful for the blessing of several final good months that she filled with precious memories. Laura is preceded in death by parents Arthur Lloyd and Edith Elizabeth Vandenburg; sister Karen Wilkins, brother Robert Vandenburg, granddaughter Krystal Graff, and nieces Debbie Debalko and Betty Louise Moore. Laura is survived by her husband Gordon "Pete" Sanders; daughter Sandi (Tom) Graff; sons Gordon (Cyndi) and Eric (Joy) Sanders; sisters Patricia Douglas and Beverly (Ken) Condry; 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and some very cherished friends. The Sanders family extends heartfelt thanks to family and friends who lovingly cared for her in her waning months, particularly niece Kim Gilster; doctors and healthcare providers; Central Plains Home Health and Hospice, especially nurse Jessica, who was a rock and a beacon through the challenging journey. Memorial service will be Saturday, October 2, 2021 at noon, at Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad, NE. Friends who cannot make it to the service can share memories and condolences on the Berryman website,&nbsp;<a href="http://berrymanfuneralhome.com/">berrymanfuneralhome.com</a>. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the American Diabetes Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. When asked if she had a final message, Laura said "Love and trust Jesus. Treat others the way Jesus would ask. Take care of each other."

Laura M. Sanders (1939-2021)

Linda Kay Jones, age 72, of Palisade, NE passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at her home in Palisade. Linda was born in Imperial, Nebraska on March 20, 1949 in to parents Thomas and Cleo (Denbo) Wickizer.&nbsp; She was one of five children (Ted, Beverly, Sherry, Karlene and Linda) born to this union. &nbsp;Linda grew up in Sodtown near Palisade, Nebraska where she also attended school. On August 28, 1967, Linda married the love of her life, Jesse D. Jones in McCook, NE. The couple was blessed with four children: sons, Tracy, Shannon, and Toby and daughter Tonya, who died in infancy.&nbsp; Over the years, Linda enjoyed being a home maker.&nbsp; She loved to play card games and find the best bargains at local garage sales.&nbsp; Her family was her pride and joy.&nbsp; Linda had large vinyl record collection which she enjoyed listening to.&nbsp; She was especially fond of Elvis Presley.&nbsp;&nbsp; Linda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jesse Jones; infant daughter, Tonya Jones; and daughter-in-law, Kim Jones. Those left to celebrate her life include her three sons, Tracy Jones of Moorcroft, WY, Shannon Jones of Estes Park, CO and Toby Jones of Palisade; two sisters, Sherri Wright of Oxford, NE and Karlene French of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, Kian, Ali, Hunter, Scoutt and Larkyn; two great grandchildren, Drezdan and Zaiya; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632930715052.jpeg" alt="Linda Jones" />
 <figcaption>Linda Jones</figcaption>
 </figure>Linda Kay Jones, age 72, of Palisade, NE passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at her home in Palisade. Linda was born in Imperial, Nebraska on March 20, 1949 in to parents Thomas and Cleo (Denbo) Wickizer.&nbsp; She was one of five children (Ted, Beverly, Sherry, Karlene and Linda) born to this union. &nbsp;Linda grew up in Sodtown near Palisade, Nebraska where she also attended school. On August 28, 1967, Linda married the love of her life, Jesse D. Jones in McCook, NE. The couple was blessed with four children: sons, Tracy, Shannon, and Toby and daughter Tonya, who died in infancy.&nbsp; Over the years, Linda enjoyed being a home maker.&nbsp; She loved to play card games and find the best bargains at local garage sales.&nbsp; Her family was her pride and joy.&nbsp; Linda had large vinyl record collection which she enjoyed listening to.&nbsp; She was especially fond of Elvis Presley.&nbsp;&nbsp; Linda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jesse Jones; infant daughter, Tonya Jones; and daughter-in-law, Kim Jones. Those left to celebrate her life include her three sons, Tracy Jones of Moorcroft, WY, Shannon Jones of Estes Park, CO and Toby Jones of Palisade; two sisters, Sherri Wright of Oxford, NE and Karlene French of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, Kian, Ali, Hunter, Scoutt and Larkyn; two great grandchildren, Drezdan and Zaiya; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Linda Kay Jones (1949-2021)

Charles E. Riley, age 82, of McCook, NE passed away at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Sunday, September 26, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Funeral Services will be held at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 10:30 A.M.&nbsp; Military Honors will be conducted graveside at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook with the United States Navy Honors Detail. Visitation will be held at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.&nbsp; The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com&nbsp; Memorials may be left to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Charles' name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633015204416.jpeg" alt="Charles Riley" />
 <figcaption>Charles Riley</figcaption>
 </figure>Charles E. Riley, age 82, of McCook, NE passed away at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Sunday, September 26, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Funeral Services will be held at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 10:30 A.M.&nbsp; Military Honors will be conducted graveside at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook with the United States Navy Honors Detail. Visitation will be held at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.&nbsp; The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com&nbsp; Memorials may be left to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Charles' name.

Charles E. Riley (1939-2021)

Alvina A. Collins-Bang, 84, longtime Ogallala resident passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Ogallala Community Hospital September 27th, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp; Alvina was born in Ogallala, Nebraska on October 30th, 1936 to Antone and Christine (Lange) Washa Sr.&nbsp; Alvina started her schooling at the little country schoolhouse District #14 riding her horse, Happy.&nbsp; &nbsp;She graduated from Ogallala High School in 1954 where her extra-curricular activities included the Glee Club. Alvina was united in marriage December 30th, 1954 to Robert L. Collins.&nbsp; Their union brought forth 3 children: Bobby, Jim, and Tina. They spent 39 beautiful years of marriage farming the family farm.&nbsp; Alvina was pivotal in every aspect of farm life.&nbsp; From driving trucks, milking cows, to managing the essential details and everyday life of the estate.&nbsp;&nbsp; For a number of years, Alvina was an activist while serving many different positions in W.I.F.E. (Women in Farming and Economics) toastmasters, and the women of the moose.&nbsp; She also enjoyed being involved in the Red Hat Society “Red Hatters.” &nbsp;In her free time, she loved playing pinochle, pitch and watching her two favorite sports tennis and football.&nbsp; Her early years consisted of being associated with the bowling league and she spent her golden era as an active partaker in the golf league.&nbsp;&nbsp; Alvina served her community as a prominent member of the District #14 School Board and Methodist church. Throughout Alvina's life, she was highly involved politically while assisting in numerous state and national campaigns along with inaugurations.&nbsp; &nbsp; For 18 years Alvina was happily married to Raymond Bang beginning May 30th, 1997, together they enjoyed every moment that life granted them. Alvina and Ray were able to travel across the country and enjoyed every site they came across.&nbsp;&nbsp; She loved good laughs, jokes and shared it all with her family.&nbsp; Survivors include her children:&nbsp;Bobby (Pam) Collins, Jim (Susan) Collins, Tina (Ron) Miller; brother, Dave (Melanie) Washa, Sister-in-law Judy Washa; grandchildren,&nbsp;Molly (Hector) Morales, Tayler Collins, Tony (Hayley) Collins, E-5 Sargent Ronald Jr. (Lisa) Miller, Joseph Collins, Tanner Collins;&nbsp; Great Grandchildren, Aleksandr Morales, Hallei Morales, Jameson Collins, Marley Collins, Avyla Miller, and soon to be 6th great grandchild due in 2022.&nbsp; She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.&nbsp; Special friends that cared so well for her include Penny Forrester, Daisy Garcia, Tonya Miller, and Eilene Brott.&nbsp; &nbsp; Alvina was preceded in death by husbands Robert Collins and Raymond Bang, parents Antone Sr. (Christine) Washa, brother Tony Washa Visitation will be held Thursday from 9:00am - 6:00 pm at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel, in Ogallala with family greeting visitors from 4:00-6:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 10:00 am from the United Methodist Church of Ogallala, with the Rev. Chuck Rager officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp; Burial will take place in the Ogallala Cemetery following the service. &nbsp;Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church and to the Ogallala Women of the Moose.&nbsp; Online condolences may be made by&nbsp;clicking the "Share a Memory" button.&nbsp; Services will be live streamed at www.methodistchurchogallala.com. &nbsp;Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632929059108.png" alt="Alvina Collins-Bang" />
 <figcaption>Alvina Collins-Bang</figcaption>
 </figure>Alvina A. Collins-Bang, 84, longtime Ogallala resident passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Ogallala Community Hospital September 27th, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp; Alvina was born in Ogallala, Nebraska on October 30th, 1936 to Antone and Christine (Lange) Washa Sr.&nbsp; Alvina started her schooling at the little country schoolhouse District #14 riding her horse, Happy.&nbsp; &nbsp;She graduated from Ogallala High School in 1954 where her extra-curricular activities included the Glee Club. Alvina was united in marriage December 30th, 1954 to Robert L. Collins.&nbsp; Their union brought forth 3 children: Bobby, Jim, and Tina. They spent 39 beautiful years of marriage farming the family farm.&nbsp; Alvina was pivotal in every aspect of farm life.&nbsp; From driving trucks, milking cows, to managing the essential details and everyday life of the estate.&nbsp;&nbsp; For a number of years, Alvina was an activist while serving many different positions in W.I.F.E. (Women in Farming and Economics) toastmasters, and the women of the moose.&nbsp; She also enjoyed being involved in the Red Hat Society “Red Hatters.” &nbsp;In her free time, she loved playing pinochle, pitch and watching her two favorite sports tennis and football.&nbsp; Her early years consisted of being associated with the bowling league and she spent her golden era as an active partaker in the golf league.&nbsp;&nbsp; Alvina served her community as a prominent member of the District #14 School Board and Methodist church. Throughout Alvina's life, she was highly involved politically while assisting in numerous state and national campaigns along with inaugurations.&nbsp; &nbsp; For 18 years Alvina was happily married to Raymond Bang beginning May 30th, 1997, together they enjoyed every moment that life granted them. Alvina and Ray were able to travel across the country and enjoyed every site they came across.&nbsp;&nbsp; She loved good laughs, jokes and shared it all with her family.&nbsp; Survivors include her children:&nbsp;Bobby (Pam) Collins, Jim (Susan) Collins, Tina (Ron) Miller; brother, Dave (Melanie) Washa, Sister-in-law Judy Washa; grandchildren,&nbsp;Molly (Hector) Morales, Tayler Collins, Tony (Hayley) Collins, E-5 Sargent Ronald Jr. (Lisa) Miller, Joseph Collins, Tanner Collins;&nbsp; Great Grandchildren, Aleksandr Morales, Hallei Morales, Jameson Collins, Marley Collins, Avyla Miller, and soon to be 6th great grandchild due in 2022.&nbsp; She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.&nbsp; Special friends that cared so well for her include Penny Forrester, Daisy Garcia, Tonya Miller, and Eilene Brott.&nbsp; &nbsp; Alvina was preceded in death by husbands Robert Collins and Raymond Bang, parents Antone Sr. (Christine) Washa, brother Tony Washa Visitation will be held Thursday from 9:00am - 6:00 pm at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel, in Ogallala with family greeting visitors from 4:00-6:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 10:00 am from the United Methodist Church of Ogallala, with the Rev. Chuck Rager officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp; Burial will take place in the Ogallala Cemetery following the service. &nbsp;Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church and to the Ogallala Women of the Moose.&nbsp; Online condolences may be made by&nbsp;clicking the "Share a Memory" button.&nbsp; Services will be live streamed at www.methodistchurchogallala.com. &nbsp;Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is entrusted with arrangements.

Alvina Ann Collins-Bang (1936-2021)

James “Jim” Charles Benak, 82, of North Platte, passed away September 27, 2021 at Great Plains Health. He was born, March 22, 1939 to James A. and Sophia Ilich Benak in Omaha, NE.&nbsp; Jim grew up in Omaha and graduated from Omaha South High School with the class of 1958.&nbsp; Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Army in 1960 and served in Germany and was a boxer for his unit.&nbsp;&nbsp; After his discharge in 1962, he returned to Omaha and began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad.&nbsp; After the UPRR shops closed in Omaha, Jim was transferred to North Platte.&nbsp; He was a machinist and retired after 38 years of service.&nbsp; Jim married Norma Jean Marcinek on February 15, 2013. &nbsp;Jim like to hunt and fish, having 2 Master Angler awards.&nbsp;&nbsp; He enjoyed the sandhills of Nebraska and was a Golden Gloves Boxer in his younger years.&nbsp; Jim is survived by his wife, Norma, of North Platte; sisters, Mary (George) Page, and Karen Rehling,; nieces, Julie Rookwood and Laurie Page; nephews, Dean Rehling and Steve Rehling; all of Omaha, Nebraska; along with several other nieces, nephews and many friends.&nbsp; He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Sophia, and 7 uncles. The family has established a memorial in his name. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Riverside Baptist Church with Rev. Dwane Johnson officiating.&nbsp; Military rites will be at the church.&nbsp; Burial will be at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.&nbsp; Book signing will be 9 – 5, Friday, October 1, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.

James “Jim” Charles Benak, 82, of North Platte, passed away September 27, 2021 at Great Plains Health. He was born, March 22, 1939 to James A. and Sophia Ilich Benak in Omaha, NE.&nbsp; Jim grew up in Omaha and graduated from Omaha South High School with the class of 1958.&nbsp; Following graduation, he entered the U.S. Army in 1960 and served in Germany and was a boxer for his unit.&nbsp;&nbsp; After his discharge in 1962, he returned to Omaha and began his career with the Union Pacific Railroad.&nbsp; After the UPRR shops closed in Omaha, Jim was transferred to North Platte.&nbsp; He was a machinist and retired after 38 years of service.&nbsp; Jim married Norma Jean Marcinek on February 15, 2013. &nbsp;Jim like to hunt and fish, having 2 Master Angler awards.&nbsp;&nbsp; He enjoyed the sandhills of Nebraska and was a Golden Gloves Boxer in his younger years.&nbsp; Jim is survived by his wife, Norma, of North Platte; sisters, Mary (George) Page, and Karen Rehling,; nieces, Julie Rookwood and Laurie Page; nephews, Dean Rehling and Steve Rehling; all of Omaha, Nebraska; along with several other nieces, nephews and many friends.&nbsp; He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Sophia, and 7 uncles. The family has established a memorial in his name. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Riverside Baptist Church with Rev. Dwane Johnson officiating.&nbsp; Military rites will be at the church.&nbsp; Burial will be at a later date at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.&nbsp; Book signing will be 9 – 5, Friday, October 1, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.

James "Jim" Benak  (1939-2021)

Marcella “Ruth” Lauer, 82, of North Platte, passed away September 26, 2021 at Centennial Park Retirement Village.&nbsp; She was born February 9, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri to Virgil and Millie (Kuffel) Schuetz. Ruth grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from University of Missouri, Columbia, with her Bachelor’s degree in 1961 and then went on to earn her Master’s degree in 1970.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 1962, she moved to North Platte, Nebraska to begin her teaching career with the North Platte Public Schools. &nbsp;On June 8, 1970 she was married to Harvey Lauer, in Jacksonville, Illinois.&nbsp; To this union, a daughter, Kelly was born.&nbsp; Ruth retired in 2001 after 33 years of educating students in music.&nbsp; Music was her number one hobby.&nbsp; Her specialty was playing the flute. She was a member of the Sandhills Symphony and directed the choir at the Episcopal Church.&nbsp; Her ambitions were saturated with music.&nbsp; Ruth was passionate about teaching.&nbsp; She grew up around horses and always enjoyed horseback riding. Ruth loved her grandchildren immensely, teaching them everything about music and was very adventurous in showing them all around her acreage.&nbsp; &nbsp;She loved her God fiercely, always very religious, enjoyed anything creative, very innovative and was good at drawing.&nbsp; She really lived life her own way and on her own terms. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Kelly Milan, Bennington, Nebraska; grandchildren, Brendan Milan, Anchorage, Alaska, Kira Milan, Bastrop, Texas, MacKenna Milan, Erynn Milan, and Emma Milan, all of Bennington, Nebraska; sister, Joyce Morris, St. Louis, Missouri and Diana Whitlow, Hot Springs, Arkansas; other family, Leo F. Millan III, Bennington, Nebraska; along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Millie Schultz. Memorial services for Ruth will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Episcopal Church, in North Platte, with Rev. Steve Meysing, officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow the service at the Episcopal Church Columbarium.&nbsp; Book signing will be 9-5 p.m., on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the Episcopal Church or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in memory of Ruth.&nbsp; Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed to the family at www.adamsswanson.com.&nbsp;&nbsp; Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632928469273.jpeg" alt="Ruth Lauer" />
 <figcaption>Ruth Lauer</figcaption>
 </figure>Marcella “Ruth” Lauer, 82, of North Platte, passed away September 26, 2021 at Centennial Park Retirement Village.&nbsp; She was born February 9, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri to Virgil and Millie (Kuffel) Schuetz. Ruth grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from University of Missouri, Columbia, with her Bachelor’s degree in 1961 and then went on to earn her Master’s degree in 1970.&nbsp;&nbsp; In 1962, she moved to North Platte, Nebraska to begin her teaching career with the North Platte Public Schools. &nbsp;On June 8, 1970 she was married to Harvey Lauer, in Jacksonville, Illinois.&nbsp; To this union, a daughter, Kelly was born.&nbsp; Ruth retired in 2001 after 33 years of educating students in music.&nbsp; Music was her number one hobby.&nbsp; Her specialty was playing the flute. She was a member of the Sandhills Symphony and directed the choir at the Episcopal Church.&nbsp; Her ambitions were saturated with music.&nbsp; Ruth was passionate about teaching.&nbsp; She grew up around horses and always enjoyed horseback riding. Ruth loved her grandchildren immensely, teaching them everything about music and was very adventurous in showing them all around her acreage.&nbsp; &nbsp;She loved her God fiercely, always very religious, enjoyed anything creative, very innovative and was good at drawing.&nbsp; She really lived life her own way and on her own terms. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Kelly Milan, Bennington, Nebraska; grandchildren, Brendan Milan, Anchorage, Alaska, Kira Milan, Bastrop, Texas, MacKenna Milan, Erynn Milan, and Emma Milan, all of Bennington, Nebraska; sister, Joyce Morris, St. Louis, Missouri and Diana Whitlow, Hot Springs, Arkansas; other family, Leo F. Millan III, Bennington, Nebraska; along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Millie Schultz. Memorial services for Ruth will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the Episcopal Church, in North Platte, with Rev. Steve Meysing, officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow the service at the Episcopal Church Columbarium.&nbsp; Book signing will be 9-5 p.m., on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the Episcopal Church or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in memory of Ruth.&nbsp; Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed to the family at www.adamsswanson.com.&nbsp;&nbsp; Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

M. Ruth Lauer (1939-2021)

Don Willis Noonan, age 89 of North Platte passed away Sunday, September 26th&nbsp;at Great Plains Medical Center.&nbsp; Don was born in Greeley County, Nebraska to John Noonan and Mary Jessie (Phelan) Noonan.&nbsp; He attended elementary school in rural Greeley County and graduated from Wolbach High School. He was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned to Greeley County farming until drought and grasshoppers lead him to the Nebraska State Patrol where he proudly served for 26 years.&nbsp; At retirement, he was honored as an Admiral of the State of Nebraska.&nbsp; The only two things he ever wanted to do was to be a cowboy or cop, and he was fortunate enough to be able to do both.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was married to Judith Smith Blackmon on May 5th, 1978.&nbsp; Don was an avid horseman raising registered Quarter horses that he shared with 4H groups being honored as a Friend of 4H. &nbsp;Don and Judy loved to travel on the Harley having many great adventurous trips from Canada to Mexico. Don was the 11th&nbsp;of 13 Noonan children. He is survived by his wife, Judy of 43 years; three daughters, Pamela, Norene and Camela; stepsons, Jeff and Kent Blackmon; 10 grandchildren; brother, Gerard of Denver; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.&nbsp;&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.&nbsp; Full Military Honors will be given.&nbsp; Book signing will be 9-5, Wednesday, September 29 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632928383051.jpeg" alt="Don Noonan" />
 <figcaption>Don Noonan</figcaption>
 </figure>Don Willis Noonan, age 89 of North Platte passed away Sunday, September 26th&nbsp;at Great Plains Medical Center.&nbsp; Don was born in Greeley County, Nebraska to John Noonan and Mary Jessie (Phelan) Noonan.&nbsp; He attended elementary school in rural Greeley County and graduated from Wolbach High School. He was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany. Upon being honorably discharged, he returned to Greeley County farming until drought and grasshoppers lead him to the Nebraska State Patrol where he proudly served for 26 years.&nbsp; At retirement, he was honored as an Admiral of the State of Nebraska.&nbsp; The only two things he ever wanted to do was to be a cowboy or cop, and he was fortunate enough to be able to do both.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He was married to Judith Smith Blackmon on May 5th, 1978.&nbsp; Don was an avid horseman raising registered Quarter horses that he shared with 4H groups being honored as a Friend of 4H. &nbsp;Don and Judy loved to travel on the Harley having many great adventurous trips from Canada to Mexico. Don was the 11th&nbsp;of 13 Noonan children. He is survived by his wife, Judy of 43 years; three daughters, Pamela, Norene and Camela; stepsons, Jeff and Kent Blackmon; 10 grandchildren; brother, Gerard of Denver; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.&nbsp;&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.&nbsp; Full Military Honors will be given.&nbsp; Book signing will be 9-5, Wednesday, September 29 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.

Don W. Noonan (1932-2021)

&nbsp; Longtime North Platte businesswoman, Lucille Hord, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at Granbury, TX, at the age of 101.&nbsp; She moved to Texas in 2018 to live near her daughter, Bette Thalken. Lucille was born in Quinter, KS, on May 24, 1920, to Harry and Grace Higgason,&nbsp; the oldest of 5 siblings.&nbsp; In 1938, just out of high school, Lucille took a job at the Quinter newspaper.&nbsp; Soon after, a charming young man named Clark Hord arrived in Quinter and also took a job at the same local paper.&nbsp; Clark and Lucille married a year later, in 1939. Owning newspapers/print shops would remain a constant in both their lives beginning with several locations in Kansas then when they moved to North Platte in 1952 they purchased and operated The Lincoln County Tribune.&nbsp;&nbsp; Besides being the company's bookkeeper, Lucille was a linotype operator and was known in the business to be one of the best.&nbsp; When linotype machines were no longer used for setting type, Lucille made the transition to computers.&nbsp; She was still sending emails and checking on her family on Facebook well into her 90s. Following the death of her husband, Clark, in 1978, Lucille continued operating Hord Printing Inc. and was well known in the North Platte business community for her hard work. She was a past president of the North Platte Altrusa Club and was recognized as the 1994 Woman of Achievement in Business by the North Platte Chamber of Commerce. Clark and Lucille raised seven children, who all benefited and learned from Lucille's love, hard work and sacrifice.&nbsp; As she became a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and great great-grandmother, all her growing family loved and profited from special time with Grandma. On her 90th birthday, Lucille (who was still going to work every day as a proofreader) was featured on the front page of the daily newspaper with the headline, "72 Years On The Job And Counting". She continued to work another two years before retiring and then, much to her amusement, was offered another job on her 93rd birthday.&nbsp; She turned that one down. Lucille will be remembered for her quick wit, her intelligence and loyalty to family and friends as well as her strong work ethic. Lucille's family will remember her as 'Mom' and 'Grandma' and the matriarch who was always the anchor they could rely on. Along with her husband, Clark, Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Grace Higgason; sisters, Vonna Dean Higgason and Velva Melroy; brother, Phil Higgason; sister-in-law Edna (Hord) Ruble; sons-in-law, Bob Boettcher and Gene Olson; and brother-in-law Gean Melroy. Lucille is survived by her children, Lee Gayle Boettcher of Buffalo, TX, Bill (Annette) Hord of Lincoln, Chrys Olson of Dacono, CO, Rita (Greg) Wilkinson of Billings, MT, Bette (David) Thalken of Granbury, TX, Harlan Hord of Cheyenne, WY, and Chip (Leslie) Hord of Golden, CO; her brother, Don (Wanda) Higgason of Buford, GA; 30 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 18 great great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ethel Higgason; and many loved nieces, nephews and other family. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.&nbsp; The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com and prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629991048960.jpeg" alt="Lucille Hord" />
 <figcaption>Lucille Hord</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Longtime North Platte businesswoman, Lucille Hord, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at Granbury, TX, at the age of 101.&nbsp; She moved to Texas in 2018 to live near her daughter, Bette Thalken. Lucille was born in Quinter, KS, on May 24, 1920, to Harry and Grace Higgason,&nbsp; the oldest of 5 siblings.&nbsp; In 1938, just out of high school, Lucille took a job at the Quinter newspaper.&nbsp; Soon after, a charming young man named Clark Hord arrived in Quinter and also took a job at the same local paper.&nbsp; Clark and Lucille married a year later, in 1939. Owning newspapers/print shops would remain a constant in both their lives beginning with several locations in Kansas then when they moved to North Platte in 1952 they purchased and operated The Lincoln County Tribune.&nbsp;&nbsp; Besides being the company's bookkeeper, Lucille was a linotype operator and was known in the business to be one of the best.&nbsp; When linotype machines were no longer used for setting type, Lucille made the transition to computers.&nbsp; She was still sending emails and checking on her family on Facebook well into her 90s. Following the death of her husband, Clark, in 1978, Lucille continued operating Hord Printing Inc. and was well known in the North Platte business community for her hard work. She was a past president of the North Platte Altrusa Club and was recognized as the 1994 Woman of Achievement in Business by the North Platte Chamber of Commerce. Clark and Lucille raised seven children, who all benefited and learned from Lucille's love, hard work and sacrifice.&nbsp; As she became a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and great great-grandmother, all her growing family loved and profited from special time with Grandma. On her 90th birthday, Lucille (who was still going to work every day as a proofreader) was featured on the front page of the daily newspaper with the headline, "72 Years On The Job And Counting". She continued to work another two years before retiring and then, much to her amusement, was offered another job on her 93rd birthday.&nbsp; She turned that one down. Lucille will be remembered for her quick wit, her intelligence and loyalty to family and friends as well as her strong work ethic. Lucille's family will remember her as 'Mom' and 'Grandma' and the matriarch who was always the anchor they could rely on. Along with her husband, Clark, Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Grace Higgason; sisters, Vonna Dean Higgason and Velva Melroy; brother, Phil Higgason; sister-in-law Edna (Hord) Ruble; sons-in-law, Bob Boettcher and Gene Olson; and brother-in-law Gean Melroy. Lucille is survived by her children, Lee Gayle Boettcher of Buffalo, TX, Bill (Annette) Hord of Lincoln, Chrys Olson of Dacono, CO, Rita (Greg) Wilkinson of Billings, MT, Bette (David) Thalken of Granbury, TX, Harlan Hord of Cheyenne, WY, and Chip (Leslie) Hord of Golden, CO; her brother, Don (Wanda) Higgason of Buford, GA; 30 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 18 great great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ethel Higgason; and many loved nieces, nephews and other family. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel.&nbsp; Inurnment will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.&nbsp; The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com and prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

L. Lucille Hord (1920-2021)

Brian John Baxter, age 63, of North Platte, Nebraska, departed this life on September 24, 2021, at his home. Brian was born December 14, 1957, in North Platte to Neal and Anne Baxter.&nbsp; He, along with his three brothers, grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte High School.&nbsp; During high school, Brian was an accomplished gymnast, performing on the trampoline, and went on to graduate with the Class of 1976. Brian worked as a carpenter for most of his life, a passion that began in high school when he, along with some friends, built a shack out at the North Platte River.&nbsp; The 'River Rats', as they were called, made many great memories and lifelong friendships. Brian worked for various local carpentry businesses in North Platte through the years and helped build many houses in town. In addition to living in North Platte, he lived in Lincoln and Chaska, MN.&nbsp; Wherever he was, he always had a piano nearby. Brian was an incredible piano player and vocalist, as well as a saxophone player.&nbsp; Anyone who was fortunate enough to hear him perform will remember his talents forever.&nbsp; Brian played in several bands including "Painted Clouds", "Luk", "Chance", "Fable", "KGB", "Smokin' Section", "Wang Dang Doodle", "Skyoties". To his credits, Brian, while performing with "Chance", played for President Ronald Reagan's speech at the Wild West Arena on August 13, 1987. While in Lincoln in 2002, Brian called on an old friend, Grammy Award-Winning producer Brad Yost, to record an album entitled "Baxter Factor: On Top the House of Time". Brian always said that this album was his musical contribution to the world. Along with music, he loved critters, especially squirrels, hamsters and ferrets, and was an inventor who loved sharing his ideas with friends and family.&nbsp; He was extremely adventurous and had so many great stories to tell.&nbsp; He also liked to ride motorcycles, drive boats, go water and snow skiing, and be the life of the party. Brian said that being in nature and being in the water was his true home.&nbsp; He loved to live life to the fullest. Brian is survived by his two children, daughter, Elizabeth (Monte) Williams, of Charlotte, NC, and son, Brandon Baxter, of North Platte; brothers, Stewart (Lisa) Baxter, Kim (Nancy) Baxter, and Paul Baxter, all of North Platte; nieces, Mikaela (David) Meagher, of Lincoln and Haley Baxter of Kearney; nephew, Logan (Alison) Baxter, of Kearney; and many other family and his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neal and Anne Baxter; and nephew, Craig Baxter. In keeping with Brian's wish, cremation was chosen.&nbsp; Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel.&nbsp; The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Adams Middle School Band Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632859697764.jpeg" alt="Brian J. Baxter" />
 <figcaption>Brian J. Baxter</figcaption>
 </figure>Brian John Baxter, age 63, of North Platte, Nebraska, departed this life on September 24, 2021, at his home. Brian was born December 14, 1957, in North Platte to Neal and Anne Baxter.&nbsp; He, along with his three brothers, grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte High School.&nbsp; During high school, Brian was an accomplished gymnast, performing on the trampoline, and went on to graduate with the Class of 1976. Brian worked as a carpenter for most of his life, a passion that began in high school when he, along with some friends, built a shack out at the North Platte River.&nbsp; The 'River Rats', as they were called, made many great memories and lifelong friendships. Brian worked for various local carpentry businesses in North Platte through the years and helped build many houses in town. In addition to living in North Platte, he lived in Lincoln and Chaska, MN.&nbsp; Wherever he was, he always had a piano nearby. Brian was an incredible piano player and vocalist, as well as a saxophone player.&nbsp; Anyone who was fortunate enough to hear him perform will remember his talents forever.&nbsp; Brian played in several bands including "Painted Clouds", "Luk", "Chance", "Fable", "KGB", "Smokin' Section", "Wang Dang Doodle", "Skyoties". To his credits, Brian, while performing with "Chance", played for President Ronald Reagan's speech at the Wild West Arena on August 13, 1987. While in Lincoln in 2002, Brian called on an old friend, Grammy Award-Winning producer Brad Yost, to record an album entitled "Baxter Factor: On Top the House of Time". Brian always said that this album was his musical contribution to the world. Along with music, he loved critters, especially squirrels, hamsters and ferrets, and was an inventor who loved sharing his ideas with friends and family.&nbsp; He was extremely adventurous and had so many great stories to tell.&nbsp; He also liked to ride motorcycles, drive boats, go water and snow skiing, and be the life of the party. Brian said that being in nature and being in the water was his true home.&nbsp; He loved to live life to the fullest. Brian is survived by his two children, daughter, Elizabeth (Monte) Williams, of Charlotte, NC, and son, Brandon Baxter, of North Platte; brothers, Stewart (Lisa) Baxter, Kim (Nancy) Baxter, and Paul Baxter, all of North Platte; nieces, Mikaela (David) Meagher, of Lincoln and Haley Baxter of Kearney; nephew, Logan (Alison) Baxter, of Kearney; and many other family and his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Neal and Anne Baxter; and nephew, Craig Baxter. In keeping with Brian's wish, cremation was chosen.&nbsp; Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel.&nbsp; The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Adams Middle School Band Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brian J. Baxter (1957-2021)

Gerald Bruce 'Jerry' Rector, age 91, of North Platte, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on September 27, 2021. Jerry was born July 31, 1930, in North Platte to Ed and Jean (McNeel) Rector. He attended school in North Platte and was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1949 after serving in England and the United States, including Alaska. Jerry worked at Luedke Cleaners, Curt Uhl Packard, Firestone, Brown Williamson Tobacco and the Union Pacific Railroad.&nbsp; He worked 36 years for the railroad, starting as a switchman and working his way up to Yardmaster, Assistant Superintendent and eventually retiring as Superintendent after 17 years in that position.&nbsp; He ran a tight ship and many of his co-workers loved working for him. After retiring Jerry still worked delivering cars for Bob Spady and doing the courier route for Pathology Services until two years ago. He never wanted to slow down and was blessed with many great friendships through his various jobs. Jerry married Barbara Jackson in 1950 and they had four children together.&nbsp; He later married Gail Dotson, his longtime companion and love of his life.&nbsp; From this union he gained two more daughters, Sheila and Dianna. Jerry lived a full life and had many interests and hobbies including goose, duck and pheasant hunting, along with sprint car racing.&nbsp; He was a big Husker football fan and had season tickets for many years. Jerry loved country music, especially George Jones and Merle Haggard, and had four dogs in his lifetime that meant the world to him: King, Alex, Chloe and Bella. But what he loved the most was his family and spending time with Gail, her two daughters, and her four grandchildren, Krista, Tanner, Tayler and Trey. He was proud of them all and always willing to do whatever the grandkids wanted including getting McDonalds or Burger King and watching the same cartoons over and over. Jerry also enjoyed sharing simple pleasures like rides in the country with the sunroof open, shooting marshmallow guns, endless Yahtzee games and drinking tree pop.&nbsp; He loved fixing cars, mowing the lawn with the boys and taking his family on trips.&nbsp; Jerry took many memorable trips including trips to Germany, Branson and countless Husker football games.&nbsp; He also liked teaching his family new things and sharing whatever little gadget he found that would make their lives easier.&nbsp; Jerry took great pride in his appearance, liked shoes and cologne and boy did he love hats! Jerry owned a sprint car with Tom Simon and Bob Stanley and was very proud of it. He knew his cars and owned many different models over the years, never having less than five cars it seemed.&nbsp; Jerry learned to live and love life after retirement and taught his family to love the Huskers, homemade ice cream, good donuts and that milkshakes fix everything. Jerry is survived by his wife, Gail; children, Jody (Duane) Fleck, Bruce Rector, Marcia (Scott) Davis and Robert (Adrienne) Rector; step-daughters; Sheila (Mark) Bigelow and Dianna Brouillette (Dustin Still), grandchildren, Krista (Tanner) Struckman, Tanner (Haley) Baker, Tayler (Danny) Rousseau and Trey Brouillette, Carrie (Eric) Lienemann, Lisa (Wayne) Bortner, April (John) Baade, Lori (Jason) Hansen, Katy (Bob) Denny, Eric Rector, Josh (Katie) Rector, Megan Rector, Emily (Steven) Perez and Jonathan Rector; many great-grandchildren and other family as well as nieces, Lynne Frederick and Leslie Johns, and nephew, Tom Rector; and his loyal companion Bella who was by his side to the end. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ed; granddaughter, Leslie Davis; and great-granddaughter, Abby Rector. Private graveside services will be held at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with&nbsp; Military Honors.&nbsp; Celebration of Life will be Saturday, October 2, from 4-7 p.m. at 275 East Sagebrush Trail, just look for the red and white balloons and wear your Husker attire. Please come and celebrate Jerry's life, share stories and enjoy some of his favorite foods. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Paws-itive Partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632850138446.jpeg" alt="Jerry Rector" />
 <figcaption>Jerry Rector</figcaption>
 </figure>Gerald Bruce 'Jerry' Rector, age 91, of North Platte, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on September 27, 2021. Jerry was born July 31, 1930, in North Platte to Ed and Jean (McNeel) Rector. He attended school in North Platte and was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1946 and was honorably discharged in 1949 after serving in England and the United States, including Alaska. Jerry worked at Luedke Cleaners, Curt Uhl Packard, Firestone, Brown Williamson Tobacco and the Union Pacific Railroad.&nbsp; He worked 36 years for the railroad, starting as a switchman and working his way up to Yardmaster, Assistant Superintendent and eventually retiring as Superintendent after 17 years in that position.&nbsp; He ran a tight ship and many of his co-workers loved working for him. After retiring Jerry still worked delivering cars for Bob Spady and doing the courier route for Pathology Services until two years ago. He never wanted to slow down and was blessed with many great friendships through his various jobs. Jerry married Barbara Jackson in 1950 and they had four children together.&nbsp; He later married Gail Dotson, his longtime companion and love of his life.&nbsp; From this union he gained two more daughters, Sheila and Dianna. Jerry lived a full life and had many interests and hobbies including goose, duck and pheasant hunting, along with sprint car racing.&nbsp; He was a big Husker football fan and had season tickets for many years. Jerry loved country music, especially George Jones and Merle Haggard, and had four dogs in his lifetime that meant the world to him: King, Alex, Chloe and Bella. But what he loved the most was his family and spending time with Gail, her two daughters, and her four grandchildren, Krista, Tanner, Tayler and Trey. He was proud of them all and always willing to do whatever the grandkids wanted including getting McDonalds or Burger King and watching the same cartoons over and over. Jerry also enjoyed sharing simple pleasures like rides in the country with the sunroof open, shooting marshmallow guns, endless Yahtzee games and drinking tree pop.&nbsp; He loved fixing cars, mowing the lawn with the boys and taking his family on trips.&nbsp; Jerry took many memorable trips including trips to Germany, Branson and countless Husker football games.&nbsp; He also liked teaching his family new things and sharing whatever little gadget he found that would make their lives easier.&nbsp; Jerry took great pride in his appearance, liked shoes and cologne and boy did he love hats! Jerry owned a sprint car with Tom Simon and Bob Stanley and was very proud of it. He knew his cars and owned many different models over the years, never having less than five cars it seemed.&nbsp; Jerry learned to live and love life after retirement and taught his family to love the Huskers, homemade ice cream, good donuts and that milkshakes fix everything. Jerry is survived by his wife, Gail; children, Jody (Duane) Fleck, Bruce Rector, Marcia (Scott) Davis and Robert (Adrienne) Rector; step-daughters; Sheila (Mark) Bigelow and Dianna Brouillette (Dustin Still), grandchildren, Krista (Tanner) Struckman, Tanner (Haley) Baker, Tayler (Danny) Rousseau and Trey Brouillette, Carrie (Eric) Lienemann, Lisa (Wayne) Bortner, April (John) Baade, Lori (Jason) Hansen, Katy (Bob) Denny, Eric Rector, Josh (Katie) Rector, Megan Rector, Emily (Steven) Perez and Jonathan Rector; many great-grandchildren and other family as well as nieces, Lynne Frederick and Leslie Johns, and nephew, Tom Rector; and his loyal companion Bella who was by his side to the end. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ed; granddaughter, Leslie Davis; and great-granddaughter, Abby Rector. Private graveside services will be held at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with&nbsp; Military Honors.&nbsp; Celebration of Life will be Saturday, October 2, from 4-7 p.m. at 275 East Sagebrush Trail, just look for the red and white balloons and wear your Husker attire. Please come and celebrate Jerry's life, share stories and enjoy some of his favorite foods. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Paws-itive Partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gerald "Jerry" Rector (1930-2021)

James Bissonette age 34, of Broken Bow died September 23, 2021, at Bryan LGH East Hospital in Lincoln. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 10:00 AM at the Evangelical Free Church in Broken Bow with Pastor Tim Peterson officiating.&nbsp; Burial with Firefighters Honors will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary and the family will greet friends Wednesday evening &nbsp;5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Broken Bow Fire Department.&nbsp; Memorials for the Bissonette family can be made to BBVFD noting "Bissonette Family" in the memo line. Memorials can be sent to: BBVFD 1848 South G Street Broken Bow, NE&nbsp; &nbsp;68822 or dropped off at Great Western Bank in Broken Bow.&nbsp; Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.&nbsp; The funeral services will be livestreamed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.govierbrothers.com/">www.govierbrothers.com</a>.

He was born to Craig and Teresa (Brimberry) Bissonette on April 1, 1987, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he was a young child, he came to Merna, Nebraska to live with his Great Aunt and Uncle, Gay and Ron Knerl, who he lovingly called Grandma and Grandpa.&nbsp; James grew up in Merna, Nebraska and attended Anselmo Merna High School. Following graduation, he enrolled at Mid Plains Community College where he studied Automotive Technology. In high school, he met Michaela Nelson. The young couple represented the true meaning of high school sweethearts. Michaela became his wife in 2011 after dating for 7 years. The two were married for 10 years and had 2 children, Ella (5) and Jack (2).&nbsp; In James’s short 34 years he created a life to be proud of, one which he fought to live exactly how he wanted - fiercely loving his family, diligently working hard, and attentively caring for his kids. Not only was James the best family man, but also the friend everyone loved to have. He boldly advised “what needs done,” insisted on helping wherever he could, and carefully slowed down for good conversation around a summer campfire. His smile could light up a room and his playful sense of humor could leave you with a laughing-induced side ache. He held firm to his values, didn’t do anything that he didn’t believe was right, and did everything true to his word. He lived each day as its own.&nbsp; In recent years, he became passionate about volunteering his time with the Broken Bow Fire Department. He also loved driving the ambulance for the EMS crews. He spent a lot of time trying to perfect putting on his gear quickly, taking the kids with him to fill the pop fridge at the station, and learning everything about the new ladder truck.&nbsp; His life ended too soon, but we find comfort knowing that he is in God’s hands. His wife, children, friends, and family now have the biggest angel watching over them. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” James left this world a hero by donating his organs to help save others.&nbsp; James is survived by his wife, Michaela Bissonette of Broken Bow; daughter, Ella Bissonette; son, Jack Bissonette; in-laws, Don and Christina Nelson of Berwyn; brother-in-law Cody Nelson of Berwyn; great uncle (Grandpa) Ron Knerl of Merna; mother, Teresa Bissonette of Burnsville, Minnesota; brother, Joshua Nickman of Burnsville, Minnesota; Clifford and Jeri Sterner of Merna; grandpa, Vern Bissonette of Burnsville, Minnesota, and grandmother Peggy Frey of Washington. James is preceded in death by his great aunt (Grandma), Gay Knerl and father, Craig Bissonette.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632847993554.jpeg" alt="James Bissonette" />
 <figcaption>James Bissonette</figcaption>
 </figure>James Bissonette age 34, of Broken Bow died September 23, 2021, at Bryan LGH East Hospital in Lincoln. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 10:00 AM at the Evangelical Free Church in Broken Bow with Pastor Tim Peterson officiating.&nbsp; Burial with Firefighters Honors will be in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary and the family will greet friends Wednesday evening &nbsp;5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Broken Bow Fire Department.&nbsp; Memorials for the Bissonette family can be made to BBVFD noting "Bissonette Family" in the memo line. Memorials can be sent to: BBVFD 1848 South G Street Broken Bow, NE&nbsp; &nbsp;68822 or dropped off at Great Western Bank in Broken Bow.&nbsp; Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.&nbsp; The funeral services will be livestreamed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.govierbrothers.com/">www.govierbrothers.com</a>.He was born to Craig and Teresa (Brimberry) Bissonette on April 1, 1987, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When he was a young child, he came to Merna, Nebraska to live with his Great Aunt and Uncle, Gay and Ron Knerl, who he lovingly called Grandma and Grandpa.&nbsp; James grew up in Merna, Nebraska and attended Anselmo Merna High School. Following graduation, he enrolled at Mid Plains Community College where he studied Automotive Technology. In high school, he met Michaela Nelson. The young couple represented the true meaning of high school sweethearts. Michaela became his wife in 2011 after dating for 7 years. The two were married for 10 years and had 2 children, Ella (5) and Jack (2).&nbsp; In James’s short 34 years he created a life to be proud of, one which he fought to live exactly how he wanted - fiercely loving his family, diligently working hard, and attentively caring for his kids. Not only was James the best family man, but also the friend everyone loved to have. He boldly advised “what needs done,” insisted on helping wherever he could, and carefully slowed down for good conversation around a summer campfire. His smile could light up a room and his playful sense of humor could leave you with a laughing-induced side ache. He held firm to his values, didn’t do anything that he didn’t believe was right, and did everything true to his word. He lived each day as its own.&nbsp; In recent years, he became passionate about volunteering his time with the Broken Bow Fire Department. He also loved driving the ambulance for the EMS crews. He spent a lot of time trying to perfect putting on his gear quickly, taking the kids with him to fill the pop fridge at the station, and learning everything about the new ladder truck.&nbsp; His life ended too soon, but we find comfort knowing that he is in God’s hands. His wife, children, friends, and family now have the biggest angel watching over them. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” James left this world a hero by donating his organs to help save others.&nbsp; James is survived by his wife, Michaela Bissonette of Broken Bow; daughter, Ella Bissonette; son, Jack Bissonette; in-laws, Don and Christina Nelson of Berwyn; brother-in-law Cody Nelson of Berwyn; great uncle (Grandpa) Ron Knerl of Merna; mother, Teresa Bissonette of Burnsville, Minnesota; brother, Joshua Nickman of Burnsville, Minnesota; Clifford and Jeri Sterner of Merna; grandpa, Vern Bissonette of Burnsville, Minnesota, and grandmother Peggy Frey of Washington. James is preceded in death by his great aunt (Grandma), Gay Knerl and father, Craig Bissonette.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

James Bissonette (1987-2021)

Ervin D. Smock of Cozad passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 79. Ervin was born August 3, 1942 at Cozad, Nebraska to Oran and Grace (Heine) Smock. Ervin married Donna Gutschow on September 18, 1960. Their union was blessed with 2 children, Anette and John. Ervin was a heavy equipment operator at Hi-Gain Feedlot in Cozad for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing attending concerts and watching westerns. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved taking them for ice cream and watching their sporting events. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jackie Slater and brothers, Eugene Smock and Carl Smock. Survivors include his daughter, Anette (Aaron) Smock-Aakre of SD and son, John (Kim) Smock of Cozad; grandchildren, Josh (Bobbi) Smock of Gayville, SD, Caitlyn (Madsion) Nash of MT, Alyson Smock of Summerville, SC, Nathan Smock of Fort Campbell, KY, and Makenzie Smock of Cozad; 3 great grandchildren, Robert, Rose and Michael Smock, all of Gayville, SD; siblings, Dale Smock, Dick Smock and Clara Arfmann; brother-in-law, Ward Slater and sister-in-law, Verna Moritz.

Memorials are suggested to the family in his name for later designation. Services will be held Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sandy Aakre officiating. Burial will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632847717980.jpeg" alt="Ervin Smock" />
 <figcaption>Ervin Smock</figcaption>
 </figure>Ervin D. Smock of Cozad passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 79. Ervin was born August 3, 1942 at Cozad, Nebraska to Oran and Grace (Heine) Smock. Ervin married Donna Gutschow on September 18, 1960. Their union was blessed with 2 children, Anette and John. Ervin was a heavy equipment operator at Hi-Gain Feedlot in Cozad for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing attending concerts and watching westerns. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved taking them for ice cream and watching their sporting events. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jackie Slater and brothers, Eugene Smock and Carl Smock. Survivors include his daughter, Anette (Aaron) Smock-Aakre of SD and son, John (Kim) Smock of Cozad; grandchildren, Josh (Bobbi) Smock of Gayville, SD, Caitlyn (Madsion) Nash of MT, Alyson Smock of Summerville, SC, Nathan Smock of Fort Campbell, KY, and Makenzie Smock of Cozad; 3 great grandchildren, Robert, Rose and Michael Smock, all of Gayville, SD; siblings, Dale Smock, Dick Smock and Clara Arfmann; brother-in-law, Ward Slater and sister-in-law, Verna Moritz.Memorials are suggested to the family in his name for later designation. Services will be held Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Sandy Aakre officiating. Burial will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.

Ervin D. Smock (1942-2021)

Veronica “Vonnie” (Teel) Tiller, entered Heaven on September 24, 2021. Growing up during the Great Depression, Vonnie learned the values of hard work, self-reliance, and generosity she practiced throughout her life. Vonnie was born north of Indianola on February 11, 1931. She attended high school in Curtis where she took teacher training classes. Her first job at age 17 was the one-room Zion Hill School with seven students, two of which were age 14.&nbsp; Her younger brother, Marv was once among her students. In 1954, she married Robert “Bob” Tiller and they raised three children:&nbsp; Don, Jim and Kathy.&nbsp; In 1975, they added a fourth: nephew, John Bartels joined them. Their happy home also included (at times) an exchange student, pheasant hunters, and other family who all enjoyed Vonnie’s abundant hospitality. Vonnie and Bob farmed and ranched in Frontier County.&nbsp; They were very proud of the operation they built, and in her later years Vonnie still enjoyed drives to the farm to see what was going on. Vonnie was vital in the community, typically in leadership roles: the Zion Hill Ladies Club, three different extension clubs, three bridge clubs, PEO (serving in all positions), and she was recently awarded a 50-year member pin for UMW. She was instrumental in establishing Meals on Wheels as a daily option for McCook residents and enjoyed delivering the meals also.&nbsp; She and Bob sponsored MYF, chaperoned youth trips, and supervised the MYF food booth at the County Fair. Vonnie and Bob started traveling by motor home in 1990; it soon became a passion.&nbsp; They crisscrossed the US, everywhere meeting additional friends for life.&nbsp; Vonnie served this community too: as president of the Missouri Valley Chapter of the ACA and charter member of the “Same Old Buddies” RV club.&nbsp; Vonnie loved her family and loved visitors.&nbsp; She was always ready to feed you even if you had just eaten! She gardened, canned, and made delicious cookies and jellies. She enjoyed Husker volleyball and football and enthusiastically attended as many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events as possible. Preceding her in death were her parents, Ernie and Blanche Teel; in-laws, Bill and Myrtle Tiller; and her husband, Bob in August of 2017. She is survived by her children: Don (Patty) Tiller of Fort Collins, CO; Jim (Theresa) Tiller of Curtis; Kathy (Milan) Hanson of Fort Collins, CO; and John (Lori) Bartels of McCook;&nbsp;eleven grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.&nbsp; Also surviving are her&nbsp;sister Margaret Johnson of Omaha; and brother Marvin Teel of Keystone, SD.&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Friday afternoon, October 1, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.&nbsp; The family will be present from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM to greet friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday afternoon, October 2, 2021 at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Pastor Jeff Kelley &nbsp;officiating.&nbsp; Interment will follow services in Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook.&nbsp;&nbsp;Services will also be livestreamed through the church's website (mccookumc.com) for those that cannot attend. Memorials are suggested to Memorial United Methodist Church in Vonnie's Name.&nbsp; Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.&nbsp; Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632847498621.png" alt="Vonnie Tiller" />
 <figcaption>Vonnie Tiller</figcaption>
 </figure>Veronica “Vonnie” (Teel) Tiller, entered Heaven on September 24, 2021. Growing up during the Great Depression, Vonnie learned the values of hard work, self-reliance, and generosity she practiced throughout her life. Vonnie was born north of Indianola on February 11, 1931. She attended high school in Curtis where she took teacher training classes. Her first job at age 17 was the one-room Zion Hill School with seven students, two of which were age 14.&nbsp; Her younger brother, Marv was once among her students. In 1954, she married Robert “Bob” Tiller and they raised three children:&nbsp; Don, Jim and Kathy.&nbsp; In 1975, they added a fourth: nephew, John Bartels joined them. Their happy home also included (at times) an exchange student, pheasant hunters, and other family who all enjoyed Vonnie’s abundant hospitality. Vonnie and Bob farmed and ranched in Frontier County.&nbsp; They were very proud of the operation they built, and in her later years Vonnie still enjoyed drives to the farm to see what was going on. Vonnie was vital in the community, typically in leadership roles: the Zion Hill Ladies Club, three different extension clubs, three bridge clubs, PEO (serving in all positions), and she was recently awarded a 50-year member pin for UMW. She was instrumental in establishing Meals on Wheels as a daily option for McCook residents and enjoyed delivering the meals also.&nbsp; She and Bob sponsored MYF, chaperoned youth trips, and supervised the MYF food booth at the County Fair. Vonnie and Bob started traveling by motor home in 1990; it soon became a passion.&nbsp; They crisscrossed the US, everywhere meeting additional friends for life.&nbsp; Vonnie served this community too: as president of the Missouri Valley Chapter of the ACA and charter member of the “Same Old Buddies” RV club.&nbsp; Vonnie loved her family and loved visitors.&nbsp; She was always ready to feed you even if you had just eaten! She gardened, canned, and made delicious cookies and jellies. She enjoyed Husker volleyball and football and enthusiastically attended as many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s events as possible. Preceding her in death were her parents, Ernie and Blanche Teel; in-laws, Bill and Myrtle Tiller; and her husband, Bob in August of 2017. She is survived by her children: Don (Patty) Tiller of Fort Collins, CO; Jim (Theresa) Tiller of Curtis; Kathy (Milan) Hanson of Fort Collins, CO; and John (Lori) Bartels of McCook;&nbsp;eleven grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.&nbsp; Also surviving are her&nbsp;sister Margaret Johnson of Omaha; and brother Marvin Teel of Keystone, SD.&nbsp; Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Friday afternoon, October 1, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.&nbsp; The family will be present from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM to greet friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday afternoon, October 2, 2021 at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with Pastor Jeff Kelley &nbsp;officiating.&nbsp; Interment will follow services in Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook.&nbsp;&nbsp;Services will also be livestreamed through the church's website (mccookumc.com) for those that cannot attend. Memorials are suggested to Memorial United Methodist Church in Vonnie's Name.&nbsp; Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.&nbsp; Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

Veronica "Vonnie" Tiller (1931-2021)

Frieda "Arlene" Elmshaeuser, 96, of Ogallala, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant, NE.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Arlene was born on January 17, 1925 in Brule, Ne, to Howard and Lena (Harms) Dressler.&nbsp;&nbsp;She received her education in Brule and lived on the family farm east of Brule. After graduating high school, she worked for the Superintendent of Schools at the Keith County Courthouse in Ogallala for a few years.&nbsp;&nbsp; She then worked as a secretary at Saunders Lumber Company, in Ogallala, where she met her husband. She married Ralph Elmshaeuser on September 3, 1950 and moved to their farm southeast of Ogallala.&nbsp;&nbsp; There they raised four children and later in life, two grandsons.&nbsp; She was a devoted farm wife and skilled homemaker.&nbsp;&nbsp; After Ralph’s passing in 2002, she lived at the farm for one more year before purchasing a home in Ogallala.&nbsp; In 2018, she moved to Grant, Ne where she made her home at Park Ridge Assisted Living.&nbsp;&nbsp; Arlene loved baking, gardening, canning, making butter and cheese, sewing, tending to flowers, bible studies, reading devotions,&nbsp; and playing cards/marbles with her family and friends. She was infamous for her coconut cream pie. Her unbounded faith provided hope and comfort to many.&nbsp; Arlene is survived by four children, Randy (Adela) Elmshaeuser of Ogallala, Kent (Sue) Elmshaeuser of North Platte, Hal (Mary) Elmshaeuser of North Platte&nbsp;and Jo Elmshaeuser of Lincoln; ten grandchildren, Jake (Teri) Elmshaeuser , Jenifer (Lynn) Fischer, Lance (Barbie) Elmshaeuser, Rianna Elmshaeuser,&nbsp; Aaron (Elisa) Elmshaeuser, Ben (Whitney) Elmshaeuser, Amy (Chad) Helgeson, Dustin (Lisa) Jorgensen, Rafael (Gale) Weisheit, Zachary Giles;&nbsp;seventeen great grandchildren; brother-in-laws, Roy Elmshaeuser and Lawrence Smith; sister-in-law, Lorna Carey.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, three sisters, Alice Russell, Irl Cole, and Karen Smith.&nbsp; Arlene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Perkins County Community Hospital and Park Ridge Assisted Living for the care she received.&nbsp;&nbsp; Memorials in Arlene’s honor may be dropped off or mailed to: Draucker Funeral Home (700 N Spruce St, Ogallala, NE 69153).&nbsp;&nbsp; Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10:00am from St Paul's Lutheran Church with the Rev Albert Bader of St John's Lutheran Church&nbsp;and Rev Michael Heckmann of Zion Lutheran Church of Grant&nbsp; officiating. Interment will be at the Ogallala Cemetery following the service.

Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com and then posted to the website following the service.&nbsp; Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala has been entrusted with arrangements.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632847076186.jpeg" alt="Arlene Elmshaeuser" />
 <figcaption>Arlene Elmshaeuser</figcaption>
 </figure>Frieda "Arlene" Elmshaeuser, 96, of Ogallala, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant, NE.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Arlene was born on January 17, 1925 in Brule, Ne, to Howard and Lena (Harms) Dressler.&nbsp;&nbsp;She received her education in Brule and lived on the family farm east of Brule. After graduating high school, she worked for the Superintendent of Schools at the Keith County Courthouse in Ogallala for a few years.&nbsp;&nbsp; She then worked as a secretary at Saunders Lumber Company, in Ogallala, where she met her husband. She married Ralph Elmshaeuser on September 3, 1950 and moved to their farm southeast of Ogallala.&nbsp;&nbsp; There they raised four children and later in life, two grandsons.&nbsp; She was a devoted farm wife and skilled homemaker.&nbsp;&nbsp; After Ralph’s passing in 2002, she lived at the farm for one more year before purchasing a home in Ogallala.&nbsp; In 2018, she moved to Grant, Ne where she made her home at Park Ridge Assisted Living.&nbsp;&nbsp; Arlene loved baking, gardening, canning, making butter and cheese, sewing, tending to flowers, bible studies, reading devotions,&nbsp; and playing cards/marbles with her family and friends. She was infamous for her coconut cream pie. Her unbounded faith provided hope and comfort to many.&nbsp; Arlene is survived by four children, Randy (Adela) Elmshaeuser of Ogallala, Kent (Sue) Elmshaeuser of North Platte, Hal (Mary) Elmshaeuser of North Platte&nbsp;and Jo Elmshaeuser of Lincoln; ten grandchildren, Jake (Teri) Elmshaeuser , Jenifer (Lynn) Fischer, Lance (Barbie) Elmshaeuser, Rianna Elmshaeuser,&nbsp; Aaron (Elisa) Elmshaeuser, Ben (Whitney) Elmshaeuser, Amy (Chad) Helgeson, Dustin (Lisa) Jorgensen, Rafael (Gale) Weisheit, Zachary Giles;&nbsp;seventeen great grandchildren; brother-in-laws, Roy Elmshaeuser and Lawrence Smith; sister-in-law, Lorna Carey.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, three sisters, Alice Russell, Irl Cole, and Karen Smith.&nbsp; Arlene’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Perkins County Community Hospital and Park Ridge Assisted Living for the care she received.&nbsp;&nbsp; Memorials in Arlene’s honor may be dropped off or mailed to: Draucker Funeral Home (700 N Spruce St, Ogallala, NE 69153).&nbsp;&nbsp; Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10:00am from St Paul's Lutheran Church with the Rev Albert Bader of St John's Lutheran Church&nbsp;and Rev Michael Heckmann of Zion Lutheran Church of Grant&nbsp; officiating. Interment will be at the Ogallala Cemetery following the service.Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com and then posted to the website following the service.&nbsp; Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala has been entrusted with arrangements.&nbsp;

Frieda "Arlene" Elmshaeuser (1925-2021)

Mary McNutt Kemp, 94, of Tryon, Nebraska departed this life on September 25, 2021, at the Quality Nursing Home in Broken Bow, Nebraska.&nbsp; The youngest of four children, Mary was born to Lucius and Florence (Black) Tupper on December 27, 1926 in Ringgold, Nebraska. Mary graduated from McPherson County High School and received her teacher’s certification.&nbsp; She married Leorice “Bub” McNutt, June 14, 1946.&nbsp; To this union four children were born: Shara, Patty, Mart and Duane.&nbsp; Her ranch life was busy in the hayfields, raising livestock, gardening, canning and she was best known for baking bread and pies.&nbsp; Mary loved living in the Sandhills of Nebraska.&nbsp; Bub passed away in January 1972.&nbsp; Mary continued caring for the ranch with the help of her two sons, Mart and Duane.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In December 1980, she married Emerson “Tom” Kemp, Sr.&nbsp; They enjoyed playing cards and bowling. Tom passed away in November 2004. Along with Mary’s parents, Lucius and Florence; her two husbands, Bub and Tom; she was preceded in death by her sisters; Hazel Paxton, LaVada Rodewald; brother, Lyle Tupper. Mary’s caring heart will be missed by daughters, Shara (Tom) Smyth, and Patty Kemp; sons, Mart (Cindy)McNutt and Duane (Sami) McNutt; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with several step-sons, including Rex Kemp.&nbsp; Mary’s love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unmeasurable and they all will miss their “Grammy Nutt.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Family survivors include Wilda Schmidt (Delbert dec’d), Twyla (Wally) Dancer and Delma Knapp.&nbsp; Her family would like to thank Sandra Black for taking extraordinary care of Mary in her home.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Ringgold Free Methodist, Ringgold, Nebraska with Pastor John Parsons officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow at Loup Valley Cemetery, Stapleton, Nebraska.&nbsp; Visitation will be noon – 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 1 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp;

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Tryon Fire and Ambulance in Mary’s name.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to PO Box 71, Tryon, Nebraska, 69167.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632846649790.jpeg" alt="Mary McNutt Kemp" />
 <figcaption>Mary McNutt Kemp</figcaption>
 </figure>Mary McNutt Kemp, 94, of Tryon, Nebraska departed this life on September 25, 2021, at the Quality Nursing Home in Broken Bow, Nebraska.&nbsp; The youngest of four children, Mary was born to Lucius and Florence (Black) Tupper on December 27, 1926 in Ringgold, Nebraska. Mary graduated from McPherson County High School and received her teacher’s certification.&nbsp; She married Leorice “Bub” McNutt, June 14, 1946.&nbsp; To this union four children were born: Shara, Patty, Mart and Duane.&nbsp; Her ranch life was busy in the hayfields, raising livestock, gardening, canning and she was best known for baking bread and pies.&nbsp; Mary loved living in the Sandhills of Nebraska.&nbsp; Bub passed away in January 1972.&nbsp; Mary continued caring for the ranch with the help of her two sons, Mart and Duane.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In December 1980, she married Emerson “Tom” Kemp, Sr.&nbsp; They enjoyed playing cards and bowling. Tom passed away in November 2004. Along with Mary’s parents, Lucius and Florence; her two husbands, Bub and Tom; she was preceded in death by her sisters; Hazel Paxton, LaVada Rodewald; brother, Lyle Tupper. Mary’s caring heart will be missed by daughters, Shara (Tom) Smyth, and Patty Kemp; sons, Mart (Cindy)McNutt and Duane (Sami) McNutt; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with several step-sons, including Rex Kemp.&nbsp; Mary’s love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unmeasurable and they all will miss their “Grammy Nutt.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Family survivors include Wilda Schmidt (Delbert dec’d), Twyla (Wally) Dancer and Delma Knapp.&nbsp; Her family would like to thank Sandra Black for taking extraordinary care of Mary in her home. Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Ringgold Free Methodist, Ringgold, Nebraska with Pastor John Parsons officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow at Loup Valley Cemetery, Stapleton, Nebraska.&nbsp; Visitation will be noon – 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 1 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Tryon Fire and Ambulance in Mary’s name.&nbsp; Condolences may be sent to PO Box 71, Tryon, Nebraska, 69167.

Mary McNutt Kemp (1926-2021)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Denise Cardenas. On Saturday, September 25, 2021, Denise joined her heavenly family and gained her wings after blessing us with 60 years, 2 months, and 3 days on this earth. She was held in a loving embrace by her children, her brother, Dennis, and her sister, Julie, as she took her last breaths and departed this world at 4:23 p.m. Denise was born to Gerold and Bonnie Peden on July 22, 1961, at 10:40 a.m. in North Platte, Nebraska. In 1978, Denise met Mike Cardenas and after graduating from North Platte High School, they ventured off to live in Rowland Heights, CA. While in California, Denise helped manage the Casa La Paz apartment complex that her good friends, Lupe and Ernie, owned. Denise loved to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm and Dodger's Stadium, amongst other memorable places, and go whale watching on the beach. Denise and Mike were married in Las Vegas on July 25, 1989. In 1990, Mike hired on the Union Pacific Railroad and they moved back to North Platte. Denise was blessed to be able to stay home and raise her five children, whom she loved with all her heart. While in Nebraska, Denise enjoyed fishing, cooking, baking, the outdoors, Husker football and gardening but especially loved her oldies music; Diana Ross was her absolute favorite singer of all time. On her 55th birthday Denise was surprised with tickets to see Diana Ross at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha. She was able to see Diana again for her 58th birthday at the Stir Cover in Council Bluffs. Most important of all, Denise loved spending time with her children and her only grandchild, Haden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerold and Bonnie Peden; sister, Sandy Peden; nephew, Chad Brauer; and sister-in-law, Darlene Peden. Denise is survived by her husband, Mike Cardenas, of North Platte; their children, Michelle Cardenas (Eric) and Miranda Cardenas, of Lincoln and Michael, Terrell and Tiffany Cardenas, and grandson, Haden Cardenas, all of North Platte; her siblings, Kathy (Chuck) Brauer, of North Platte, Julie Peden, of Lincoln, Mark Peden, of Globe, AZ, and her twin brother, Dennis Peden, of Columbus; and other family. Services will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday, October 1, 2021, with a Rosary Service at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the Plainview Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Viewing is for family only. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632846206778.jpeg" alt="Denise Cardenas" />
 <figcaption>Denise Cardenas</figcaption>
 </figure>It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Denise Cardenas. On Saturday, September 25, 2021, Denise joined her heavenly family and gained her wings after blessing us with 60 years, 2 months, and 3 days on this earth. She was held in a loving embrace by her children, her brother, Dennis, and her sister, Julie, as she took her last breaths and departed this world at 4:23 p.m. Denise was born to Gerold and Bonnie Peden on July 22, 1961, at 10:40 a.m. in North Platte, Nebraska. In 1978, Denise met Mike Cardenas and after graduating from North Platte High School, they ventured off to live in Rowland Heights, CA. While in California, Denise helped manage the Casa La Paz apartment complex that her good friends, Lupe and Ernie, owned. Denise loved to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm and Dodger's Stadium, amongst other memorable places, and go whale watching on the beach. Denise and Mike were married in Las Vegas on July 25, 1989. In 1990, Mike hired on the Union Pacific Railroad and they moved back to North Platte. Denise was blessed to be able to stay home and raise her five children, whom she loved with all her heart. While in Nebraska, Denise enjoyed fishing, cooking, baking, the outdoors, Husker football and gardening but especially loved her oldies music; Diana Ross was her absolute favorite singer of all time. On her 55th birthday Denise was surprised with tickets to see Diana Ross at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha. She was able to see Diana again for her 58th birthday at the Stir Cover in Council Bluffs. Most important of all, Denise loved spending time with her children and her only grandchild, Haden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerold and Bonnie Peden; sister, Sandy Peden; nephew, Chad Brauer; and sister-in-law, Darlene Peden. Denise is survived by her husband, Mike Cardenas, of North Platte; their children, Michelle Cardenas (Eric) and Miranda Cardenas, of Lincoln and Michael, Terrell and Tiffany Cardenas, and grandson, Haden Cardenas, all of North Platte; her siblings, Kathy (Chuck) Brauer, of North Platte, Julie Peden, of Lincoln, Mark Peden, of Globe, AZ, and her twin brother, Dennis Peden, of Columbus; and other family. Services will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday, October 1, 2021, with a Rosary Service at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the Plainview Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Viewing is for family only. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Denise Cardenas (1961-2021)

On September 26, 2021, Patricia 'Patty' Summers, of Hershey, died at Great Plains Health at the age of 62. Patty was born in North Platte on July 1, 1959, to Harry and Harriett Sims.&nbsp; She grew up in different places and graduated from Moriarty High School in New Mexico. In 1981, Patty met Michael Summers.&nbsp; The couple married on February 5, 1983, at the Methodist Church in Hershey.&nbsp; Since Mike was in the Navy they lived in different places including Tennessee and Florida.&nbsp; They also lived in Ogallala, McCook and Sutherland before settling in Hershey. Patty worked as a meat cutter for Maline's Super Foods at Sutherland and cleaned the Methodist churches at Sutherland and Hershey, where she was also a member. Patty was a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Blake Shelton. She enjoyed reading, bowling and was on a bowling team for several years in North Platte.&nbsp; Patty loved her family, especially her grandkids, and will be missed so much. She was preceded in death by her father, Harry, and brother, Mike Sims. Patty leaves behind her husband, Mike Summers, of Hershey; mother, Harriett Sims, of North Platte; sons, Joshua (Megan) Summers, of Alt, CO, and Christopher (Kourtney) Summers, of Hershey; grandkids, Ethan, Macin and Havyn; brothers, Mitchell (Colleen) Sims, of Astabula, OH, and Daniel (Shandell) Sims, of North Platte; as well as other family. Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp; Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the family for her grandkids' education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632846004994.jpeg" alt="Patty Summers" />
 <figcaption>Patty Summers</figcaption>
 </figure>On September 26, 2021, Patricia 'Patty' Summers, of Hershey, died at Great Plains Health at the age of 62. Patty was born in North Platte on July 1, 1959, to Harry and Harriett Sims.&nbsp; She grew up in different places and graduated from Moriarty High School in New Mexico. In 1981, Patty met Michael Summers.&nbsp; The couple married on February 5, 1983, at the Methodist Church in Hershey.&nbsp; Since Mike was in the Navy they lived in different places including Tennessee and Florida.&nbsp; They also lived in Ogallala, McCook and Sutherland before settling in Hershey. Patty worked as a meat cutter for Maline's Super Foods at Sutherland and cleaned the Methodist churches at Sutherland and Hershey, where she was also a member. Patty was a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Blake Shelton. She enjoyed reading, bowling and was on a bowling team for several years in North Platte.&nbsp; Patty loved her family, especially her grandkids, and will be missed so much. She was preceded in death by her father, Harry, and brother, Mike Sims. Patty leaves behind her husband, Mike Summers, of Hershey; mother, Harriett Sims, of North Platte; sons, Joshua (Megan) Summers, of Alt, CO, and Christopher (Kourtney) Summers, of Hershey; grandkids, Ethan, Macin and Havyn; brothers, Mitchell (Colleen) Sims, of Astabula, OH, and Daniel (Shandell) Sims, of North Platte; as well as other family. Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Odean Colonial Chapel.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.&nbsp; Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp; Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the family for her grandkids' education.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Patricia "Patty" Summers (1959-2021)

Ramona Irene Anderson, 92, of North Platte, went home to her heavenly maker on Sunday, September 26, 2021.&nbsp; Ramona was born on October 25, 1928 in Arapahoe, NE to Willard M. and Irene Houghtaling Baxter.&nbsp; She grew up in Arapahoe and graduated from Arapahoe High School with top honors in 1947.&nbsp; While in school Ramona was involved in about every activity: music, choir, band, drum majorette, acting, cheerleader, GAA, class officer and class plays.&nbsp; She was voted most peppiest girl.&nbsp; She attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE, where she studied voice and music.&nbsp; She met her future husband at Wesleyan. She was married to Richard Max Anderson in Arapahoe on October 25, 1950.&nbsp; Five children were born to this marriage, Jerry, Karen, Karla, Jordan and Jason. Ramona grew up during the depression years.&nbsp; She was very practical and conservative.&nbsp; Many stories were told about being raised in the depression.&nbsp; Her grandmother would find pieces of yarn, string and small cloth, they would be tied together and rolled in a ball for future use.&nbsp; When a pair of shoes were worn through, a piece of cardboard was cut to fit and placed on the inside of the shoe.&nbsp; When her grandmother’s skirts became seat sprung and worn, she turned them around and wore them backwards for every day wear. The pride in Ramona’s home were her family antiques.&nbsp; A pump organ, tall secretary, matching settee/loveseat and rocker, a dining room table and matching chairs with the original white castor wheels.&nbsp; A 6 ½ foot high bedroom head board, foot board and side rails.&nbsp; The list goes on.&nbsp; All those that visited her home got a tour and history story about each antique item. Ramona was born with perfect pitch and could sing like an angel.&nbsp; She played the piano and was involved in music all her life.&nbsp; She sang many solos, in duets, trios and choirs for many events.&nbsp; She was a past member of North Platte’s elite Monday Musicale for years and a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and the church choir.&nbsp; She enjoyed attending any function that involved band or orchestra music and of course singing.&nbsp; Her mornings at the kitchen table were always accompanied by listening to classical music playing on the radio. Ramona enjoyed a longtime career in law.&nbsp; This 30 plus year span began at the law office of Murphy Petersen and Piccolo for about 20 years then later on working for Susan Williams.&nbsp; She retired at the age of 64 to care for her husband Max.&nbsp; It was known when family and friends needed legal advice not to call an attorney, just ask Ramona, she will know how to help you or direct you.&nbsp; Ramona had a photographic memory.&nbsp; She could recall almost everyone she had meet plus any events and dates and the list goes on.&nbsp; She would write her state senators and governor on any political issues she felt needed to be addressed.&nbsp; She was honest, fearless, intelligent, proper and well spoken.&nbsp; Her wisdom had a ripple effect. Ramona had many treasured friends.&nbsp; She attended many reunions in Arapahoe.&nbsp; She would often have long phone conversations over the phone with friends from her school days.&nbsp; For years, she and Max entertained friends and family sitting around their big antique dining room table serving big dinners, coffees, social and musical gatherings.&nbsp; She looked forward to her monthly Bible study with good friends.&nbsp; Later in life, a long luncheon with caregivers was attended.&nbsp; These friends Ramona met while she cared for Max and others cared for their loved ones. Ramona and Max were very devoted and very loving parents and grandparents.&nbsp; They attended every function, event, and the numerous sports activities their children and grandchildren were involved in.&nbsp; They didn’t think twice about driving to the western and eastern parts of the state to support their children and grandchildren.&nbsp; With her deep devotion to her family it was important to her to spread her lessons of life to all of them: A Bible passage that encourages all of us to tend to our inheritance is Proverbs 6:20-22.

“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.&nbsp; Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.&nbsp; When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they well watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”

Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Irene Baxter; her husband, Richard Max “Andy” Anderson; son, Jerry Anderson and son-in-law, Mike Dorzweiler. She is survived by her children, Karen (Joe) Harshbarger of Bridgeport, NE, Karla Dorzweiler of North Platte, Jordan Anderson of Omaha, NE and Jason (Gloria) Anderson of North Platte; grandchildren, Caleb (Jennifer) Harshbarger of Marana, AZ, Joshua Harshbarger of Scottsbluff, NE, Karla Harshbarger of Sidney, NE, Dan Harshbarger of Lincoln, NE, Dana (Steven) Fiscus of Omaha, NE, Chelsey (Charlie) Martin of Sutherland, NE, Logan Anderson, Kaitlan Anderson and Bradey Anderson all of North Platte; great-grandchildren, Tyler Harshbarger, Holden Harshbarger, Devin Harshbarger, Harrison Harshbarger, Brynlee Fiscus,&nbsp; Emmy Martin, Bode Martin and Gentry Martin. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell with Pastor Emily McCreery officiating.&nbsp; Book signing will be on Thursday, September 30th from 12 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed to the family at <a href="http://www.carpentermemorial.com">www.carpentermemorial.com</a>.&nbsp; Arrangements have been entrusted to Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632845648699.jpeg" alt="Ramona Anderson" />
 <figcaption>Ramona Anderson</figcaption>
 </figure>Ramona Irene Anderson, 92, of North Platte, went home to her heavenly maker on Sunday, September 26, 2021.&nbsp; Ramona was born on October 25, 1928 in Arapahoe, NE to Willard M. and Irene Houghtaling Baxter.&nbsp; She grew up in Arapahoe and graduated from Arapahoe High School with top honors in 1947.&nbsp; While in school Ramona was involved in about every activity: music, choir, band, drum majorette, acting, cheerleader, GAA, class officer and class plays.&nbsp; She was voted most peppiest girl.&nbsp; She attended Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE, where she studied voice and music.&nbsp; She met her future husband at Wesleyan. She was married to Richard Max Anderson in Arapahoe on October 25, 1950.&nbsp; Five children were born to this marriage, Jerry, Karen, Karla, Jordan and Jason. Ramona grew up during the depression years.&nbsp; She was very practical and conservative.&nbsp; Many stories were told about being raised in the depression.&nbsp; Her grandmother would find pieces of yarn, string and small cloth, they would be tied together and rolled in a ball for future use.&nbsp; When a pair of shoes were worn through, a piece of cardboard was cut to fit and placed on the inside of the shoe.&nbsp; When her grandmother’s skirts became seat sprung and worn, she turned them around and wore them backwards for every day wear. The pride in Ramona’s home were her family antiques.&nbsp; A pump organ, tall secretary, matching settee/loveseat and rocker, a dining room table and matching chairs with the original white castor wheels.&nbsp; A 6 ½ foot high bedroom head board, foot board and side rails.&nbsp; The list goes on.&nbsp; All those that visited her home got a tour and history story about each antique item. Ramona was born with perfect pitch and could sing like an angel.&nbsp; She played the piano and was involved in music all her life.&nbsp; She sang many solos, in duets, trios and choirs for many events.&nbsp; She was a past member of North Platte’s elite Monday Musicale for years and a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church and the church choir.&nbsp; She enjoyed attending any function that involved band or orchestra music and of course singing.&nbsp; Her mornings at the kitchen table were always accompanied by listening to classical music playing on the radio. Ramona enjoyed a longtime career in law.&nbsp; This 30 plus year span began at the law office of Murphy Petersen and Piccolo for about 20 years then later on working for Susan Williams.&nbsp; She retired at the age of 64 to care for her husband Max.&nbsp; It was known when family and friends needed legal advice not to call an attorney, just ask Ramona, she will know how to help you or direct you.&nbsp; Ramona had a photographic memory.&nbsp; She could recall almost everyone she had meet plus any events and dates and the list goes on.&nbsp; She would write her state senators and governor on any political issues she felt needed to be addressed.&nbsp; She was honest, fearless, intelligent, proper and well spoken.&nbsp; Her wisdom had a ripple effect. Ramona had many treasured friends.&nbsp; She attended many reunions in Arapahoe.&nbsp; She would often have long phone conversations over the phone with friends from her school days.&nbsp; For years, she and Max entertained friends and family sitting around their big antique dining room table serving big dinners, coffees, social and musical gatherings.&nbsp; She looked forward to her monthly Bible study with good friends.&nbsp; Later in life, a long luncheon with caregivers was attended.&nbsp; These friends Ramona met while she cared for Max and others cared for their loved ones. Ramona and Max were very devoted and very loving parents and grandparents.&nbsp; They attended every function, event, and the numerous sports activities their children and grandchildren were involved in.&nbsp; They didn’t think twice about driving to the western and eastern parts of the state to support their children and grandchildren.&nbsp; With her deep devotion to her family it was important to her to spread her lessons of life to all of them: A Bible passage that encourages all of us to tend to our inheritance is Proverbs 6:20-22.“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.&nbsp; Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck.&nbsp; When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they well watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Irene Baxter; her husband, Richard Max “Andy” Anderson; son, Jerry Anderson and son-in-law, Mike Dorzweiler. She is survived by her children, Karen (Joe) Harshbarger of Bridgeport, NE, Karla Dorzweiler of North Platte, Jordan Anderson of Omaha, NE and Jason (Gloria) Anderson of North Platte; grandchildren, Caleb (Jennifer) Harshbarger of Marana, AZ, Joshua Harshbarger of Scottsbluff, NE, Karla Harshbarger of Sidney, NE, Dan Harshbarger of Lincoln, NE, Dana (Steven) Fiscus of Omaha, NE, Chelsey (Charlie) Martin of Sutherland, NE, Logan Anderson, Kaitlan Anderson and Bradey Anderson all of North Platte; great-grandchildren, Tyler Harshbarger, Holden Harshbarger, Devin Harshbarger, Harrison Harshbarger, Brynlee Fiscus,&nbsp; Emmy Martin, Bode Martin and Gentry Martin. Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, near Maxwell with Pastor Emily McCreery officiating.&nbsp; Book signing will be on Thursday, September 30th from 12 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed to the family at <a href="http://www.carpentermemorial.com">www.carpentermemorial.com</a>.&nbsp; Arrangements have been entrusted to Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte.

Ramona Irene Anderson (1928-2021)

Stephen Jennings Moreland was born to Robert Jennings and Elaine Anderson Moreland on November 8, 1951, in Gordon, Nebraska. Steve and his three younger sisters Sandra, Sybil, and Nancy were raised on the family ranch eight miles northeast of Merriman, where he grew to love the beauty of the Sandhills and the cowboy way of life. His grade school years were mostly in the Merriman school system, with the exception of two years of country school — his fourth grade year in a trailer house on his family’s Green Valley Ranch, and his eighth grade year in a vacant tenant house on the Weber Ranch three miles to the northwest, where there were six kids in six different grades. Steve attended his Freshman and Sophomore years in Merriman, but as their High School closed in 1968, he finished his education in Gordon, graduating in the Class of 1970. That summer Steve would recollect fondly as one of the most memorable of his life — working as a wrangler on the Moose Head Ranch, a guest ranch in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He then attended a year at Chadron State College, before working the summer of 1971 in the hayfield on the family ranch, as he’d promised his dad he would. They put up the last stack on August 3rd, and before sunup the following morning, Steve’s pickup was headed back to the Wyoming mountains. He worked again as a wrangler on the Moose Head for a couple weeks, before spending the rest of the fall outfitting on LD Frome’s elk hunting camps in the Teton Wilderness Area, near the southeast corner of Yellowstone Park. He would recount an incident from his time on the hunting camp which he figured was one of the most apparent “miracles” he’d ever personally experienced. He was leading a pack-string of eight mules when, nearing a stream, he was suddenly taken by an overwhelming thirst. Though not planning to stop his string, he decided to; and as he was bending over for a drink of water, on the path ahead a tall pine tree spontaneously toppled, crashing across the trail. Had he not stopped, it would have most likely hit him, or at the very least, his mules. He always reckoned an angel must have been standing over that stream. That winter, Steve returned to the Sandhills of Cherry County to settle into ranching alongside his dad, Bob. Having been assigned a low number in the military lottery and with the likelihood of being drafted, he enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard on January 22, 1972. Though trained as a clerk in Fort Ord, California, he would become a forward observer in his home unit with the 155 Artillery at Chadron. &nbsp;Monthly drills and summer training provided periodic diversions from ranching over the next six years, until his honorable discharge in January of 1978. Later that year, Steve proposed to a local ranch girl, Carol McCrory, on the top of Scotts-Bluff, just outside the town of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where Carol was in Nurse’s Training at the time. He told her he’d bought a small ranch south of Merriman, was planning on running about 200 head and needed a cook for the place, and was she interested? Despite the ambiguity of his proposal she said ‘yes’, and they were married the following summer just after sunrise on June 23, 1979, on the Jack Cobb Ranch by the Niobrara River. After the ceremony they took off on their honeymoon for Steve’s favorite place on earth after the Sandhills, the Tetons. The first seven years of their marriage were spent on the old Leach place 18 miles south of Merriman, where every morning Carol helped him hitch up their runaway team of Belgians, ‘The Rushmore Four’ — George, Thomas, Teddy and Abe. Though working occasionally as a qualified nurse, soon Carol’s full-time job of choice was to work alongside her husband, which she did faithfully for the rest of his life. He always maintained she was the hardest working person on the ranch, and they shared the greatest respect for one another, living, working and raising a family together through the 42 successful years of their marriage. Their first son, William Jennings, was born August 17, 1982, while they were still living down south. In the spring of 1986, they sold the Leach place to George ‘Butch’ Shadbolt and purchased the Ronald Snyder Ranch adjacent to Bob’s Green Valley. After a two day trail drive from one ranch to the other, Steve, 8 months pregnant Carol, and 3 year old Will started their new “ranching adventure”. On June 10, 1986, Tiffany Jean was born, and the family was completed a few years later with Brock Jeremy on February 6, 1989. In 1994, Bob and Elaine Moreland retired, enabling Steve and Carol to lease the Green Valley and run it along with their own Spearhead Ranch. Thus ensued many more decades of ranching, which Steve experienced not as an occupation, but as a way of life with his wife and kids. Preferring from a young age the company of ‘old timers’, and forever surrounded by a library of cowboy memoirs, Steve enjoyed stories of days gone by, and invariably approached aspects of ranching with the same nostalgic tone, while also trying to embrace methods that would withstand the test of time, drought, hail, changing fads, plenty and want. Always a horse enthusiast and teamster when time allowed, many would have seen Steve and Carol over the years with a team and buggy at the local County Fair Parades, or on trail rides with their kids in tow. In the summer of 1989, Steve, Carol, Will, Tiffany and four-month-old Brock joined the historic ‘Cody to Mullen wagon train’. In November of 1997, Steve and Carol took their kids and a good family friend, John Burton, to the Grand Canyon, where they rode mules to the bottom and back fifty years to the day from when John had made the same trip on his own horses in 1947. Inspired by a story in one of his old cowboy books, Steve and Carol decided to ride 100 miles in a day, just to see if they could. They started early on the morning of October 3, 1998, in Clinton, Nebraska, and after 14 hours and 5 changes of horses, finished in Valentine, Nebraska, where Old West Days was taking place. Steve grew up appreciating photography, and from the old prints or thrill of a Kodak film order to that of uploading digital photos, he never tired of trying to capture the unassuming majesty of the Sandhills, or the everyday moments of his family and friends. It was his love of photography, deeply instilled work ethic, and the freedom and usefulness of a Polaris Ranger in the choppy north hills that kept him involved in the daily running of the ranch with his wife and sons after a nasty bout of West Nile Virus in 2013, which debilitated his walking for several years. He worked hard to regain strength to get back in the saddle, and did that time and again — after he had a heart stent put in the summer of 2014, and after winning a match with cancer in 2018. Although perhaps not outwardly emotive, Steve experienced a deeply rooted and sincere love of his Creator, attributing the beauty of his days, the love of his family, and all the blessings of his life to the One who gave them to him. Steve loved living in the Sandhills of Cherry County with the family he so cherished — his wife, and their children and grandchildren — working to raise good cattle, be a good neighbor and a friend to all. His faith in God was as vast as the prairie skies he so loved, knowing him as his Savior and friend. He implored his family to not stop “living” on his account, knowing that any illness could take his life if contracted. He was truly at peace and didn’t have any fear of death due to his faith in Jesus. Stephen Jennings Moreland passed from this life on September 21, 2021, just shy of his 70th birthday, at Faith Regional Hospital, Norfolk, Nebraska, with his beloved wife and partner, Carol, by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elaine Moreland, and sister, Sandra Moreland Channer. He is survived by his wife, Carol, sons Will (Desiree) Moreland and Fiora, Finnegan, and George, Brock (Chelsie) Moreland and Holden, Rowan, and Hugh, daughter Tiffany (Thomas) Stokely and Olivia, Amelia, and Eleanor, sisters Sybil Moreland, and Nancy (Shawn) Vineyard; numerous nieces, nephews family and friends-both Facebook and personal! Memorials donations may be made to:&nbsp; Sandhills Cattle Association Scholarship Fund, www.thedustproject.com, Preserve the Sandhills or The Tri-State Cowboy Museum.

Funeral service for Steve Moreland, age 69 of Merriman, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Valentine.&nbsp; Visitation will be on Monday, Sept. 27th from 5-7 at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632757039334.jpeg" alt="Stephen Moreland" />
 <figcaption>Stephen Moreland</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephen Jennings Moreland was born to Robert Jennings and Elaine Anderson Moreland on November 8, 1951, in Gordon, Nebraska. Steve and his three younger sisters Sandra, Sybil, and Nancy were raised on the family ranch eight miles northeast of Merriman, where he grew to love the beauty of the Sandhills and the cowboy way of life. His grade school years were mostly in the Merriman school system, with the exception of two years of country school — his fourth grade year in a trailer house on his family’s Green Valley Ranch, and his eighth grade year in a vacant tenant house on the Weber Ranch three miles to the northwest, where there were six kids in six different grades. Steve attended his Freshman and Sophomore years in Merriman, but as their High School closed in 1968, he finished his education in Gordon, graduating in the Class of 1970. That summer Steve would recollect fondly as one of the most memorable of his life — working as a wrangler on the Moose Head Ranch, a guest ranch in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, near Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He then attended a year at Chadron State College, before working the summer of 1971 in the hayfield on the family ranch, as he’d promised his dad he would. They put up the last stack on August 3rd, and before sunup the following morning, Steve’s pickup was headed back to the Wyoming mountains. He worked again as a wrangler on the Moose Head for a couple weeks, before spending the rest of the fall outfitting on LD Frome’s elk hunting camps in the Teton Wilderness Area, near the southeast corner of Yellowstone Park. He would recount an incident from his time on the hunting camp which he figured was one of the most apparent “miracles” he’d ever personally experienced. He was leading a pack-string of eight mules when, nearing a stream, he was suddenly taken by an overwhelming thirst. Though not planning to stop his string, he decided to; and as he was bending over for a drink of water, on the path ahead a tall pine tree spontaneously toppled, crashing across the trail. Had he not stopped, it would have most likely hit him, or at the very least, his mules. He always reckoned an angel must have been standing over that stream. That winter, Steve returned to the Sandhills of Cherry County to settle into ranching alongside his dad, Bob. Having been assigned a low number in the military lottery and with the likelihood of being drafted, he enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard on January 22, 1972. Though trained as a clerk in Fort Ord, California, he would become a forward observer in his home unit with the 155 Artillery at Chadron. &nbsp;Monthly drills and summer training provided periodic diversions from ranching over the next six years, until his honorable discharge in January of 1978. Later that year, Steve proposed to a local ranch girl, Carol McCrory, on the top of Scotts-Bluff, just outside the town of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where Carol was in Nurse’s Training at the time. He told her he’d bought a small ranch south of Merriman, was planning on running about 200 head and needed a cook for the place, and was she interested? Despite the ambiguity of his proposal she said ‘yes’, and they were married the following summer just after sunrise on June 23, 1979, on the Jack Cobb Ranch by the Niobrara River. After the ceremony they took off on their honeymoon for Steve’s favorite place on earth after the Sandhills, the Tetons. The first seven years of their marriage were spent on the old Leach place 18 miles south of Merriman, where every morning Carol helped him hitch up their runaway team of Belgians, ‘The Rushmore Four’ — George, Thomas, Teddy and Abe. Though working occasionally as a qualified nurse, soon Carol’s full-time job of choice was to work alongside her husband, which she did faithfully for the rest of his life. He always maintained she was the hardest working person on the ranch, and they shared the greatest respect for one another, living, working and raising a family together through the 42 successful years of their marriage. Their first son, William Jennings, was born August 17, 1982, while they were still living down south. In the spring of 1986, they sold the Leach place to George ‘Butch’ Shadbolt and purchased the Ronald Snyder Ranch adjacent to Bob’s Green Valley. After a two day trail drive from one ranch to the other, Steve, 8 months pregnant Carol, and 3 year old Will started their new “ranching adventure”. On June 10, 1986, Tiffany Jean was born, and the family was completed a few years later with Brock Jeremy on February 6, 1989. In 1994, Bob and Elaine Moreland retired, enabling Steve and Carol to lease the Green Valley and run it along with their own Spearhead Ranch. Thus ensued many more decades of ranching, which Steve experienced not as an occupation, but as a way of life with his wife and kids. Preferring from a young age the company of ‘old timers’, and forever surrounded by a library of cowboy memoirs, Steve enjoyed stories of days gone by, and invariably approached aspects of ranching with the same nostalgic tone, while also trying to embrace methods that would withstand the test of time, drought, hail, changing fads, plenty and want. Always a horse enthusiast and teamster when time allowed, many would have seen Steve and Carol over the years with a team and buggy at the local County Fair Parades, or on trail rides with their kids in tow. In the summer of 1989, Steve, Carol, Will, Tiffany and four-month-old Brock joined the historic ‘Cody to Mullen wagon train’. In November of 1997, Steve and Carol took their kids and a good family friend, John Burton, to the Grand Canyon, where they rode mules to the bottom and back fifty years to the day from when John had made the same trip on his own horses in 1947. Inspired by a story in one of his old cowboy books, Steve and Carol decided to ride 100 miles in a day, just to see if they could. They started early on the morning of October 3, 1998, in Clinton, Nebraska, and after 14 hours and 5 changes of horses, finished in Valentine, Nebraska, where Old West Days was taking place. Steve grew up appreciating photography, and from the old prints or thrill of a Kodak film order to that of uploading digital photos, he never tired of trying to capture the unassuming majesty of the Sandhills, or the everyday moments of his family and friends. It was his love of photography, deeply instilled work ethic, and the freedom and usefulness of a Polaris Ranger in the choppy north hills that kept him involved in the daily running of the ranch with his wife and sons after a nasty bout of West Nile Virus in 2013, which debilitated his walking for several years. He worked hard to regain strength to get back in the saddle, and did that time and again — after he had a heart stent put in the summer of 2014, and after winning a match with cancer in 2018. Although perhaps not outwardly emotive, Steve experienced a deeply rooted and sincere love of his Creator, attributing the beauty of his days, the love of his family, and all the blessings of his life to the One who gave them to him. Steve loved living in the Sandhills of Cherry County with the family he so cherished — his wife, and their children and grandchildren — working to raise good cattle, be a good neighbor and a friend to all. His faith in God was as vast as the prairie skies he so loved, knowing him as his Savior and friend. He implored his family to not stop “living” on his account, knowing that any illness could take his life if contracted. He was truly at peace and didn’t have any fear of death due to his faith in Jesus. Stephen Jennings Moreland passed from this life on September 21, 2021, just shy of his 70th birthday, at Faith Regional Hospital, Norfolk, Nebraska, with his beloved wife and partner, Carol, by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elaine Moreland, and sister, Sandra Moreland Channer. He is survived by his wife, Carol, sons Will (Desiree) Moreland and Fiora, Finnegan, and George, Brock (Chelsie) Moreland and Holden, Rowan, and Hugh, daughter Tiffany (Thomas) Stokely and Olivia, Amelia, and Eleanor, sisters Sybil Moreland, and Nancy (Shawn) Vineyard; numerous nieces, nephews family and friends-both Facebook and personal! Memorials donations may be made to:&nbsp; Sandhills Cattle Association Scholarship Fund, www.thedustproject.com, Preserve the Sandhills or The Tri-State Cowboy Museum.Funeral service for Steve Moreland, age 69 of Merriman, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Valentine.&nbsp; Visitation will be on Monday, Sept. 27th from 5-7 at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine.&nbsp;

Stephen J. Moreland (1951-2021)

Donna Jensen, age 80, of Purdum died September 24, 2021, at the Callaway Good Life Center. Funeral services will be Wednesday September 29, 2021, at 2:00 PM at the United Church of Christ in Purdum. Burial will follow at the Purdum Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the United Church of Christ or the Parkinson's Foundation. A visitation will be held on Tuesday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary and Wednesday 12:00 Noon until service time at the church.&nbsp; Online condolences can be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.govierbrothers.com/">www.govierbrothers.com</a>&nbsp; Donna was born on May 27, 1941, to Ray and Mae (Marsh) Ridenour in Mullen, Nebraska. The youngest of nine children, Donna always loved to be in the center of the action. She graduated from Mullen High School in 1959 and moved to the ranch near Purdum after her marriage to Bill Jensen in 1960. The proud mom of two sons, William Raymond and Bernard Lee, Donna enjoyed helping both boys with their 4-H projects and you could always hear Donna cheering on the sideline when Billy or Bernie played sports. In fact, at a district wrestling meet in Arnold, Donna's loud yelling and very close proximity to the wrestling mat resulted in her being firmly escorted by the Sandhills coach back to the bleachers with the rest of the spectators. In addition to helping Bill on the ranch, Donna worked at the Halsey Forest. Many of the trees on the ranch today are the discarded trees Donna was allowed to bring home from work. She was also named a top Avon salesperson during those years. Donna would joke that many of her Sandhills neighbors found out quickly the only way to get her to leave their house was to buy an Avon product. For several years, Donna also helped operate the grocery store/cafe in Halsey. Then in 1971, Donna began her long and successful career in the postal service when she was named Assistant Postmaster at Purdum. Donna's strong work ethic and leadership led to her promotion to Postmaster at Purdum and she later served as Postmaster at Potter, Hyannis, Arnold, and Ainsworth, making lots of great friends at each town. Donna was an active member of the National Association of Postmasters in the US (or NAPUS) and never missed a postal convention. Those conventions took her all over the United States, from Alaska to Texas and California to Boston. She was elected President of NAPUS and considered a generous and valued mentor to new postal employees. Postmasters around the nation also spoke highly of her expertise in organizing the most fun and often rowdy bus trips. Donna never knew a stranger and loved to make others laugh - she was famous among the postal group for her practical jokes and wicked sense of humor. Donna enjoyed being part of a bowling league for many years and loved to golf. She was known for her delicious cinnamon rolls, steadfast dedication to buying Powerball &amp; scratch tickets, as well as her love of Rum Chata and Husker football. Donna's home was always open to anybody - especially kids &nbsp;who wanted a good meal or place to stay. It wasn't unusual for her to have a half dozen or more hungry teenage boys around the table. In addition to Billy and Bernie, Donna considered Kurt, Paul, Shaun, and Eldon her boys as well. After her retirement from the Postal Service, Donna continued her love of travel, and did an excellent job of spoiling her grandkids and great-grandkids. She may have battled against Parkinson's for years, but never let it get in the way of her sense of fun and laughter. Donna was a long-time member of the Women's Fellowship at the church in Purdum. Her family would also like to thank the kind staff at the Good Life Center in Callaway and Asera Care Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Donna in her final years. Donna is survived by her sons Billy Ray (Lauri) of North Platte and Bernie Lee (Susie) of Overton; grandchildren Tori, Cash (Melody), Caleb (Alaina), and Jacob; and great grandchildren Joshua, Ava, Holt, Carter, Waylon, Haizlee, and Jaton. Also cherishing memories of Donna are lots of nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends, neighbors, and postal colleagues.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband Bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632756175301.jpeg" alt="Donna Jensen" />
 <figcaption>Donna Jensen</figcaption>
 </figure>Donna Jensen, age 80, of Purdum died September 24, 2021, at the Callaway Good Life Center. Funeral services will be Wednesday September 29, 2021, at 2:00 PM at the United Church of Christ in Purdum. Burial will follow at the Purdum Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the United Church of Christ or the Parkinson's Foundation. A visitation will be held on Tuesday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary and Wednesday 12:00 Noon until service time at the church.&nbsp; Online condolences can be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.govierbrothers.com/">www.govierbrothers.com</a>&nbsp; Donna was born on May 27, 1941, to Ray and Mae (Marsh) Ridenour in Mullen, Nebraska. The youngest of nine children, Donna always loved to be in the center of the action. She graduated from Mullen High School in 1959 and moved to the ranch near Purdum after her marriage to Bill Jensen in 1960. The proud mom of two sons, William Raymond and Bernard Lee, Donna enjoyed helping both boys with their 4-H projects and you could always hear Donna cheering on the sideline when Billy or Bernie played sports. In fact, at a district wrestling meet in Arnold, Donna's loud yelling and very close proximity to the wrestling mat resulted in her being firmly escorted by the Sandhills coach back to the bleachers with the rest of the spectators. In addition to helping Bill on the ranch, Donna worked at the Halsey Forest. Many of the trees on the ranch today are the discarded trees Donna was allowed to bring home from work. She was also named a top Avon salesperson during those years. Donna would joke that many of her Sandhills neighbors found out quickly the only way to get her to leave their house was to buy an Avon product. For several years, Donna also helped operate the grocery store/cafe in Halsey. Then in 1971, Donna began her long and successful career in the postal service when she was named Assistant Postmaster at Purdum. Donna's strong work ethic and leadership led to her promotion to Postmaster at Purdum and she later served as Postmaster at Potter, Hyannis, Arnold, and Ainsworth, making lots of great friends at each town. Donna was an active member of the National Association of Postmasters in the US (or NAPUS) and never missed a postal convention. Those conventions took her all over the United States, from Alaska to Texas and California to Boston. She was elected President of NAPUS and considered a generous and valued mentor to new postal employees. Postmasters around the nation also spoke highly of her expertise in organizing the most fun and often rowdy bus trips. Donna never knew a stranger and loved to make others laugh - she was famous among the postal group for her practical jokes and wicked sense of humor. Donna enjoyed being part of a bowling league for many years and loved to golf. She was known for her delicious cinnamon rolls, steadfast dedication to buying Powerball &amp; scratch tickets, as well as her love of Rum Chata and Husker football. Donna's home was always open to anybody - especially kids &nbsp;who wanted a good meal or place to stay. It wasn't unusual for her to have a half dozen or more hungry teenage boys around the table. In addition to Billy and Bernie, Donna considered Kurt, Paul, Shaun, and Eldon her boys as well. After her retirement from the Postal Service, Donna continued her love of travel, and did an excellent job of spoiling her grandkids and great-grandkids. She may have battled against Parkinson's for years, but never let it get in the way of her sense of fun and laughter. Donna was a long-time member of the Women's Fellowship at the church in Purdum. Her family would also like to thank the kind staff at the Good Life Center in Callaway and Asera Care Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Donna in her final years. Donna is survived by her sons Billy Ray (Lauri) of North Platte and Bernie Lee (Susie) of Overton; grandchildren Tori, Cash (Melody), Caleb (Alaina), and Jacob; and great grandchildren Joshua, Ava, Holt, Carter, Waylon, Haizlee, and Jaton. Also cherishing memories of Donna are lots of nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends, neighbors, and postal colleagues.Donna is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband Bill.

Donna Jensen (1941-2021)

Connie Elaine Nelson, 73, of Belleville, Kansas, formerly of Eddyville, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the Republic County Hospital. She was born on September 6, 1947 in Boone, Iowa to Glen and Doris (Markey) Runyan. Survivors include her children, Dawn Brown of Concordia, Kansas, Louie Thrash of Fargo, North Dakota, Chris Thrash of Concordia, Kansas and Jeramy Thrash of Concordia, Kansas; brother, Randy Runyan of Boulder, Montana and two nieces, Amanda Martinez and Jennifer Grennan. Connie was preceded in death by her mother, Doris Markey and step-father, Johnny Thomas; husband, Bill Nelson; three brothers, Mike Runyan, Steve Runyan and Terry Runyan; and a nephew, Andy Runyan.

A Celebration Of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Belleville Wesleyan Church in Belleville, Kansas. The family is honoring Connie’s wish for cremation. Burial will be held at a later date at the Viola Cemetery near Eddyville, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to Belleville Wesleyan Church Children’s Church Camp Scholarship in honor of Connie Nelson. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632756025196.jpeg" alt="Connie Nelson" />
 <figcaption>Connie Nelson</figcaption>
 </figure>Connie Elaine Nelson, 73, of Belleville, Kansas, formerly of Eddyville, Nebraska passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at the Republic County Hospital. She was born on September 6, 1947 in Boone, Iowa to Glen and Doris (Markey) Runyan. Survivors include her children, Dawn Brown of Concordia, Kansas, Louie Thrash of Fargo, North Dakota, Chris Thrash of Concordia, Kansas and Jeramy Thrash of Concordia, Kansas; brother, Randy Runyan of Boulder, Montana and two nieces, Amanda Martinez and Jennifer Grennan. Connie was preceded in death by her mother, Doris Markey and step-father, Johnny Thomas; husband, Bill Nelson; three brothers, Mike Runyan, Steve Runyan and Terry Runyan; and a nephew, Andy Runyan. A Celebration Of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Belleville Wesleyan Church in Belleville, Kansas. The family is honoring Connie’s wish for cremation. Burial will be held at a later date at the Viola Cemetery near Eddyville, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to Belleville Wesleyan Church Children’s Church Camp Scholarship in honor of Connie Nelson. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com.

Connie Elaine Nelson (1947-2021)

Jose Alberto Lopez-Ibarra, 30, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 24, 2021 in Lexington. Jose was born on July 26, 1991 in Puruandiro, Michoacan, Mexico to Manuel Lopez-Mendez and Virginia Ibarra-de Lopez. When Jose was a 6th&nbsp;grader, his family moved to Lexington, Nebraska where he attended public schools. He graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 2010. While in high school, Jose excelled in soccer and was the goalie on the high school varsity team. Following high school, Jose became a father to a beautiful girl, Jenna Faye Lopez. They moved to Kearney, Nebraska for a few years where he worked for Monsanto. In 2012, they moved back to Lexington, where Jose enjoyed coaching his daughter’s soccer team. Those who knew Jose can attest to his sense of humor; he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed fishing at the inlet at Johnson Lake, was a talented artist and his daughter and family were the most important thing to him. Jose had a selfless soul, and will never be forgotten. Survivors include his parents; Manuel Lopez-Mendez and Virginia Ibarra-de Lopez of Lexington; his daughter, Jenna Faye Lopez of Lexington; siblings, Victor (Diana) Lopez of Lexington, Yohana (Hector) Reyes of Fernley, Nevada, Lizbeth Lopez of Omaha and Daniela Lopez of Lexington; grandmother, Maria Salud Lemus of Lindsey, California; as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family and friends. Jose was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jose Lopez Zuniga, Julia Mendez Gonzalez and Esteban Ibarra Rangel. Mass Of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 1-5 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. A Rosary will follow the visitation at St. Ann’s Catholic Church and will be at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Lexington. Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632755766364.jpeg" alt="Jose Lopez-Ibarra" />
 <figcaption>Jose Lopez-Ibarra</figcaption>
 </figure>Jose Alberto Lopez-Ibarra, 30, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 24, 2021 in Lexington. Jose was born on July 26, 1991 in Puruandiro, Michoacan, Mexico to Manuel Lopez-Mendez and Virginia Ibarra-de Lopez. When Jose was a 6th&nbsp;grader, his family moved to Lexington, Nebraska where he attended public schools. He graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 2010. While in high school, Jose excelled in soccer and was the goalie on the high school varsity team. Following high school, Jose became a father to a beautiful girl, Jenna Faye Lopez. They moved to Kearney, Nebraska for a few years where he worked for Monsanto. In 2012, they moved back to Lexington, where Jose enjoyed coaching his daughter’s soccer team. Those who knew Jose can attest to his sense of humor; he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed fishing at the inlet at Johnson Lake, was a talented artist and his daughter and family were the most important thing to him. Jose had a selfless soul, and will never be forgotten. Survivors include his parents; Manuel Lopez-Mendez and Virginia Ibarra-de Lopez of Lexington; his daughter, Jenna Faye Lopez of Lexington; siblings, Victor (Diana) Lopez of Lexington, Yohana (Hector) Reyes of Fernley, Nevada, Lizbeth Lopez of Omaha and Daniela Lopez of Lexington; grandmother, Maria Salud Lemus of Lindsey, California; as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family and friends. Jose was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jose Lopez Zuniga, Julia Mendez Gonzalez and Esteban Ibarra Rangel. Mass Of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 1-5 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. A Rosary will follow the visitation at St. Ann’s Catholic Church and will be at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Lexington. Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefunerahome.com.

Obituaries