Jeanette S. French, age 84, of Galveston County, Texas, formerly of Hershey, Nebraska passed away on July 3, 2021, in Texas. Jeanette was born to Ray and Dorothy Graham of Hershey, Nebraska.&nbsp; She graduated high school as Salutatorian and later married Burrell French of Tryon, Nebraska. Jeanette received a degree in mathematics, Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston, and spent 30 years working at NASA Johnson Space Center. She is survived by her her five children, Cinda French, Linda French, Renee French (Perry), Lenee French Lovejoy, and Timothy French; grandchildren, Matthew French, Katrina Perry, and Reece Perry; her brother, Eugene Graham; cousin, Jerry Parker; and other family. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, and her infant son, Thomas. Cremation was chosen.&nbsp; Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021, in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte, Nebraska.&nbsp; A reception will follow at the Hershey Methodist Church in Hershey, Nebraska.&nbsp; Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.&nbsp; Arrangements are with Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore in North Platte, Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628887584409.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jeanette S. French" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Jeanette S. French</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeanette S. French, age 84, of Galveston County, Texas, formerly of Hershey, Nebraska passed away on July 3, 2021, in Texas. Jeanette was born to Ray and Dorothy Graham of Hershey, Nebraska.&nbsp; She graduated high school as Salutatorian and later married Burrell French of Tryon, Nebraska. Jeanette received a degree in mathematics, Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston, and spent 30 years working at NASA Johnson Space Center. She is survived by her her five children, Cinda French, Linda French, Renee French (Perry), Lenee French Lovejoy, and Timothy French; grandchildren, Matthew French, Katrina Perry, and Reece Perry; her brother, Eugene Graham; cousin, Jerry Parker; and other family. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, and her infant son, Thomas. Cremation was chosen.&nbsp; Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021, in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte, Nebraska.&nbsp; A reception will follow at the Hershey Methodist Church in Hershey, Nebraska.&nbsp; Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.&nbsp; Arrangements are with Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore in North Platte, Nebraska.

Jeannette S. French  (age 84)

Herbert "Ray" Widener, age 78, of McCook, NE passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at his home in McCook. Ray was born October 21, 1942 in Bridgeport, NE to parents Melvin P. and Hilda I. (Bentley) Widener.&nbsp; He was one of three children.&nbsp; On January 20, 1960, Ray enlisted in the United States Navy.&nbsp; He proudly served his country on the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt and was honorably discharged on December 13, 1961. Ray married Judith (Louden) Widener on September 17, 1984 in Ainsworth, NE.&nbsp; The couple made their home in McCook.&nbsp; Ray was a member of the Catholic Faith.&nbsp; Over the years, Ray worked as a meat cutter and in his free time, enjoyed hunting and fishing.&nbsp; He was a past member of the Jaycees, the VFW, the Elks Lodge and a lifetime member of the NRA. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Monte Widener. Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Judith Widener of McCook; six children, Brian (Angie) Pirnie of Fremont, NE, Dennis (Sandi) Widener of North Platte, NE, Doug (Lacey) Pirnie of Hot Springs, SD, Margot (Brian) Gibson of Meza, AZ, Mel (Lori) Widener of Kimball, NE and Shay (Shannon) Davis of Wadell, AZ; sister, Kay (John) Lauderbaugh of Dallas, TX; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and a host of extended family members.&nbsp; Private family services and burial with military honors will take place at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. Memorial contributions are suggested to McCook Community Health and Hospice, 1301 East H Street, McCook, NE 69001.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628867390029.jpeg" alt="Herbert Widener" />
 <figcaption>Herbert Widener</figcaption>
 </figure>Herbert "Ray" Widener, age 78, of McCook, NE passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at his home in McCook. Ray was born October 21, 1942 in Bridgeport, NE to parents Melvin P. and Hilda I. (Bentley) Widener.&nbsp; He was one of three children.&nbsp; On January 20, 1960, Ray enlisted in the United States Navy.&nbsp; He proudly served his country on the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt and was honorably discharged on December 13, 1961. Ray married Judith (Louden) Widener on September 17, 1984 in Ainsworth, NE.&nbsp; The couple made their home in McCook.&nbsp; Ray was a member of the Catholic Faith.&nbsp; Over the years, Ray worked as a meat cutter and in his free time, enjoyed hunting and fishing.&nbsp; He was a past member of the Jaycees, the VFW, the Elks Lodge and a lifetime member of the NRA. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Monte Widener. Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Judith Widener of McCook; six children, Brian (Angie) Pirnie of Fremont, NE, Dennis (Sandi) Widener of North Platte, NE, Doug (Lacey) Pirnie of Hot Springs, SD, Margot (Brian) Gibson of Meza, AZ, Mel (Lori) Widener of Kimball, NE and Shay (Shannon) Davis of Wadell, AZ; sister, Kay (John) Lauderbaugh of Dallas, TX; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and a host of extended family members.&nbsp; Private family services and burial with military honors will take place at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. Memorial contributions are suggested to McCook Community Health and Hospice, 1301 East H Street, McCook, NE 69001.

Herbert Ray Widener (1942-2021)

This is just a brief dash in the story of;

&nbsp; We have to start this story with Faith, no matter the pleasures or challenges in her life, the one thing that never wavered was her faith in God and the promise of everlasting life.

&nbsp; &nbsp; Liz was born January 7, 1959, to Harley Linn and Della (Cudaback) Linn in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She spent her early childhood in the Kimball, Minnesota area. She was the oldest of five children. Liz’s parents moved the family to Nebraska in the mid-sixties. &nbsp; Due to the family moving often Liz attended 19 different schools in her educational career, later graduating from Callaway in 1977 through the GED program. &nbsp; Liz married Russell Johnson and a son Jason R was born to this union, they later divorced. &nbsp; Liz married Ivan Phelps in Dunoon, Holy Loch Scotland on October 13, 1981; they would have celebrated 40 years this year. To this union, Jason became a Phelps; and daughters Kimberly Kay and Heidi Marie were born. &nbsp; Even though Liz worked outside the home at many different jobs, from cafes, restaurants, nursing homes, and care facilities. Her favorite and most desired job was as a wife and mother. Liz was always ALL ABOUT Family. Taking care of not only her own children but any other person or child coming into her home. Due to her mother working outside the home, Liz started caring for siblings at the age of nine. &nbsp; Liz was a military wife. She supported Ivan in his 27-year career, wherever that job took them, from Scotland to South Carolina, California to Tennessee and North Carolina, Guam, and Iraq. Liz was often left at home with the children to be their everything, guide, foundation, and their rock. &nbsp; Liz and Ivan moved the family to Callaway in 1992. Liz and Ivan started Phelps Plumbing and Maintenance in 1994, Liz was the office manager. In 2001 Liz again supported Ivan when he started in his law enforcement career. &nbsp; In 2017, Liz seeing the declining health of her mother-in-law Eva Phelps. She suggested they move in with Eva, so she would not have to go to a care facility. Eva passed away July 14, 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp; Liz went home to the Lord, on August 11, 2021. She was cared for at the Howard County Hospital in her final moments. &nbsp; &nbsp;Liz is survived by; her husband of 40 years Ivan, son Jason, daughters Kim and Heidi. Grandchildren Sirius, Emily, and Hawkens.&nbsp; Brothers Frosty (Monica)Linn, Monty Linn. Sister Carla Minnema, Aunt Carol Tenney. As well as countless cousins, niece, nephews, and beloved friends. She will forever guide us in her unwavering faith &amp; love; gone too soon, but never from our hearts. Graveside services will be Friday, August 13, 2021, at 3:00 pm at the Grandview Cemetery in Anselmo, NE with Pastor Dell Unruh officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628794296170.jpeg" alt="Elizabeth Phelps" />
 <figcaption>Elizabeth Phelps</figcaption>
 </figure>This is just a brief dash in the story of;Elizabeth (Liz) Susan Phelps&nbsp; We have to start this story with Faith, no matter the pleasures or challenges in her life, the one thing that never wavered was her faith in God and the promise of everlasting life. &nbsp; &nbsp; Liz was born January 7, 1959, to Harley Linn and Della (Cudaback) Linn in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She spent her early childhood in the Kimball, Minnesota area. She was the oldest of five children. Liz’s parents moved the family to Nebraska in the mid-sixties. &nbsp; Due to the family moving often Liz attended 19 different schools in her educational career, later graduating from Callaway in 1977 through the GED program. &nbsp; Liz married Russell Johnson and a son Jason R was born to this union, they later divorced. &nbsp; Liz married Ivan Phelps in Dunoon, Holy Loch Scotland on October 13, 1981; they would have celebrated 40 years this year. To this union, Jason became a Phelps; and daughters Kimberly Kay and Heidi Marie were born. &nbsp; Even though Liz worked outside the home at many different jobs, from cafes, restaurants, nursing homes, and care facilities. Her favorite and most desired job was as a wife and mother. Liz was always ALL ABOUT Family. Taking care of not only her own children but any other person or child coming into her home. Due to her mother working outside the home, Liz started caring for siblings at the age of nine. &nbsp; Liz was a military wife. She supported Ivan in his 27-year career, wherever that job took them, from Scotland to South Carolina, California to Tennessee and North Carolina, Guam, and Iraq. Liz was often left at home with the children to be their everything, guide, foundation, and their rock. &nbsp; Liz and Ivan moved the family to Callaway in 1992. Liz and Ivan started Phelps Plumbing and Maintenance in 1994, Liz was the office manager. In 2001 Liz again supported Ivan when he started in his law enforcement career. &nbsp; In 2017, Liz seeing the declining health of her mother-in-law Eva Phelps. She suggested they move in with Eva, so she would not have to go to a care facility. Eva passed away July 14, 2021.&nbsp; &nbsp; Liz went home to the Lord, on August 11, 2021. She was cared for at the Howard County Hospital in her final moments. &nbsp; &nbsp;Liz is survived by; her husband of 40 years Ivan, son Jason, daughters Kim and Heidi. Grandchildren Sirius, Emily, and Hawkens.&nbsp; Brothers Frosty (Monica)Linn, Monty Linn. Sister Carla Minnema, Aunt Carol Tenney. As well as countless cousins, niece, nephews, and beloved friends. She will forever guide us in her unwavering faith &amp; love; gone too soon, but never from our hearts. Graveside services will be Friday, August 13, 2021, at 3:00 pm at the Grandview Cemetery in Anselmo, NE with Pastor Dell Unruh officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements.&nbsp;

Elizabeth Susan Phelps (1959-2021)

Martha R. Peterson, 83 of Cozad, formerly of Lexington passed away Monday, August 9, 2021 at the Cozad Community Hospital.&nbsp; Martha had a wonderful last day surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 10, 1938 in Central City, Nebraska to Leonard W. and Genevieve (Munn) Johnson.&nbsp; &nbsp;She lived part of her childhood with her grandma Munn and cousin in Central City. She then moved to North Platte. Martha worked very hard all her life in various jobs including Plectron, helped her husband Jerry start and run Peterson Trucking, the Lexington Hospital in the dietary department, and retired as the food service manager at the Dawson County Jail in 2002. Martha moved from Overton to Lexington in 1993 and lived there until moving to Cozad two years ago. She attended United Methodist Church in Elwood, was past vice president of the Eagles Club, the VFW club, and was an avid stockcar fan as well as a huge Husker fan. She always knew what channel the NASCAR races and Husker football games were going to be broadcast on for the coming week. She also loved to watch tennis on TV and was very happy when one great granddaughter took up the sport last year. One thing that gave her the most enjoyment in life was her grandchildren. She loved following their sports until she could no longer sit in the stands. Then she started following through the newspaper and cutting out the articles for the kids. The last few years she developed a love for coloring or "painting" as she called it. She had dozens of adult coloring books and hundreds of colored pens. She spent hours each day "painting". Survivors include her son, Randy of Callaway, three daughters; Cyndi (Scott Philippi) Osborne of Lexington, Vicky Gracey of Cozad and Lori (Jerry) Hagan of Elwood, two brothers; Jim Newman of North Platte and Fred (Marcia) Johnson of Granby, Colorado, three sisters; Betty (Frank) Knox of Loveland, Colorado, Peggy Wong of Oakland, CA. and Debra (Roy) Rogers of North Platte, ten grandchildren and their spouses, forty great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous, nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in- law, extended family and friends. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, sister Sharon Mentzer, brother Johnny Newman, granddaughters Veronica Peterson and Laura Osborne, great granddaughter Jordyn Birnie as well as nieces, nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Elwood with Reverend Sunil Park and Sonny Birnie, officiants. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will be in the Tallin Cemetery near Arnold at a later date. Memorials are 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: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628793835331.jpeg" alt="Martha Peterson" />
 <figcaption>Martha Peterson</figcaption>
 </figure>Martha R. Peterson, 83 of Cozad, formerly of Lexington passed away Monday, August 9, 2021 at the Cozad Community Hospital.&nbsp; Martha had a wonderful last day surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 10, 1938 in Central City, Nebraska to Leonard W. and Genevieve (Munn) Johnson.&nbsp; &nbsp;She lived part of her childhood with her grandma Munn and cousin in Central City. She then moved to North Platte. Martha worked very hard all her life in various jobs including Plectron, helped her husband Jerry start and run Peterson Trucking, the Lexington Hospital in the dietary department, and retired as the food service manager at the Dawson County Jail in 2002. Martha moved from Overton to Lexington in 1993 and lived there until moving to Cozad two years ago. She attended United Methodist Church in Elwood, was past vice president of the Eagles Club, the VFW club, and was an avid stockcar fan as well as a huge Husker fan. She always knew what channel the NASCAR races and Husker football games were going to be broadcast on for the coming week. She also loved to watch tennis on TV and was very happy when one great granddaughter took up the sport last year. One thing that gave her the most enjoyment in life was her grandchildren. She loved following their sports until she could no longer sit in the stands. Then she started following through the newspaper and cutting out the articles for the kids. The last few years she developed a love for coloring or "painting" as she called it. She had dozens of adult coloring books and hundreds of colored pens. She spent hours each day "painting". Survivors include her son, Randy of Callaway, three daughters; Cyndi (Scott Philippi) Osborne of Lexington, Vicky Gracey of Cozad and Lori (Jerry) Hagan of Elwood, two brothers; Jim Newman of North Platte and Fred (Marcia) Johnson of Granby, Colorado, three sisters; Betty (Frank) Knox of Loveland, Colorado, Peggy Wong of Oakland, CA. and Debra (Roy) Rogers of North Platte, ten grandchildren and their spouses, forty great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous, nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in- law, extended family and friends. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, sister Sharon Mentzer, brother Johnny Newman, granddaughters Veronica Peterson and Laura Osborne, great granddaughter Jordyn Birnie as well as nieces, nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Elwood with Reverend Sunil Park and Sonny Birnie, officiants. There will be no visitation. Inurnment will be in the Tallin Cemetery near Arnold at a later date. Memorials are 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: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Martha R. Peterson (1938-2021)

Amber M. Hernandez, age 37, of McCook, NE passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Community Hospital in McCook. Amber was born June 25, 1984 in McCook to parents William (Todd) and Marie Diane (Maris) Baker.&nbsp; She was one of three children who grew up in McCook where she attended school, graduating from McCook High School with the Class of 2003. In 2009, Amber married Paul A. Hernandez in McCook.&nbsp; The couple made their home in McCook and were blessed with a son, Malakai.&nbsp; Amber was a devoted mother and a wonderful cook who loved to bake extravagant birthday cakes for her son.&nbsp; She was passionate about photography and also enjoyed crafting, refinishing furniture and camping with friends and family.&nbsp; Amber was preceded in death by her father, Todd Baker; her grandparents; three uncles, David Scrabek, Scott Dolan and Dan Petty; aunt, Deb Petty; and three cousins, Brian Minnick, Jeff Minnick and Dawn Salyer. Those left to celebrate her life include her husband, Paul Hernandez and son, Malakai, of McCook;&nbsp;grandmother Sandra Maris of McCook; mother, Marie Baker, of McCook; brother, Zachary (Rebecca) Baker and their children, Ziva and baby on the way, all of McCook; sister, Megan (John) Bracewell of Andalusia, AL; aunts and uncles, Don (Diane) Maris of Missouri, Shirley (Cliff) Reiner of Palisade, NE, Karen (Carl) Reiman of McCook, Jane (Jim) Foster of Bartley, NE, Mary Maris and friend, Lloyd, of Kansas, Roger (Jennifer) Maris of McCook, Michael (Tanya) Maris of Gering, NE, Monica (Mick) Flammang of Cambridge, NE, Chad Baker of Wasilla, AK, Cindy Dolan of Oberlin, KS, Doug (Glenda) Baker of Anchorage, AK and Sherri (Mike) Lukas of McCook; father in law, Paul Hernandez, Sr. of Lawrence, KS; sister in laws, Nancy (Ash) Ahmmed of Lawrence and Sabrina (Efron) Hernandez of Hayes Center, NE; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628793501938.jpeg" alt="Amber Hernandez" />
 <figcaption>Amber Hernandez</figcaption>
 </figure>Amber M. Hernandez, age 37, of McCook, NE passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Community Hospital in McCook. Amber was born June 25, 1984 in McCook to parents William (Todd) and Marie Diane (Maris) Baker.&nbsp; She was one of three children who grew up in McCook where she attended school, graduating from McCook High School with the Class of 2003. In 2009, Amber married Paul A. Hernandez in McCook.&nbsp; The couple made their home in McCook and were blessed with a son, Malakai.&nbsp; Amber was a devoted mother and a wonderful cook who loved to bake extravagant birthday cakes for her son.&nbsp; She was passionate about photography and also enjoyed crafting, refinishing furniture and camping with friends and family.&nbsp; Amber was preceded in death by her father, Todd Baker; her grandparents; three uncles, David Scrabek, Scott Dolan and Dan Petty; aunt, Deb Petty; and three cousins, Brian Minnick, Jeff Minnick and Dawn Salyer. Those left to celebrate her life include her husband, Paul Hernandez and son, Malakai, of McCook;&nbsp;grandmother Sandra Maris of McCook; mother, Marie Baker, of McCook; brother, Zachary (Rebecca) Baker and their children, Ziva and baby on the way, all of McCook; sister, Megan (John) Bracewell of Andalusia, AL; aunts and uncles, Don (Diane) Maris of Missouri, Shirley (Cliff) Reiner of Palisade, NE, Karen (Carl) Reiman of McCook, Jane (Jim) Foster of Bartley, NE, Mary Maris and friend, Lloyd, of Kansas, Roger (Jennifer) Maris of McCook, Michael (Tanya) Maris of Gering, NE, Monica (Mick) Flammang of Cambridge, NE, Chad Baker of Wasilla, AK, Cindy Dolan of Oberlin, KS, Doug (Glenda) Baker of Anchorage, AK and Sherri (Mike) Lukas of McCook; father in law, Paul Hernandez, Sr. of Lawrence, KS; sister in laws, Nancy (Ash) Ahmmed of Lawrence and Sabrina (Efron) Hernandez of Hayes Center, NE; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.&nbsp;

Amber Hernandez (1984-2021)

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Susan Lee McKinney, 72, of Palisade, Nebraska, passed away at her home in Palisade on Tuesday morning, August 10, 2021.&nbsp; She was born in San Luis Obispo, California, to Walden and Erma (Rick) Coffee, on July 8, 1949.&nbsp; Susie’s father was in the United States Air Force, so her family made homes in many different cities and states until settling in Virginia where Susie would graduate from high school in 1967.&nbsp; Susie continued her education at Temple Buell College in Denver, Colorado. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;On Halloween day 1970, Susie married Charles Lee McKinney at a Methodist Church in Arvada, Colorado.&nbsp; The couple made a home in Longmont, Colorado where they worked construction together, mostly installing inside and outside trim.&nbsp; In 1981, she started her career at the Rocky Flats Plant in Jefferson County, Colorado.&nbsp; In her 15 years at Rock Flats, Susie would work in the cafeteria, laundry, and also as a secretary.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Susie and Chuck retired to Palisade, Nebraska where they made many close friends.&nbsp; Susie loved to fish and hunt.&nbsp; She enjoyed sports and was a Denver Broncos fan.&nbsp; She kept her mind sharp with puzzles and loved all animals, especially horses.&nbsp; Susie was an amazing wife and mother; she will be fondly remembered by everyone she knew. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Laura Lee; and a brother-in-law, Earl McKinney. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Survivors include her husband, Charles “Chuck” McKinney of Palisade; daughter Tina (Rudy) Riepl of Longmont, Colorado; brother, Michael Coffee of Virginia; sister, Kate Preston of New Jersey; brother, Tom (Ilona) Coffee of Virginia; and brother-in-law, John (Martha) McKinney of Pennsylvania. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm (CT), Saturday afternoon, August 14, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.&nbsp; Viewing will take place prior to services.&nbsp; Interment will take place on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 in Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont, Colorado.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the 700 Club, part of the Christian Broadcasting Company, in Susie’s name.&nbsp; Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.&nbsp; Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Susan Lee McKinney, 72, of Palisade, Nebraska, passed away at her home in Palisade on Tuesday morning, August 10, 2021.&nbsp; She was born in San Luis Obispo, California, to Walden and Erma (Rick) Coffee, on July 8, 1949.&nbsp; Susie’s father was in the United States Air Force, so her family made homes in many different cities and states until settling in Virginia where Susie would graduate from high school in 1967.&nbsp; Susie continued her education at Temple Buell College in Denver, Colorado. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;On Halloween day 1970, Susie married Charles Lee McKinney at a Methodist Church in Arvada, Colorado.&nbsp; The couple made a home in Longmont, Colorado where they worked construction together, mostly installing inside and outside trim.&nbsp; In 1981, she started her career at the Rocky Flats Plant in Jefferson County, Colorado.&nbsp; In her 15 years at Rock Flats, Susie would work in the cafeteria, laundry, and also as a secretary.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Susie and Chuck retired to Palisade, Nebraska where they made many close friends.&nbsp; Susie loved to fish and hunt.&nbsp; She enjoyed sports and was a Denver Broncos fan.&nbsp; She kept her mind sharp with puzzles and loved all animals, especially horses.&nbsp; Susie was an amazing wife and mother; she will be fondly remembered by everyone she knew. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter, Laura Lee; and a brother-in-law, Earl McKinney. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Survivors include her husband, Charles “Chuck” McKinney of Palisade; daughter Tina (Rudy) Riepl of Longmont, Colorado; brother, Michael Coffee of Virginia; sister, Kate Preston of New Jersey; brother, Tom (Ilona) Coffee of Virginia; and brother-in-law, John (Martha) McKinney of Pennsylvania. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm (CT), Saturday afternoon, August 14, 2021 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.&nbsp; Viewing will take place prior to services.&nbsp; Interment will take place on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 in Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont, Colorado.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the 700 Club, part of the Christian Broadcasting Company, in Susie’s name.&nbsp; Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.&nbsp; Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.&nbsp;

Susan L. McKinney (1949-2021)

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kathy was born October 4, 1955, in McCook, NE, to Eldon and Marilyn (Doyle) Moore of Bartley, NE.&nbsp; She was the oldest of four children born to this union. At the age of eight, her mother passed away unexpectedly from Guillain-Barre' Syndrome, leaving a young family without a mother. The family lived with Eldon’s mother and father. On July 26, 1964, Eldon married Delores (Horky) Kulwicki, a young mother who herself had four children under the age of ten. Eldon adopted the children and together, they raised their family of seven, on the farm north of Bartley. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kathy loved farm life. She loved spending time with her grandparents Bill and Eula Doyle and Earl and Doris Moore. She often spoke of their adventures as kids and had many stories to share of their mischief. She enjoyed going for drives to the farmstead and country, even present day, and recalling the good times&nbsp;they had. In January, she retired and enjoyed a few cattle sales with her Dad just weeks before her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on April 28, 2021. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;As a young girl, Kathy was active in choir, pep club and sports. She was active in the Bartley Christian Church where she was baptized as a teenager. After graduation from Bartley High School in 1973, Kathy worked as a CNA in Kearney, NE. She later attended McCook Community College where she received a degree in secretarial science. She married Doug Newcomb at Bartley Christian Church on August 18, 1973. They welcomed three children, twins Kari and Kayla, and later a son, Kyle. She stayed home raising the “twins”, until they were in school. At that time, she started working for Stratton Insurance Agency (now MNB Insurance) where she worked for the next 32 years, until her retirement in January, 2021. She loved visiting with the farmers and it kept her close to her love of the farm life. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;On December 31, 2004, Kathy married Christopher Reid at the United Methodist Church in Stratton.&nbsp; They enjoyed 16 years of marriage. They treasured their trip to Hawaii and planned to travel more after her retirement. In 2016, Kathy, Kari and Kayla traveled to Switzerland to visit their foreign exchange student, Gisela, which lived with them for a year in 1994. Gisela was like another daughter to Kathy. Chris was an avid supporter of her love of horses and farm life, as they enjoyed caring for their farm south of Stratton. They enjoyed time spent with kids and grandkids at the house, watching them ride, play in the dirt, eat Grandma’s delicious meals, and swim in the hot tub. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kathy was very active in the community of Stratton, where she lived her entire adult life. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW, the church choir, community choirs, Tops Club, the election board, Lions Club and numerous other school and community events over the years. She was an amazing cook and host, which she learned from her mother, Delores, cooking for their family of nine. She was happiest hosting family gatherings, whether it be a Sunday fried chicken meal after church or holidays. She passed this love of cooking and hosting to all three of her children. She was an amazing gardener, growing produce of all kinds and canning it over the years. She was looking forward to retirement and enjoying leisurely gardening, attending her grandchildren's activities, and traveling with her husband, Chris. We are at peace knowing she is with her Lord and Savior.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Moore; infant brother, Mark; and nephew, Brady Koch. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Those left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Chris Reid of Stratton; her parents, Eldon and Delores Moore of Bartley; children, Kari Vacek and husband, Tim, of Lincoln and their children Patricia, Theodore, Molly, and Luke; Kayla Smalley and husband, Scott, of McCook and their children Hailey and Hayden; Kyle Newcomb and his wife, Hayley, of Stratton; step-children Kirsten Reid and Michael Reid; siblings, Jeanne Brown and husband, Frank, of Bartley, Don Moore and wife, Vonnie, of McCook, Bill Moore and wife, Trisha, of Bartley, Carol Chalupa and husband, Bob, of McCook, Carla Malleck and husband, Brian, of Indianola, Mike Moore and wife, Brenda, of Lexington; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many beloved friends and her special aunt, Margaret (Doyle) Messersmith, of Bartley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628793119253.jpeg" alt="Kathy Reid" />
 <figcaption>Kathy Reid</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kathy was born October 4, 1955, in McCook, NE, to Eldon and Marilyn (Doyle) Moore of Bartley, NE.&nbsp; She was the oldest of four children born to this union. At the age of eight, her mother passed away unexpectedly from Guillain-Barre' Syndrome, leaving a young family without a mother. The family lived with Eldon’s mother and father. On July 26, 1964, Eldon married Delores (Horky) Kulwicki, a young mother who herself had four children under the age of ten. Eldon adopted the children and together, they raised their family of seven, on the farm north of Bartley. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kathy loved farm life. She loved spending time with her grandparents Bill and Eula Doyle and Earl and Doris Moore. She often spoke of their adventures as kids and had many stories to share of their mischief. She enjoyed going for drives to the farmstead and country, even present day, and recalling the good times&nbsp;they had. In January, she retired and enjoyed a few cattle sales with her Dad just weeks before her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on April 28, 2021. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;As a young girl, Kathy was active in choir, pep club and sports. She was active in the Bartley Christian Church where she was baptized as a teenager. After graduation from Bartley High School in 1973, Kathy worked as a CNA in Kearney, NE. She later attended McCook Community College where she received a degree in secretarial science. She married Doug Newcomb at Bartley Christian Church on August 18, 1973. They welcomed three children, twins Kari and Kayla, and later a son, Kyle. She stayed home raising the “twins”, until they were in school. At that time, she started working for Stratton Insurance Agency (now MNB Insurance) where she worked for the next 32 years, until her retirement in January, 2021. She loved visiting with the farmers and it kept her close to her love of the farm life. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;On December 31, 2004, Kathy married Christopher Reid at the United Methodist Church in Stratton.&nbsp; They enjoyed 16 years of marriage. They treasured their trip to Hawaii and planned to travel more after her retirement. In 2016, Kathy, Kari and Kayla traveled to Switzerland to visit their foreign exchange student, Gisela, which lived with them for a year in 1994. Gisela was like another daughter to Kathy. Chris was an avid supporter of her love of horses and farm life, as they enjoyed caring for their farm south of Stratton. They enjoyed time spent with kids and grandkids at the house, watching them ride, play in the dirt, eat Grandma’s delicious meals, and swim in the hot tub. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Kathy was very active in the community of Stratton, where she lived her entire adult life. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, UMW, the church choir, community choirs, Tops Club, the election board, Lions Club and numerous other school and community events over the years. She was an amazing cook and host, which she learned from her mother, Delores, cooking for their family of nine. She was happiest hosting family gatherings, whether it be a Sunday fried chicken meal after church or holidays. She passed this love of cooking and hosting to all three of her children. She was an amazing gardener, growing produce of all kinds and canning it over the years. She was looking forward to retirement and enjoying leisurely gardening, attending her grandchildren's activities, and traveling with her husband, Chris. We are at peace knowing she is with her Lord and Savior.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;She was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Moore; infant brother, Mark; and nephew, Brady Koch. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Those left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Chris Reid of Stratton; her parents, Eldon and Delores Moore of Bartley; children, Kari Vacek and husband, Tim, of Lincoln and their children Patricia, Theodore, Molly, and Luke; Kayla Smalley and husband, Scott, of McCook and their children Hailey and Hayden; Kyle Newcomb and his wife, Hayley, of Stratton; step-children Kirsten Reid and Michael Reid; siblings, Jeanne Brown and husband, Frank, of Bartley, Don Moore and wife, Vonnie, of McCook, Bill Moore and wife, Trisha, of Bartley, Carol Chalupa and husband, Bob, of McCook, Carla Malleck and husband, Brian, of Indianola, Mike Moore and wife, Brenda, of Lexington; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many beloved friends and her special aunt, Margaret (Doyle) Messersmith, of Bartley.

Kathy Sue Reid (1955-2021)

Patricia Ann “Pat” Leiding, 80, of North Platte, passed away August 10, 2021 at Great Plains Health. She was born December 1, 1940 in Goodland, Kansas to John and Roberta (Lucas) Shaw. Patricia graduated from Alameda High School in Lakewood, Colorado. After graduation she moved back to Sharon Springs, Kansas, then attended Weaver Airline School in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating in 1959 as a hostess and communications specialist. Pat was very proud of starting SEOPA (Sandhills Education Office Personnel Association.) She fought for secretaries to receive a decent salary. She was named chair of the committee that set salaries and they finally received the wages they deserved. It was a long-fought road. Pat was a member of the SEOPA (Sandhills Education Office Personnel Association) and NARTR (Nebraska Area Retired Office Personnel Association.) In 1958, Pat married Richard Terrill.&nbsp; To this union two daughters were born; Danette and Ranee. They lived in various places, settling in North Platte. On June 27, 1981 Pat married Russell Leiding. The couple lived in North Platte where Pat worked as office manager at North Platte High School for 27 years. She enjoyed watching birds in the birdbath, her cats, reading, volunteering at the museum and her grandchildren’s games. Survivors included her husband Russell of North Platte, children; Danette Melott, Kansas City, Missouri, Ranee (Mark) Anthony, Alliance, Nebraska, step-children; Lisa Leiding, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Monte (Laura) Leiding, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, grandchildren; Cody (Katie) Anthony, Lincoln, Nebraska, Morgan Anthony, Omaha, Nebraska, Austin (Megan) Melott, Overland Park, Kansas, Parker (April) Melott, Platte City, Missouri, Brittany Vincent, Monroe, Louisiana, Dakota Leiding, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Tessie Leiding, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Paul Leiding, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, great-grandchildren; Skylar, Kenley, Kiya, Aubrey, Logan, Ansel, Antheia. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; John and Roberta Shaw, son-in-law; Jack Melott, sister; Connie Wilson, brother; Danny Shaw. Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Senior Center Meals on Wheels or PAWS-itive Partners Humane Society. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com. Funeral Services will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August, 14, 2021 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Brenda Lee officiating. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628791795975.jpeg" alt="Pat Leiding" />
 <figcaption>Pat Leiding</figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia Ann “Pat” Leiding, 80, of North Platte, passed away August 10, 2021 at Great Plains Health. She was born December 1, 1940 in Goodland, Kansas to John and Roberta (Lucas) Shaw. Patricia graduated from Alameda High School in Lakewood, Colorado. After graduation she moved back to Sharon Springs, Kansas, then attended Weaver Airline School in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating in 1959 as a hostess and communications specialist. Pat was very proud of starting SEOPA (Sandhills Education Office Personnel Association.) She fought for secretaries to receive a decent salary. She was named chair of the committee that set salaries and they finally received the wages they deserved. It was a long-fought road. Pat was a member of the SEOPA (Sandhills Education Office Personnel Association) and NARTR (Nebraska Area Retired Office Personnel Association.) In 1958, Pat married Richard Terrill.&nbsp; To this union two daughters were born; Danette and Ranee. They lived in various places, settling in North Platte. On June 27, 1981 Pat married Russell Leiding. The couple lived in North Platte where Pat worked as office manager at North Platte High School for 27 years. She enjoyed watching birds in the birdbath, her cats, reading, volunteering at the museum and her grandchildren’s games. Survivors included her husband Russell of North Platte, children; Danette Melott, Kansas City, Missouri, Ranee (Mark) Anthony, Alliance, Nebraska, step-children; Lisa Leiding, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Monte (Laura) Leiding, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, grandchildren; Cody (Katie) Anthony, Lincoln, Nebraska, Morgan Anthony, Omaha, Nebraska, Austin (Megan) Melott, Overland Park, Kansas, Parker (April) Melott, Platte City, Missouri, Brittany Vincent, Monroe, Louisiana, Dakota Leiding, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Tessie Leiding, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Paul Leiding, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, great-grandchildren; Skylar, Kenley, Kiya, Aubrey, Logan, Ansel, Antheia. Pat was preceded in death by her parents; John and Roberta Shaw, son-in-law; Jack Melott, sister; Connie Wilson, brother; Danny Shaw. Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Senior Center Meals on Wheels or PAWS-itive Partners Humane Society. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com. Funeral Services will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August, 14, 2021 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Brenda Lee officiating. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Patricia "Pat" Ann Leiding (1940-2021)

Edwin R. McDonald, 49, of Maxwell, NE died August 8, 2021 at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE.&nbsp; A private family graveside service will take place at a later date in the Gothenburg Cemetery.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the family for funeral expenses.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628791645711.jpeg" alt="Edwin McDonald" />
 <figcaption>Edwin McDonald</figcaption>
 </figure>Edwin R. McDonald, 49, of Maxwell, NE died August 8, 2021 at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE.&nbsp; A private family graveside service will take place at a later date in the Gothenburg Cemetery.&nbsp; Memorials may be given to the family for funeral expenses.&nbsp;

Edwin McDonald (1972-2021)

Iona Faye Lenz, 93, of Moorefield, Nebraska, died August 10, 2021 in Gothenburg, NE.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was born October 11, 1927 in Moorefield, NE, daughter of Richard and Ruby Mable Earhart. Iona was married to Paul "Paulie" Lenz for 62 years. Iona was "Mom" to 9 children. She is survived by her children Cheri (Jim Bopp), Dale (Laura), Jeff (Kim), Kevin (Brenda), Leslie (Robin), Katie, Dennis (Tracy), Daughter-in-laws Susie, Nancy, 16 Grandchildren, 24 Great Grandchildren,&nbsp; 2 Great Great Grandchildren, along with numerous extended family and friends. Iona was proceeded in death by her husband of 62 years Paul "Paulie", her sons Kenneth (Susie), Dwight (Nancy), and Son-n-law Terry Huston (Katie). Along with her being a mom to 9 children, she had a passion for gardening, canning, and raising her chickens. Iona loved to share stories about her time spent with friends while working at Fickencher's Greenhouse in Moorefield. She still found time to pursue her creative side by becoming a prize winning quilter. Iona shared many of her quilted creations with family and friends. Both her family and local community knew of Iona's outstanding baking and cake decorating skills.&nbsp; She was called upon often to create cakes for weddings,&nbsp; birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all sorts of special occasions. It was a talent which she loved to share. Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Curtis, Nebraska; Thursday, August 12, 2021, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm with the family present. Graveside services will be held at the Moorefield Cemetery, Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11:00 am with Rev. Jeff Cottingham officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp; Interment will follow in the Moorefield Cemetery, Moorefield, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to the Curtis Senior Center or Ronald McDonald House.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628791472973.jpeg" alt="Iona Lenz" />
 <figcaption>Iona Lenz</figcaption>
 </figure>Iona Faye Lenz, 93, of Moorefield, Nebraska, died August 10, 2021 in Gothenburg, NE.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was born October 11, 1927 in Moorefield, NE, daughter of Richard and Ruby Mable Earhart. Iona was married to Paul "Paulie" Lenz for 62 years. Iona was "Mom" to 9 children. She is survived by her children Cheri (Jim Bopp), Dale (Laura), Jeff (Kim), Kevin (Brenda), Leslie (Robin), Katie, Dennis (Tracy), Daughter-in-laws Susie, Nancy, 16 Grandchildren, 24 Great Grandchildren,&nbsp; 2 Great Great Grandchildren, along with numerous extended family and friends. Iona was proceeded in death by her husband of 62 years Paul "Paulie", her sons Kenneth (Susie), Dwight (Nancy), and Son-n-law Terry Huston (Katie). Along with her being a mom to 9 children, she had a passion for gardening, canning, and raising her chickens. Iona loved to share stories about her time spent with friends while working at Fickencher's Greenhouse in Moorefield. She still found time to pursue her creative side by becoming a prize winning quilter. Iona shared many of her quilted creations with family and friends. Both her family and local community knew of Iona's outstanding baking and cake decorating skills.&nbsp; She was called upon often to create cakes for weddings,&nbsp; birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and all sorts of special occasions. It was a talent which she loved to share. Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Curtis, Nebraska; Thursday, August 12, 2021, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm with the family present. Graveside services will be held at the Moorefield Cemetery, Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11:00 am with Rev. Jeff Cottingham officiating.&nbsp;&nbsp; Interment will follow in the Moorefield Cemetery, Moorefield, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to the Curtis Senior Center or Ronald McDonald House.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Iona Lenz (1927-2021)

Deborah Anne (Dykes) Dawson was born in Rushville, NE on July 18, 1956 to Max and Marlene (DeWitt) Dykes. Deb passed away peacefully at age 65 in her home south of Kilgore, NE on August 8, 2021. Deb was the second of six children. Growing up as a teacher’s daughter she attended school in Oxford, NE; Mullen, NE; and graduated from Ogallala, NE in 1974. After graduation, she attended Chadron State College where she became part of Chi Omega Sorority and met Larry Dawson at the Ashby Catholic Ladies Dance. They were united in marriage on June 19, 1976 in Ogallala, NE and just celebrated their 45th&nbsp;anniversary this past summer. They made their home in the Sandhills on the Rockin’ J Ranch for 26 years, then other ranches throughout the Sandhills. To this union, they were blessed with four children Jessica Jerene, Andrew Robert, Kayla Joan, and Erin Marie. Deb was very blessed with family and witnessed her children marrying and having children of their own. Deb had many different occupations over the years including florist, Cody-Kilgore High School cook and cheerleading sponsor, barista, and presently her treasured job at Auntie D’s in Valentine. Her greatest blessings were her eight grandchildren. She loved to take her grandkids on trips and traveling to watch them in their accomplishments. Deb shared her hobbies of crafting, sewing, and baking with her grandkids. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting family gatherings at holidays. She fiercely loved her family, her friends, and everyone she knew. Deb was preceded in death by her father Max Dykes, Grandmother Yvonne Dykes, and Grandparents Russell and Ghita DeWitt. Survivors include husband Larry of Kilgore, daughter Jessica (Andy) Coyle and Brooklyn of Nenzel, NE, son Andrew (Kasey) Dawson, Shyanne, Sydnee, and Syerra of Valentine, NE, daughter Kayla (Kyle) Helms, Lillian and Abigail of Arapahoe, NE, daughter Erin (Chris) Petersen, Brody and Rigley of Valley, NE; mother Marlene Dykes of Mullen, NE; siblings John Dykes, Wendy (Doug) Lee, Jim Dykes, Tom (Mary) Dykes, and Ghita Dykes; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Services will be at the United Methodist Church in Valentine, NE at 11am CST on August 13, 2021 with visitation at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines on August 12th&nbsp;from 5-8pm CST.&nbsp; Burial will be at a later date at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Cody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628695778463.jpeg" alt="Deborah Dawson" />
 <figcaption>Deborah Dawson</figcaption>
 </figure>Deborah Anne (Dykes) Dawson was born in Rushville, NE on July 18, 1956 to Max and Marlene (DeWitt) Dykes. Deb passed away peacefully at age 65 in her home south of Kilgore, NE on August 8, 2021. Deb was the second of six children. Growing up as a teacher’s daughter she attended school in Oxford, NE; Mullen, NE; and graduated from Ogallala, NE in 1974. After graduation, she attended Chadron State College where she became part of Chi Omega Sorority and met Larry Dawson at the Ashby Catholic Ladies Dance. They were united in marriage on June 19, 1976 in Ogallala, NE and just celebrated their 45th&nbsp;anniversary this past summer. They made their home in the Sandhills on the Rockin’ J Ranch for 26 years, then other ranches throughout the Sandhills. To this union, they were blessed with four children Jessica Jerene, Andrew Robert, Kayla Joan, and Erin Marie. Deb was very blessed with family and witnessed her children marrying and having children of their own. Deb had many different occupations over the years including florist, Cody-Kilgore High School cook and cheerleading sponsor, barista, and presently her treasured job at Auntie D’s in Valentine. Her greatest blessings were her eight grandchildren. She loved to take her grandkids on trips and traveling to watch them in their accomplishments. Deb shared her hobbies of crafting, sewing, and baking with her grandkids. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed hosting family gatherings at holidays. She fiercely loved her family, her friends, and everyone she knew. Deb was preceded in death by her father Max Dykes, Grandmother Yvonne Dykes, and Grandparents Russell and Ghita DeWitt. Survivors include husband Larry of Kilgore, daughter Jessica (Andy) Coyle and Brooklyn of Nenzel, NE, son Andrew (Kasey) Dawson, Shyanne, Sydnee, and Syerra of Valentine, NE, daughter Kayla (Kyle) Helms, Lillian and Abigail of Arapahoe, NE, daughter Erin (Chris) Petersen, Brody and Rigley of Valley, NE; mother Marlene Dykes of Mullen, NE; siblings John Dykes, Wendy (Doug) Lee, Jim Dykes, Tom (Mary) Dykes, and Ghita Dykes; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Services will be at the United Methodist Church in Valentine, NE at 11am CST on August 13, 2021 with visitation at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines on August 12th&nbsp;from 5-8pm CST.&nbsp; Burial will be at a later date at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Cody.

Deborah Dawson (1956-2021)

Ronald Gene Rodgers was born on November 2, 1942 in Royal, Nebraska to Wayne and Miriam (Maple) Rodgers.&nbsp; The family moved to a ranch south of Valentine on the Niobrara River in 1949.&nbsp; Ron proudly considered himself a “River Rat” and took great pride in Pine Canyon Ranch which operated in the family for almost seventy years.&nbsp; Ron graduated from Valentine High School in 1961 and then attended Missouri Valley College.&nbsp; He was inducted into the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 as part of their 1961 undefeated football team.&nbsp; He then attended West Texas A&amp;M in Amarillo, TX. On February 15, 1964, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lien.&nbsp; They raised three children, Jeffery Gene, Julie Ann, and Jason Ronald.&nbsp; The family moved to Kilgore, Nebraska in 1970 where Ron &amp; Betty began their petroleum business which served the area for over sixty years.&nbsp; The family moved back to Valentine as the company grew and formed RODCO, INC. where Ron and his twin brother Don worked together. &nbsp;Ron was never without his RODCO cap, and was wearing it at the time of his death. Throughout his life, Ron supported his children and grandchildren at as many of their sporting events as he could attend.&nbsp; He was also an avid sportsman, and his pride and joy was sharing his love for the outdoors with his grandkids. Ron died at age 78 on August 6, 2021 at his home in Valentine with his wife and grandson by his side.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his mother, Miriam; father, Wayne; twin brother, Don; and infant granddaughter, Miriam Margaret.&nbsp; He is survived by Betty, his wife of 57 years; sons, Jeff (Rhonda) of Roca, Nebraska and Jason of Valentine; daughter Julie (Brent) of Valentine; grandchildren Jacob Rodgers of Omaha; Adia, Nicholas and Mia Sherbeyn of Valentine; Maddie Luebbe of Columbus; and Doc Haden Rodgers of Las Vegas; sisters Roseann (Bill) Davis of Great Falls, Montana; Joyce Schneider of Lincoln; and brother Dave (Terry) of Minnesota. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Valentine United Methodist Church.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Valentine Baseball Activities.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628794395910.jpeg" alt="Ronald Rodgers" />
 <figcaption>Ronald Rodgers</figcaption>
 </figure>Ronald Gene Rodgers was born on November 2, 1942 in Royal, Nebraska to Wayne and Miriam (Maple) Rodgers.&nbsp; The family moved to a ranch south of Valentine on the Niobrara River in 1949.&nbsp; Ron proudly considered himself a “River Rat” and took great pride in Pine Canyon Ranch which operated in the family for almost seventy years.&nbsp; Ron graduated from Valentine High School in 1961 and then attended Missouri Valley College.&nbsp; He was inducted into the Missouri Valley College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 as part of their 1961 undefeated football team.&nbsp; He then attended West Texas A&amp;M in Amarillo, TX. On February 15, 1964, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lien.&nbsp; They raised three children, Jeffery Gene, Julie Ann, and Jason Ronald.&nbsp; The family moved to Kilgore, Nebraska in 1970 where Ron &amp; Betty began their petroleum business which served the area for over sixty years.&nbsp; The family moved back to Valentine as the company grew and formed RODCO, INC. where Ron and his twin brother Don worked together. &nbsp;Ron was never without his RODCO cap, and was wearing it at the time of his death. Throughout his life, Ron supported his children and grandchildren at as many of their sporting events as he could attend.&nbsp; He was also an avid sportsman, and his pride and joy was sharing his love for the outdoors with his grandkids. Ron died at age 78 on August 6, 2021 at his home in Valentine with his wife and grandson by his side.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his mother, Miriam; father, Wayne; twin brother, Don; and infant granddaughter, Miriam Margaret.&nbsp; He is survived by Betty, his wife of 57 years; sons, Jeff (Rhonda) of Roca, Nebraska and Jason of Valentine; daughter Julie (Brent) of Valentine; grandchildren Jacob Rodgers of Omaha; Adia, Nicholas and Mia Sherbeyn of Valentine; Maddie Luebbe of Columbus; and Doc Haden Rodgers of Las Vegas; sisters Roseann (Bill) Davis of Great Falls, Montana; Joyce Schneider of Lincoln; and brother Dave (Terry) of Minnesota. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Valentine United Methodist Church.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Valentine Baseball Activities.&nbsp;

Ron Rodgers (1942-2021)

Merril Morris age 66, of Danbury passed away peacefully at “the farm” on August 6, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was born on October 13, 1954, to Howard and Ardith (White) Morris. Merril continued his education and graduated from Holbrook High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following high school, Merril began working at Mitten’s Truck Stop in Oakley, KS, where he met the love of his life, Rene’ Brungardt.&nbsp;&nbsp;The were united in marriage on May 22, 1976.&nbsp;&nbsp;They had just celebrated their 45th&nbsp;Wedding Anniversary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Merril and Rene’ had three children: Shauna, Eric and Brent.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was the best Dad and Papa that anyone could ask for.&nbsp; Merril began working for the Sauvage Gas Company in 1982, where he continued working until that day he passed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Merril farmed ground in both Nebraska and Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was one of the hardest workers you would have ever meet and he would not hesitate to help out anyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Merril was an honest, hard-working man who loved his family dearly.&nbsp;&nbsp;When wasn’t in the field you could find Merril hunting, working in his garden, cooking his chicken and noodle soup, or spending time driving around the pastures enjoying his family time on the farm.&nbsp; He is preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law: Kenneth and Berniece Brungardt; 3 brothers-in-law: Mike, Gary, and Brian Bungardt.&nbsp; Merril is survived by his wife: Rene’ of Danbury; daughter: Shauna and husband Mike Petzold of Kearney; 2 sons: Eric and fiancé Kim of McCook; Brent and wife Meghan of Jackson, TN; 4 grandchildren:&nbsp;Kacie Schwaderer, Sofie Schwaderer, Allison Priddy, and&nbsp;Cole Morris; half-brother: Larry Morris and his dogs: Husker, Maddie and Mia.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628695405271.jpeg" alt="Merril Morris" />
 <figcaption>Merril Morris</figcaption>
 </figure>Merril Morris age 66, of Danbury passed away peacefully at “the farm” on August 6, 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was born on October 13, 1954, to Howard and Ardith (White) Morris. Merril continued his education and graduated from Holbrook High School.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following high school, Merril began working at Mitten’s Truck Stop in Oakley, KS, where he met the love of his life, Rene’ Brungardt.&nbsp;&nbsp;The were united in marriage on May 22, 1976.&nbsp;&nbsp;They had just celebrated their 45th&nbsp;Wedding Anniversary.&nbsp;&nbsp;Merril and Rene’ had three children: Shauna, Eric and Brent.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was the best Dad and Papa that anyone could ask for.&nbsp; Merril began working for the Sauvage Gas Company in 1982, where he continued working until that day he passed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Merril farmed ground in both Nebraska and Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was one of the hardest workers you would have ever meet and he would not hesitate to help out anyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;Merril was an honest, hard-working man who loved his family dearly.&nbsp;&nbsp;When wasn’t in the field you could find Merril hunting, working in his garden, cooking his chicken and noodle soup, or spending time driving around the pastures enjoying his family time on the farm.&nbsp; He is preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law: Kenneth and Berniece Brungardt; 3 brothers-in-law: Mike, Gary, and Brian Bungardt.&nbsp; Merril is survived by his wife: Rene’ of Danbury; daughter: Shauna and husband Mike Petzold of Kearney; 2 sons: Eric and fiancé Kim of McCook; Brent and wife Meghan of Jackson, TN; 4 grandchildren:&nbsp;Kacie Schwaderer, Sofie Schwaderer, Allison Priddy, and&nbsp;Cole Morris; half-brother: Larry Morris and his dogs: Husker, Maddie and Mia.&nbsp;

Merril H. Morris (1954-2021)

John Logsdon, 75, passed away at the Perkins County hospital on August 9, 2021, surrounded by family. John Douglas Logsdon was born to Wayne and Lillian (Gengenbach) Logsdon at the Colglazier Hospital in Grant on May 15, 1946. He was baptized in Zion Lutheran Church and grew up on the Logsdon farm 2 miles west, and 5 miles south of Grant. He attended the one-room District 53 school and graduated from Perkins County High School in 1964, where he was involved in FFA, 4-H, drama, and ran track. He was on the relay team that set the 880-yard school and state record in 1964. John put himself through college, graduating from UNK with a degree in business administration in 1970. Not one to sit still, John found ways to keep himself occupied while in college. One of the ways was trucking hot mix that completed the Interstate section near Big Springs. John moved to Omaha in 1970. It was here that he narrowly escaped being hit by the 1975 Omaha Tornado. Desiring a return to country life, he bought 160 acres west of San Luis, Colorado in 1975. John sold his farm in 1978 but remained in the San Luis Valley for the next 24 years, with a stint in California from 1995 to 1996. He was a trucker, farmhand, and rancher. In 2002, John was hired to manage a sod farm near Concho, Arizona. He returned to Grant and took up residence on the family farm in 2005, which after all those years away "still felt like home." He worked at Wilson Feed Yard Inc. for almost a decade and most recently hauled gravel for the county before retiring. A true "mountain man," John enjoyed hunting and backpacking in the mountains. While in Colorado, he also did team roping and was a pick-up man in the rodeo. John loved dogs and horses and owned many of both in his lifetime. John was an avid PCHS athletics fan and would travel to their events. He found enjoyment in collecting guns, competing in a local shooting club, and watching NASCAR. He also frequently donated blood to the Red Cross. John was a voracious reader and often sent books to family members for them to enjoy. He regularly visited and checked in with relatives, especially his elderly aunts and uncles. Without children of his own, John relished his role as an uncle. He was always interested in and encouraging to his nieces and nephews and was proud that Armon John Azimi was his godson and namesake. John always had a colorful story to tell, whether it was about "that one time I almost got between a mama bear and her cubs," having a "shootout" while deputized by the Conejos County, CO sheriff, skydiving at age 40, or having a "horse wreck." His life was full of adventure, and he lived it his own way. Stubbornness came naturally to him, as did an opinion on just about everything. His rough-and-tumble lifestyle led him to have nearly 40 surgeries in his lifetime. Despite chronic pain and health problems in recent years, John always kept an upbeat attitude. John is survived by his three siblings, Eloise (Bob) Morgan of Vancouver, WA, Lloyd (Susan) Logsdon of Brule, Kris (Amir) Azimi of Lincoln; 7 nieces and nephews, Jeff (Theresa) Logsdon of Torrington, WY, Michael (Tami) Logsdon of Hebron, Wayne Morgan of Sherman Oaks, CA, Rachel (Arley) Gonzalez of San Diego, CA, Arra (Matt) Tucker of Gastonia, NC, Cameron Azimi of Washington, D.C., and Armon Azimi of Lincoln; 8 great-nieces and nephews, and his faithful dog, Bart. John will always be remembered as "a good, honest, fair and sometimes stubborn person." One will not find a person that can argue that John Logsdon lived his life his way. A memorial has been established in John's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com. Graveside services will be Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 10:30 am at the Grant Fairview Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628695126354.jpeg" alt="John Logsdon" />
 <figcaption>John Logsdon</figcaption>
 </figure>John Logsdon, 75, passed away at the Perkins County hospital on August 9, 2021, surrounded by family. John Douglas Logsdon was born to Wayne and Lillian (Gengenbach) Logsdon at the Colglazier Hospital in Grant on May 15, 1946. He was baptized in Zion Lutheran Church and grew up on the Logsdon farm 2 miles west, and 5 miles south of Grant. He attended the one-room District 53 school and graduated from Perkins County High School in 1964, where he was involved in FFA, 4-H, drama, and ran track. He was on the relay team that set the 880-yard school and state record in 1964. John put himself through college, graduating from UNK with a degree in business administration in 1970. Not one to sit still, John found ways to keep himself occupied while in college. One of the ways was trucking hot mix that completed the Interstate section near Big Springs. John moved to Omaha in 1970. It was here that he narrowly escaped being hit by the 1975 Omaha Tornado. Desiring a return to country life, he bought 160 acres west of San Luis, Colorado in 1975. John sold his farm in 1978 but remained in the San Luis Valley for the next 24 years, with a stint in California from 1995 to 1996. He was a trucker, farmhand, and rancher. In 2002, John was hired to manage a sod farm near Concho, Arizona. He returned to Grant and took up residence on the family farm in 2005, which after all those years away "still felt like home." He worked at Wilson Feed Yard Inc. for almost a decade and most recently hauled gravel for the county before retiring. A true "mountain man," John enjoyed hunting and backpacking in the mountains. While in Colorado, he also did team roping and was a pick-up man in the rodeo. John loved dogs and horses and owned many of both in his lifetime. John was an avid PCHS athletics fan and would travel to their events. He found enjoyment in collecting guns, competing in a local shooting club, and watching NASCAR. He also frequently donated blood to the Red Cross. John was a voracious reader and often sent books to family members for them to enjoy. He regularly visited and checked in with relatives, especially his elderly aunts and uncles. Without children of his own, John relished his role as an uncle. He was always interested in and encouraging to his nieces and nephews and was proud that Armon John Azimi was his godson and namesake. John always had a colorful story to tell, whether it was about "that one time I almost got between a mama bear and her cubs," having a "shootout" while deputized by the Conejos County, CO sheriff, skydiving at age 40, or having a "horse wreck." His life was full of adventure, and he lived it his own way. Stubbornness came naturally to him, as did an opinion on just about everything. His rough-and-tumble lifestyle led him to have nearly 40 surgeries in his lifetime. Despite chronic pain and health problems in recent years, John always kept an upbeat attitude. John is survived by his three siblings, Eloise (Bob) Morgan of Vancouver, WA, Lloyd (Susan) Logsdon of Brule, Kris (Amir) Azimi of Lincoln; 7 nieces and nephews, Jeff (Theresa) Logsdon of Torrington, WY, Michael (Tami) Logsdon of Hebron, Wayne Morgan of Sherman Oaks, CA, Rachel (Arley) Gonzalez of San Diego, CA, Arra (Matt) Tucker of Gastonia, NC, Cameron Azimi of Washington, D.C., and Armon Azimi of Lincoln; 8 great-nieces and nephews, and his faithful dog, Bart. John will always be remembered as "a good, honest, fair and sometimes stubborn person." One will not find a person that can argue that John Logsdon lived his life his way. A memorial has been established in John's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com. Graveside services will be Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 10:30 am at the Grant Fairview Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Logsdon (1946-2021)

It is with sad hearts we announce the passing of our dear Mother and Matriarch of our family. Vera Combs, 95 years of age, of North Platte, NE, passed away with her family by her side on August 10, 2021, in North Platte. Vera was born to Ed and Alice Dillin on September 24, 1925, at her grandmother's home in Sutherland, Nebraska. Her family lived in the sandhills in a home without electricity or running water and she attended grades K-7 in a one room school house. When she was 14, she moved to Sutherland to attend high school. She worked at the Sutherland Hospital while going to school and graduated in 1944. During her senior year, Vera was engaged to Vernon Combs as World War II engulfed the world. Vernon entered the U.S. Marine Corps. and was sent to Camp Pendleton for boot camp. Missing Vera, he asked her to come to California and marry him so she did and they were married October 5, 1944, in Riverside, CA, one month before Vernon left for the war. Vernon miraculously survived a gunshot wound on Iwo Jima and returned home to Vera just as he had promised. Vernon and Vera lived in North Platte with their three children, Lynette, Steven and Kevin. Vera was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, making wonderful memories through the years with her family. Over the years, she worked for Dr. Moss, Dr. Dougherty and lastly, for Allen Jared Florist. Vera was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various capacities including 20 years in the Family History Center. She helped many people research their genealogy. After retiring, Vernon and Vera served an 18-month mission for the church in London, England. Vera is survived by her three children: Lynette (Larry) Young, of Ventura, CA, Steven (Valerie) Combs, of Brighton, CO, and Kevin (Cindy) Combs, of Provo, UT; 11 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and other family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, her brother and her grandson, Shane Young. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Platte with Bishop Jesse Dunn conducting. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 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. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Brite Blue Foundation (briteblue.org).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628694765824.jpeg" alt="Vera Combs" />
 <figcaption>Vera Combs</figcaption>
 </figure>It is with sad hearts we announce the passing of our dear Mother and Matriarch of our family. Vera Combs, 95 years of age, of North Platte, NE, passed away with her family by her side on August 10, 2021, in North Platte. Vera was born to Ed and Alice Dillin on September 24, 1925, at her grandmother's home in Sutherland, Nebraska. Her family lived in the sandhills in a home without electricity or running water and she attended grades K-7 in a one room school house. When she was 14, she moved to Sutherland to attend high school. She worked at the Sutherland Hospital while going to school and graduated in 1944. During her senior year, Vera was engaged to Vernon Combs as World War II engulfed the world. Vernon entered the U.S. Marine Corps. and was sent to Camp Pendleton for boot camp. Missing Vera, he asked her to come to California and marry him so she did and they were married October 5, 1944, in Riverside, CA, one month before Vernon left for the war. Vernon miraculously survived a gunshot wound on Iwo Jima and returned home to Vera just as he had promised. Vernon and Vera lived in North Platte with their three children, Lynette, Steven and Kevin. Vera was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, making wonderful memories through the years with her family. Over the years, she worked for Dr. Moss, Dr. Dougherty and lastly, for Allen Jared Florist. Vera was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various capacities including 20 years in the Family History Center. She helped many people research their genealogy. After retiring, Vernon and Vera served an 18-month mission for the church in London, England. Vera is survived by her three children: Lynette (Larry) Young, of Ventura, CA, Steven (Valerie) Combs, of Brighton, CO, and Kevin (Cindy) Combs, of Provo, UT; 11 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and other family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, her brother and her grandson, Shane Young. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Platte with Bishop Jesse Dunn conducting. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 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. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Brite Blue Foundation (briteblue.org).

Vera Combs (1925-2021)

Norma Jean McConahay, 83, of North Platte, NE formerly of Cheyenne, WY passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021, at Great Plains Health. Born August 31, 1937, in Broken Bow, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Gordon and Adah Ramona (McCaslin) Hobbs.&nbsp; She was married on May 17, 1958, in North Platte to the love of her life, Gerald L. McConahay her husband of 63 years. Norma worked as a waitress and hostess and owned and operated along with her brother Larry the Old English Inn in North Platte for several years.&nbsp; While living in Cheyenne she ran the Merle Norman cosmetics and clothing store.&nbsp; She always impressed upon her daughters and granddaughters to never leave the house without your lipstick on.&nbsp; Norma loved Country Western music and loved singing and sang for a few years in a local country band.&nbsp; She was known as an excellent cook and baker and was especially known for her excellent and tasty desserts.&nbsp; She loved to dance and was known by her grandkids as a prankster and loving grandma.&nbsp; Her greatest accomplishment and love in life was her family, children, and grandchildren.&nbsp; She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Surviving in addition to her husband Jerry, are children, Rhonda Wiscombe (Brent) of Prescott Valley, AZ, Jeannette Austin (Tim) of Layton, UT, Gerald McConahay, Jr. (Carma) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Julie Austin of North Platte; brother, Larry Hobbs of North Platte; grandchildren, Scott Shoopman (Laura), Shane Shoopman (Stephanie), Shaun Haag (Anna), Jamie Sterling (Randy), Alex Miller (Michelle), Cori Flint (Austin), Amanda Austin, Shawnie Lovell, Timothy Austin (Valerie), Jessica Stogner (Chris); several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.&nbsp; She was pre-deceased by parents, Lawrence and Ramona Hobbs; daughter, Pamala Kay Haag; son-in-law, Duane Austin; sister-in-law, Linda Hobbs. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.&nbsp; Visitation will be Friday, August 13th&nbsp;from 1 to 7 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.&nbsp; Arrangements have been entrusted to Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628694105599.jpeg" alt="Norma J McConahay" />
 <figcaption>Norma J McConahay</figcaption>
 </figure>Norma Jean McConahay, 83, of North Platte, NE formerly of Cheyenne, WY passed away on Friday, August 6, 2021, at Great Plains Health. Born August 31, 1937, in Broken Bow, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Gordon and Adah Ramona (McCaslin) Hobbs.&nbsp; She was married on May 17, 1958, in North Platte to the love of her life, Gerald L. McConahay her husband of 63 years. Norma worked as a waitress and hostess and owned and operated along with her brother Larry the Old English Inn in North Platte for several years.&nbsp; While living in Cheyenne she ran the Merle Norman cosmetics and clothing store.&nbsp; She always impressed upon her daughters and granddaughters to never leave the house without your lipstick on.&nbsp; Norma loved Country Western music and loved singing and sang for a few years in a local country band.&nbsp; She was known as an excellent cook and baker and was especially known for her excellent and tasty desserts.&nbsp; She loved to dance and was known by her grandkids as a prankster and loving grandma.&nbsp; Her greatest accomplishment and love in life was her family, children, and grandchildren.&nbsp; She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Surviving in addition to her husband Jerry, are children, Rhonda Wiscombe (Brent) of Prescott Valley, AZ, Jeannette Austin (Tim) of Layton, UT, Gerald McConahay, Jr. (Carma) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Julie Austin of North Platte; brother, Larry Hobbs of North Platte; grandchildren, Scott Shoopman (Laura), Shane Shoopman (Stephanie), Shaun Haag (Anna), Jamie Sterling (Randy), Alex Miller (Michelle), Cori Flint (Austin), Amanda Austin, Shawnie Lovell, Timothy Austin (Valerie), Jessica Stogner (Chris); several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.&nbsp; She was pre-deceased by parents, Lawrence and Ramona Hobbs; daughter, Pamala Kay Haag; son-in-law, Duane Austin; sister-in-law, Linda Hobbs. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.&nbsp; Visitation will be Friday, August 13th&nbsp;from 1 to 7 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.&nbsp; Arrangements have been entrusted to Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte.

Norma J McConahay (1937-2021)

Dennis Ray Brakeman, age 70 of Broken Bow, Nebraska, passed away at his home surrounded by family on August 9th,&nbsp;2021.&nbsp; Dennis was born March 11th, 1951, in Broken Bow, Nebraska to Ernest and Thelma (Ballenger) Brakeman. He grew up with his siblings, Judy, Gary, and Rodney (Buzz) and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1970. From 1970 to 1972, he served in the United States Navy.&nbsp; He was stationed in San Diego, California aboard the USS Oriskany, at the end of the Vietnam War. After returning home, he worked on a harvesting crew in several states, then for Philips 66, and the Co-op in Broken Bow. Dennis started working for the City of Broken Bow in 1978 as a lineman for 37 years. In September of 1972, Dennis married Debra Jean Hanshew. They had three daughters together, Lori, Stacy, and Tristan. During his lifetime, Dennis was involved in many activities. He played softball for Wittig IGA and JD Bottle Shop. He enjoyed coaching softball and throughout his lifetime he coached the women’s Slippery Rock softball team, his daughters, and his granddaughters. He was an active member in the Elks Lodge and was very involved in their softball program. Bowling was another activity where Dennis enjoyed the comradery of friends.&nbsp; His other favorite past times were fishing, playing pitch, gambling, and fantasy football. Dennis spent the last 10 years with his loving companion, Ginger. Together they enjoyed many adventures, where Dennis shared his love of fishing and gambling with her. Every once in a while, Ginger would drag him on the dance floor, which he didn’t mind. &nbsp;Eight years ago, they adopted Dennis’ faithful sidekick Tucker, a Maltese-Shitzu mix. Dennis is survived by Ginger Correll of Broken Bow, NE; Lori (Shawn) Racicky of Mason City, NE; Stacy (Scott) Tincher of Loup City, NE; Tristan (Pat) Berggren of Broken Bow, NE; Geoff (Shaye) Champ-Correll of Lafayette, CO; Bridget (Joe) Huettner of Kearney, NE; his sister Judy Baillie of Broken Bow, NE; brother Gary (Tiny) Brakeman of Colona, IL; sister-in-law Mary Brakeman of Americus, KS; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one on the way, several nieces and nephews including Tim (Angie) Baillie of Pleasanton, NE. He is proceeded in death by his parents Ernest and Thelma Brakeman, brother Rodney (Buzz) Brakeman, brother-in-law Ted Baillie, and nephew Jeff Baillie. Funeral services will be Friday, August 13, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Broken Bow Municipal Building with Kathy Salts PMA officiating. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Aseracare Hospice, DYO, or Nebraska Game &amp; Parks Foundation (Fishing Night Broken Bow). A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm with family greeting 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628610450595.jpeg" alt="Dennis Brakeman" />
 <figcaption>Dennis Brakeman</figcaption>
 </figure>Dennis Ray Brakeman, age 70 of Broken Bow, Nebraska, passed away at his home surrounded by family on August 9th,&nbsp;2021.&nbsp; Dennis was born March 11th, 1951, in Broken Bow, Nebraska to Ernest and Thelma (Ballenger) Brakeman. He grew up with his siblings, Judy, Gary, and Rodney (Buzz) and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1970. From 1970 to 1972, he served in the United States Navy.&nbsp; He was stationed in San Diego, California aboard the USS Oriskany, at the end of the Vietnam War. After returning home, he worked on a harvesting crew in several states, then for Philips 66, and the Co-op in Broken Bow. Dennis started working for the City of Broken Bow in 1978 as a lineman for 37 years. In September of 1972, Dennis married Debra Jean Hanshew. They had three daughters together, Lori, Stacy, and Tristan. During his lifetime, Dennis was involved in many activities. He played softball for Wittig IGA and JD Bottle Shop. He enjoyed coaching softball and throughout his lifetime he coached the women’s Slippery Rock softball team, his daughters, and his granddaughters. He was an active member in the Elks Lodge and was very involved in their softball program. Bowling was another activity where Dennis enjoyed the comradery of friends.&nbsp; His other favorite past times were fishing, playing pitch, gambling, and fantasy football. Dennis spent the last 10 years with his loving companion, Ginger. Together they enjoyed many adventures, where Dennis shared his love of fishing and gambling with her. Every once in a while, Ginger would drag him on the dance floor, which he didn’t mind. &nbsp;Eight years ago, they adopted Dennis’ faithful sidekick Tucker, a Maltese-Shitzu mix. Dennis is survived by Ginger Correll of Broken Bow, NE; Lori (Shawn) Racicky of Mason City, NE; Stacy (Scott) Tincher of Loup City, NE; Tristan (Pat) Berggren of Broken Bow, NE; Geoff (Shaye) Champ-Correll of Lafayette, CO; Bridget (Joe) Huettner of Kearney, NE; his sister Judy Baillie of Broken Bow, NE; brother Gary (Tiny) Brakeman of Colona, IL; sister-in-law Mary Brakeman of Americus, KS; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one on the way, several nieces and nephews including Tim (Angie) Baillie of Pleasanton, NE. He is proceeded in death by his parents Ernest and Thelma Brakeman, brother Rodney (Buzz) Brakeman, brother-in-law Ted Baillie, and nephew Jeff Baillie. Funeral services will be Friday, August 13, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Broken Bow Municipal Building with Kathy Salts PMA officiating. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Aseracare Hospice, DYO, or Nebraska Game &amp; Parks Foundation (Fishing Night Broken Bow). A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 12, 2021, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm with family greeting 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Brakeman (1951-2021)

On Saturday, August 7, 2021, John Haver Taylor of rural Orleans formerly of Smithfield departed to his heavenly home. John was born June 9, 1940 to John &amp; Charline (Bruner) Taylor at his grandmother’s sod home north of Broadwater, Ne. He received his early education at School District 151 near the family farm with practical lessons from his dad and WWII veteran uncles on mechanics and life ethics that was equally important in shaping who we knew him to be. In March 1952, the family moved to Miller to farm &amp; raise sheep, moving in March 1955 to Overton where he graduated in the class of 1957. During high school, he and his brothers worked for his father and many area farmers including Albert White -&nbsp; a pilot and well driller N.W. of Overton who witched wells. He also worked for Foote Oil Co. at Kearney. He “never forgot a vehicle he met” even from childhood and could fix ANYTHING with just a pair of pliers. On May 26, 1961 he married the great love of his life Karolyn Hagan making their home on the Wingler place S.W. of Overton with employment at Progress Products and then Trautmans Sixth Street Locker in Lexington.&nbsp; The young family purchased their home in Smithfield in the mid-1960’s after gaining employment at Lexington Coop where he made his 40+ years career, retiring in 2002. After raising their 6 children, John &amp; Kay moved to rural Orleans in 2008 to enjoy their retirement years together. With John’s example of strength in humility, among those family members in mourning are his children, Charles (Mert) Taylor of Smithfield, Kim (Tom) Bock of Orleans, John Taylor,II of Orleans, Sonya (James) Cassidy of Holdrege, LaRae Taylor of Orleans and Joshua Taylor of Overton; Grandchildren, Jemie (Charlie) Lemmon, Kristina Bowles, T.J. (Jessica) Bock, Kellie (and fiancé Cordell Bean) Bock, Adam (Kirsten) Cassidy, Brittany (Alex) Brush, Matt Rice and Taylor Dickinson, and Aurora Taylor; great-grandchildren, Alaysia, Dusty, Bailey, Hunter, Austin, Kendra, Asher, Bradyn, Kimberlyn, Gabriel, Thomas, Oliver, Noah, Liliana, Creed, Draken, Asher, Kynlee, Cassidy, Carolyn, Nova, Izabella, Kennedy ; great-great-grandchild, Aiden; sister, Charlene Harris of Broadwater; brothers, Norm Taylor of Overton and James (Monica) Taylor of Savannah, Tennessee; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Creed of Bear, Delaware and Loretta Hagan of Bellvidere, Illinois; special niece, Gail Johnson and also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. John is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karloyn in 2011, and a grandson; Timothy Lee Taylor. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Westmark Evangelical Free Church in rural Bertrand with Pastor Noah Tyler, officiating.&nbsp; There will be no visitation. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Memorials are 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: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628609971053.jpeg" alt="John Taylor" />
 <figcaption>John Taylor</figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday, August 7, 2021, John Haver Taylor of rural Orleans formerly of Smithfield departed to his heavenly home. John was born June 9, 1940 to John &amp; Charline (Bruner) Taylor at his grandmother’s sod home north of Broadwater, Ne. He received his early education at School District 151 near the family farm with practical lessons from his dad and WWII veteran uncles on mechanics and life ethics that was equally important in shaping who we knew him to be. In March 1952, the family moved to Miller to farm &amp; raise sheep, moving in March 1955 to Overton where he graduated in the class of 1957. During high school, he and his brothers worked for his father and many area farmers including Albert White -&nbsp; a pilot and well driller N.W. of Overton who witched wells. He also worked for Foote Oil Co. at Kearney. He “never forgot a vehicle he met” even from childhood and could fix ANYTHING with just a pair of pliers. On May 26, 1961 he married the great love of his life Karolyn Hagan making their home on the Wingler place S.W. of Overton with employment at Progress Products and then Trautmans Sixth Street Locker in Lexington.&nbsp; The young family purchased their home in Smithfield in the mid-1960’s after gaining employment at Lexington Coop where he made his 40+ years career, retiring in 2002. After raising their 6 children, John &amp; Kay moved to rural Orleans in 2008 to enjoy their retirement years together. With John’s example of strength in humility, among those family members in mourning are his children, Charles (Mert) Taylor of Smithfield, Kim (Tom) Bock of Orleans, John Taylor,II of Orleans, Sonya (James) Cassidy of Holdrege, LaRae Taylor of Orleans and Joshua Taylor of Overton; Grandchildren, Jemie (Charlie) Lemmon, Kristina Bowles, T.J. (Jessica) Bock, Kellie (and fiancé Cordell Bean) Bock, Adam (Kirsten) Cassidy, Brittany (Alex) Brush, Matt Rice and Taylor Dickinson, and Aurora Taylor; great-grandchildren, Alaysia, Dusty, Bailey, Hunter, Austin, Kendra, Asher, Bradyn, Kimberlyn, Gabriel, Thomas, Oliver, Noah, Liliana, Creed, Draken, Asher, Kynlee, Cassidy, Carolyn, Nova, Izabella, Kennedy ; great-great-grandchild, Aiden; sister, Charlene Harris of Broadwater; brothers, Norm Taylor of Overton and James (Monica) Taylor of Savannah, Tennessee; sisters-in-law: Marilyn Creed of Bear, Delaware and Loretta Hagan of Bellvidere, Illinois; special niece, Gail Johnson and also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. John is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karloyn in 2011, and a grandson; Timothy Lee Taylor. A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Westmark Evangelical Free Church in rural Bertrand with Pastor Noah Tyler, officiating.&nbsp; There will be no visitation. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Memorials are 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: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

John Haver Taylor (1940-2021)

Delores was born March 23, 1943, mid-WWII to Willis and Letha Primus of Vinton, Iowa.&nbsp;&nbsp; She and her older brother, Donald, thrived and grew under the Iowa sunshine where she completed her elementary and high school classes.&nbsp; Delores was very active in the Disciples of Christ Church where she was baptized as a teenager.&nbsp; She worked and served in her community in various roles including riding her bicycle on her paper route, serving as a hospital aide and a certified swim instructor and lifeguard, active member and president of her county 4-H program, as well as working at the town drugstore and her parents’ hardware and appliance store.&nbsp; Upon graduating from high school in 1961, Delores attended Iowa State University in Ames where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics and Interior Design in 1965.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In her desire to serve, she enrolled in the Kennedy-era Peace Corps program and served in Niger, Africa, during which time she met her husband, Paul, who also served in the same audio/visual project.&nbsp; They were married in Niamey, Niger, at the Baptist Mission Church on June 26, 1966.&nbsp; They returned to the United States after two years of service, and the couple made their home in Downey, California.&nbsp; In 1969, Delores accepted a position at William E. Beltz Regional High School in Nome, Alaska, where she taught Home Economics and Art. She loved teaching and enjoyed watching her students solve problems in creative ways.&nbsp; Delores and Paul lived in Nome for 18 years and had all three of their children during that time. In 1971, they welcomed their firstborn, Matthew Floyd followed by daughter, Angela Letha, in 1976.&nbsp; &nbsp;Matthew went to his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior in 1981 at nine years of age and their youngest daughter, Margaret Ann, joined the family in 1982.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In 1985, Delores and Paul decided to move their family from Nome and establish a farm in Hayes County.&nbsp; While in Nebraska, Delores committed her time to her family, church, and community.&nbsp; She was actively involved as a 4-H volunteer and judge, member of St. John Lutheran Church and LWML, developed and tended her flower and vegetable gardens and enjoyed sharing the produce and blooms with neighbors and friends, helped to plan and host many family reunions, and joyfully spent time with her children and grandchildren whenever possible.&nbsp; Together Paul and Delores shared many traveling adventures with their family.&nbsp; She lived her life abundantly, loved her husband, family, and friends well, and shared her love for and trust in Jesus confidently with many whom she met throughout her lifetime.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Delores’ health condition recently advanced to Acute Myleoid Leukemia.&nbsp; She mounted a courageous effort to cope with its effects and continued to live life fully and joyfully.&nbsp; Delores spent her last days in her home attended and surrounded by her family.&nbsp; Jesus took her soul to be eternally with Him in her heavenly home on August 7, 2021, at the age of 78. &nbsp;She will be remembered for her cheerful attitude and faith and will be greatly missed by her family, friends, church, and community this side of Heaven. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Delores is survived by her husband of 55 years, Paul of Hayes County, Nebraska, two daughters, Angela (Peter) Hansen of Nome, Alaska, and Margaret (Brent) Sankey of Hayes County, Nebraska, seven grandchildren (Gareth, Alina, Clara, Luke, Agneshka, Konstantine and Nicholas), and her brother Don (Marcia) Primus of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her precious son, Matthew, and her beloved parents, Willis and Letha Primus. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A celebration of life service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Curtis, Nebraska, at 11 am on Thursday, August 12, followed by a luncheon at the church.&nbsp; Graveside services will be held at 2 pm at St. John Lutheran White Cemetery in rural eastern Hayes County followed by a reception at the Orman farm.&nbsp; Memorials may be sent to St. John Lutheran Church in Curtis, Nebraska, or to the Hayes County Ambulance Fund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628609612178.jpeg" alt="Delores Orman" />
 <figcaption>Delores Orman</figcaption>
 </figure>Delores was born March 23, 1943, mid-WWII to Willis and Letha Primus of Vinton, Iowa.&nbsp;&nbsp; She and her older brother, Donald, thrived and grew under the Iowa sunshine where she completed her elementary and high school classes.&nbsp; Delores was very active in the Disciples of Christ Church where she was baptized as a teenager.&nbsp; She worked and served in her community in various roles including riding her bicycle on her paper route, serving as a hospital aide and a certified swim instructor and lifeguard, active member and president of her county 4-H program, as well as working at the town drugstore and her parents’ hardware and appliance store.&nbsp; Upon graduating from high school in 1961, Delores attended Iowa State University in Ames where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics and Interior Design in 1965.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In her desire to serve, she enrolled in the Kennedy-era Peace Corps program and served in Niger, Africa, during which time she met her husband, Paul, who also served in the same audio/visual project.&nbsp; They were married in Niamey, Niger, at the Baptist Mission Church on June 26, 1966.&nbsp; They returned to the United States after two years of service, and the couple made their home in Downey, California.&nbsp; In 1969, Delores accepted a position at William E. Beltz Regional High School in Nome, Alaska, where she taught Home Economics and Art. She loved teaching and enjoyed watching her students solve problems in creative ways.&nbsp; Delores and Paul lived in Nome for 18 years and had all three of their children during that time. In 1971, they welcomed their firstborn, Matthew Floyd followed by daughter, Angela Letha, in 1976.&nbsp; &nbsp;Matthew went to his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior in 1981 at nine years of age and their youngest daughter, Margaret Ann, joined the family in 1982.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; In 1985, Delores and Paul decided to move their family from Nome and establish a farm in Hayes County.&nbsp; While in Nebraska, Delores committed her time to her family, church, and community.&nbsp; She was actively involved as a 4-H volunteer and judge, member of St. John Lutheran Church and LWML, developed and tended her flower and vegetable gardens and enjoyed sharing the produce and blooms with neighbors and friends, helped to plan and host many family reunions, and joyfully spent time with her children and grandchildren whenever possible.&nbsp; Together Paul and Delores shared many traveling adventures with their family.&nbsp; She lived her life abundantly, loved her husband, family, and friends well, and shared her love for and trust in Jesus confidently with many whom she met throughout her lifetime.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Delores’ health condition recently advanced to Acute Myleoid Leukemia.&nbsp; She mounted a courageous effort to cope with its effects and continued to live life fully and joyfully.&nbsp; Delores spent her last days in her home attended and surrounded by her family.&nbsp; Jesus took her soul to be eternally with Him in her heavenly home on August 7, 2021, at the age of 78. &nbsp;She will be remembered for her cheerful attitude and faith and will be greatly missed by her family, friends, church, and community this side of Heaven. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Delores is survived by her husband of 55 years, Paul of Hayes County, Nebraska, two daughters, Angela (Peter) Hansen of Nome, Alaska, and Margaret (Brent) Sankey of Hayes County, Nebraska, seven grandchildren (Gareth, Alina, Clara, Luke, Agneshka, Konstantine and Nicholas), and her brother Don (Marcia) Primus of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her precious son, Matthew, and her beloved parents, Willis and Letha Primus. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; A celebration of life service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Curtis, Nebraska, at 11 am on Thursday, August 12, followed by a luncheon at the church.&nbsp; Graveside services will be held at 2 pm at St. John Lutheran White Cemetery in rural eastern Hayes County followed by a reception at the Orman farm.&nbsp; Memorials may be sent to St. John Lutheran Church in Curtis, Nebraska, or to the Hayes County Ambulance Fund.

Delores Ann Orman (1943-2021)

Brandon Travis Alberts, 44, of North Platte, passed away on June 25, 2021 at Great Plains Health.&nbsp; He was born November 11, 1976 to Rodney Alberts and Kathleen Johnson in Newton, IA.&nbsp; Brandon was raised with his father Rodney, stepmother Barbara and his brother and stepsister in Scottsbluff, NE. They moved to Sidney, NE in 1992 where he completed his GED in 1996. Later Brandon moved back to Scottsbluff before settling down in North Platte, NE. After moving to North Platte, Brandon worked at the local McDonald’s for several years, making trades and running errands with his friends.&nbsp; He loved wrestling, especially watching WWE.&nbsp; Brandon was a collector of many things, including coins and comic books.&nbsp; He enjoyed playing video games, as well as playing bingo among other activities with his friends at the Liberty House.&nbsp; Even when life was hard, Brandon always kept a kind and loving heart. Survivors include a daughter, Jessica Fowlkes, of Springdale, AR; mother, Barbara Alberts, of Sidney, NE; sister, Kim (Jeff) Thorson, of Des Moines, IA; brother, Trevor (Kimberly) Alberts, of Bella Vista, AR; nephews, Zach and Jayden; as well as many friends.&nbsp; He is preceded in death by his parents, Rodney and Kathleen. Memorials are suggested to the Liberty House.&nbsp; A plaque will be placed next to his fathers’ bench in Sidney, NE.&nbsp; Cremation was chosen.&nbsp; A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Sukraw officiating.&nbsp; &nbsp;Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.&nbsp; Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628608920822.jpeg" alt="Brandon Alberts" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Alberts</figcaption>
 </figure>Brandon Travis Alberts, 44, of North Platte, passed away on June 25, 2021 at Great Plains Health.&nbsp; He was born November 11, 1976 to Rodney Alberts and Kathleen Johnson in Newton, IA.&nbsp; Brandon was raised with his father Rodney, stepmother Barbara and his brother and stepsister in Scottsbluff, NE. They moved to Sidney, NE in 1992 where he completed his GED in 1996. Later Brandon moved back to Scottsbluff before settling down in North Platte, NE. After moving to North Platte, Brandon worked at the local McDonald’s for several years, making trades and running errands with his friends.&nbsp; He loved wrestling, especially watching WWE.&nbsp; Brandon was a collector of many things, including coins and comic books.&nbsp; He enjoyed playing video games, as well as playing bingo among other activities with his friends at the Liberty House.&nbsp; Even when life was hard, Brandon always kept a kind and loving heart. Survivors include a daughter, Jessica Fowlkes, of Springdale, AR; mother, Barbara Alberts, of Sidney, NE; sister, Kim (Jeff) Thorson, of Des Moines, IA; brother, Trevor (Kimberly) Alberts, of Bella Vista, AR; nephews, Zach and Jayden; as well as many friends.&nbsp; He is preceded in death by his parents, Rodney and Kathleen. Memorials are suggested to the Liberty House.&nbsp; A plaque will be placed next to his fathers’ bench in Sidney, NE.&nbsp; Cremation was chosen.&nbsp; A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Sukraw officiating.&nbsp; &nbsp;Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.&nbsp; Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

Brandon T. Alberts (1976-2021)

Janet Kay Neighbors passed away surrounded by her loved ones on August 8, 2021, at Great Plains Health in North Platte at the age of 72. Janet was born on November 13, 1948, in Hays, KS, to George and Hilda Bollig.&nbsp; She grew up in North Platte, where she graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1966, then attended Airline Training School in Denver, graduating in '67. Janet met the love of her life, Glenn Neighbors, in Denver while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force.&nbsp; The couple married September 2, 1967, and were blessed with 53 years of marriage, two children, Glenn, Jr. and Heidi, and four grandchildren.&nbsp; Her family was her life, and her husband was her best friend.&nbsp; Janet and Glenn cherished their moments together and were truly in love with each other. Janet worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. then was privileged to later stay home and raise her children.&nbsp; Once the children were older, Janet worked at JC Penney, Messiah Lutheran Church as secretary, and Walmart. Janet met her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ in December 1975. She attended The Rock Church and actively served in many areas from deacon board to pianist and secretary, youth teacher, ladies group and bible studies, and assisted Glenn with rest home services.&nbsp; She was also a Cub Scout den mother and proudly supported her children's and later grandchildren's activities. Janet enjoyed doing crafts and puzzles, spending time with her friends, bowling on women's leagues, and working out with her pool pals at the North Platte Rec Center. Janet loved Jesus, her family and her friends.&nbsp; Her life was a blessing to those who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Hilda Bollig; sisters, Cheryl Keith and Darlene Hentges; twin brothers, Lawrence and Doorance Bollig; nephew, Gregory Folchert; Glenn's father and stepmother, Ron and Angela Neighbors; brothers-in-law, Nicholas Lastoka, Lyle Keith and John Hentges; and Glenn's stepbrothers, Art and George Aurand. Janet is survived by her husband, Glenn, Sr., and son, Glenn, Jr., of North Platte; daughter, Heidi (Sid, Jr.) Fessler, of Broken Bow; grandchildren, Derrick (Paige) Neighbors, of North Platte, Allyson Neighbors, of Grand Island and Quinn Fessler and Sid Fessler, III, of Broken Bow; her sister, Deborah Lastoka, of Colorado Springs, CO; brother, Carl (Janet) Bollig, of Columbus; Glenn's brothers, Rondel (Marie) Neighbors and David (Michele) Neighbors, of California; as well as other relatives and her friends. Celebration of Janet's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at The Rock Church.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.&nbsp; Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 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.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Foursquare Mission (in care of The Rock Church) or Hope Embraced Youth Outreach.&nbsp; Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628608231363.jpeg" alt="Janet Neighbors" />
 <figcaption>Janet Neighbors</figcaption>
 </figure>Janet Kay Neighbors passed away surrounded by her loved ones on August 8, 2021, at Great Plains Health in North Platte at the age of 72. Janet was born on November 13, 1948, in Hays, KS, to George and Hilda Bollig.&nbsp; She grew up in North Platte, where she graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1966, then attended Airline Training School in Denver, graduating in '67. Janet met the love of her life, Glenn Neighbors, in Denver while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force.&nbsp; The couple married September 2, 1967, and were blessed with 53 years of marriage, two children, Glenn, Jr. and Heidi, and four grandchildren.&nbsp; Her family was her life, and her husband was her best friend.&nbsp; Janet and Glenn cherished their moments together and were truly in love with each other. Janet worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. then was privileged to later stay home and raise her children.&nbsp; Once the children were older, Janet worked at JC Penney, Messiah Lutheran Church as secretary, and Walmart. Janet met her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ in December 1975. She attended The Rock Church and actively served in many areas from deacon board to pianist and secretary, youth teacher, ladies group and bible studies, and assisted Glenn with rest home services.&nbsp; She was also a Cub Scout den mother and proudly supported her children's and later grandchildren's activities. Janet enjoyed doing crafts and puzzles, spending time with her friends, bowling on women's leagues, and working out with her pool pals at the North Platte Rec Center. Janet loved Jesus, her family and her friends.&nbsp; Her life was a blessing to those who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Hilda Bollig; sisters, Cheryl Keith and Darlene Hentges; twin brothers, Lawrence and Doorance Bollig; nephew, Gregory Folchert; Glenn's father and stepmother, Ron and Angela Neighbors; brothers-in-law, Nicholas Lastoka, Lyle Keith and John Hentges; and Glenn's stepbrothers, Art and George Aurand. Janet is survived by her husband, Glenn, Sr., and son, Glenn, Jr., of North Platte; daughter, Heidi (Sid, Jr.) Fessler, of Broken Bow; grandchildren, Derrick (Paige) Neighbors, of North Platte, Allyson Neighbors, of Grand Island and Quinn Fessler and Sid Fessler, III, of Broken Bow; her sister, Deborah Lastoka, of Colorado Springs, CO; brother, Carl (Janet) Bollig, of Columbus; Glenn's brothers, Rondel (Marie) Neighbors and David (Michele) Neighbors, of California; as well as other relatives and her friends. Celebration of Janet's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at The Rock Church.&nbsp; Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.&nbsp; Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 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.&nbsp; In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Foursquare Mission (in care of The Rock Church) or Hope Embraced Youth Outreach.&nbsp; Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Janet Kay Neighbors (1948-2021)

Eugene Franklin Fuqua, 82, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, surrounded by family at his bedside. Gene was born July 11, 1939, in McCook, Nebraska, to Frank and Verla (Matson) Fuqua, the younger of two children. He grew up in the Assembly of God Church and spent most of his childhood in Dawson County, Nebraska, becoming particularly close to his grandfather, Harry Fuqua. He attended Lexington High School. Gene joined the U.S. Navy in 1957 and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War. He served in the Navy for 11 years and continued military service in the National Guard and U.S. Navy Reserves. He was formerly active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Gene married Patricia Price in 1957 and together they had three children. He was also briefly married to Bonnie (Frank) Stoeger before moving his family to Arizona. There, he met Georgia “Jo” (Reineer) Allison and they later married on March 12, 1983, in Bertrand, Nebraska. Gene and Jo lived several years in Elwood, Nebraska, Lake Los Angeles, California, and Broken Bow, Nebraska. Later in life, they enjoyed a lot of adventures together in their fifth wheel. Gene loved boating, antique guns, Husker football, drinking good whiskey and most of all, his family. Gene was preceded in death by his father, Henry Franklin Fuqua; mother, Verla Cantwell; sister, Donna Norris; son, Terry Fuqua; daughter, Donna Fuqua; and stepson, Leroy Allison. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Georgia Fuqua; son, Bradley Fuqua (Canda), of Philomath, Oregon; stepson, Bryon Allison, of Phoenix, Arizona; stepdaughter, Rhonda Sheneman (Duane), of Broken Bow; stepdaughter, Elizabeth White (Mike), of Broken Bow; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. The family will host a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow. The memorial service will be livestreamed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govierbrothers.com/obituary/gene-fuqua">www.govierbrothers.com</a>. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 3 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery south of Maxwell.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govierbrothers.com/">Govier Brothers Mortuary</a>&nbsp;is handling arrangements. A register book may also be signed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at the mortuary, which is located at 542 S. 9th St., in Broken Bow. If desired, donations may be made to the Linda Tolton Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (<a href="https://nufoundation.org/fund/01107560/">click on this link</a>) or any organization that supports research to fight pancreatic cancer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628535576257.jpeg" alt="Gene Fuqua" />
 <figcaption>Gene Fuqua</figcaption>
 </figure>Eugene Franklin Fuqua, 82, of Broken Bow, Nebraska, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, surrounded by family at his bedside. Gene was born July 11, 1939, in McCook, Nebraska, to Frank and Verla (Matson) Fuqua, the younger of two children. He grew up in the Assembly of God Church and spent most of his childhood in Dawson County, Nebraska, becoming particularly close to his grandfather, Harry Fuqua. He attended Lexington High School. Gene joined the U.S. Navy in 1957 and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War. He served in the Navy for 11 years and continued military service in the National Guard and U.S. Navy Reserves. He was formerly active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Gene married Patricia Price in 1957 and together they had three children. He was also briefly married to Bonnie (Frank) Stoeger before moving his family to Arizona. There, he met Georgia “Jo” (Reineer) Allison and they later married on March 12, 1983, in Bertrand, Nebraska. Gene and Jo lived several years in Elwood, Nebraska, Lake Los Angeles, California, and Broken Bow, Nebraska. Later in life, they enjoyed a lot of adventures together in their fifth wheel. Gene loved boating, antique guns, Husker football, drinking good whiskey and most of all, his family. Gene was preceded in death by his father, Henry Franklin Fuqua; mother, Verla Cantwell; sister, Donna Norris; son, Terry Fuqua; daughter, Donna Fuqua; and stepson, Leroy Allison. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Georgia Fuqua; son, Bradley Fuqua (Canda), of Philomath, Oregon; stepson, Bryon Allison, of Phoenix, Arizona; stepdaughter, Rhonda Sheneman (Duane), of Broken Bow; stepdaughter, Elizabeth White (Mike), of Broken Bow; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. The family will host a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow. The memorial service will be livestreamed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govierbrothers.com/obituary/gene-fuqua">www.govierbrothers.com</a>. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 3 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery south of Maxwell.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.govierbrothers.com/">Govier Brothers Mortuary</a>&nbsp;is handling arrangements. A register book may also be signed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at the mortuary, which is located at 542 S. 9th St., in Broken Bow. If desired, donations may be made to the Linda Tolton Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (<a href="https://nufoundation.org/fund/01107560/">click on this link</a>) or any organization that supports research to fight pancreatic cancer.

Eugene Franklin Fuqua (1939-2021)

Mary Dee Shirley Peyton passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at the Gothenburg Health Hospital in Gothenburg, NE at the age of 94. She broke her hip and developed pneumonia after the hip operation. She was born on December 13, 1926, in Venus, Johnson County, Texas. Mary Dee was the third of five children born to LeRoy Shirley and Bertha Mae (Woolard) Shirley. Mary Dee graduated from Robert Lee Paschal High School in Ft. Worth, Texas at the age of nineteen on the 30th&nbsp;of July 1945. Later that same year, she married Mack Peyton, Jr. of Richmond, Indiana. They were married on August 17, 1945, at the Post Chapel of Ft. Bragg in Muscogee County, Georgia by the US Army Chaplain. Mary Dee’s children always liked to tell the tale about the girl from Texas and the boy from Indiana meeting in Wyoming, marrying in Georgia and eventually living in Nebraska. Mack and Mary Dee lived in Wyoming after Mack returned from WWII. Mack was attending the University of Wyoming to earn his teaching degree at that time. His first teaching and coaching job was in Rock Springs, Wyoming. In 1958/9 the Peyton family lived in Roswell, New Mexico where Mack taught and coached at the New Mexico Military Institute. After Mack received his master’s degree from the University of Wyoming in the summer of 1960, the family moved to Chadron, Nebraska where Mack was a coach and teacher at Chadron State College. Four years after Mack died in 1980, Mary Dee moved to Lexington to be near her children. In 2012, she moved into Assisted Living at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg and in 2020 the Care Home, Hill Top Estates in Gothenburg became her home. In 1960, Mary Dee entered college at Chadron State. Her oldest daughter, Judy, was beginning high school as a freshman and Mary Dee began her college career the same year. The two graduated from their respective schools in 1964. Mary Dee was the first person in her family to graduate from college. She began teaching at Chadron Public Schools that same year. She taught Earth Sciences and English to Jr. High students, and she taught for a total of ten years. Mary Dee and Mack loved to be out in nature. The liked to go rock and agate hunting in the lands around Chadron. They enjoyed picnicking with their children and the home movies show the family’s adventures in the hills of Wyoming. Fishing trips were in those movies also. Mack and Mary Dee also loved to bird watch and any outing involved keeping an eye out for the birds. One of the activities Mary Dee enjoyed was volunteering at the Eagle viewing area south of Lexington along with her son, Mark. They went many times to a blind on the Platte River to watch the Sandhill Cranes in the spring. Mack taught Outdoor Education classes at CSC and Mary Dee was always involved in the classes, too. When Mack took his classes into the Wind River Mts. of Wyoming, Mary Dee went along. Getting to the campground at the top of the mountain involved a long hike and sometimes a ride on a horse. She would sleep in a tent, cook over a fire, bathe in the lake, and participate in all the class activities along with the students. Two weeks later she would hike down the mountain back to civilization. During the summers Mary Dee and Mack would take graduate classes together. Some of their classes were in Michigan and Texas. They enjoyed visiting with nearby relatives in their time away from classes. Mary Dee learned to play golf and enjoyed playing with Mack. She was in a golf league in Chadron along with her daughter, Becky. One activity Mack could not get Mary Dee to do well was swimming. One time in the college’s old swimming pool, Mary Dee jumped off the diving board at Mack’s insistence. She went right to the bottom of the pool and stayed there. Mack had to swim down and rescue her. With Mack being a coach, Mary Dee and the children went to a bushelful of baseball and basketball games. The children received lectures on how to behave at the games. Of course, they did not always follow her instructions. They had been to too many games. One time, (she would say it did not happen) she gave them all a swat on the behind before they went to the game and promised more afterwards. Mary Dee loved to play cards and her mind and hands were quick on the draw. After moving to Lexington, she belonged to five Bridge clubs. She loved to put puzzles together and she dabbled in watercolor paintings, too. She raised beautiful flowers anywhere she lived and in Lexington, she belonged to the Iris Society and raised irises of many colors in her garden. She liked to keep her hands busy and would crochet, knit, do counted cross stitch, or make quilts in her spare time. She attended several quilt conventions with her daughter, Judy. Crocheting was her favorite handwork. Once she had a goal of making two hundred potholders of a certain pattern. They were made of cotton crochet thread (think doilies), and she had the pattern memorized. Two hundred potholders of all assorted colors. When the potholders were finished, she gave them away to whoever asked for one. She did not want to keep them; her enjoyment was in the doing. She also made fifty Barbie doll dresses of which Mark took twenty-five of them to Cuba on one of his trips to that country. Mary Dee developed macular degeneration in her eyes and had been treated for the disease for more than fifteen years. She had been left with just a small amount of peripheral sight in one eye. She could not do any of her handwork then and that is the one thing she missed the most as she grew older. Daughter, Becky lived next door to Mary Dee for thirty-two years in Lexington. Mark and his family would visit from Gothenburg and Judy would come from Arapahoe. Mary Dee called the area the Peyton triangle. Mary Dee will be missed by her three children: Judith Lynn (Gary) Thompson, Rebecca Jo Peyton, and Mark Mandel (Cindy Baalhorn) Peyton. She had a basketball team of grandchildren. Warren “Mack” (Andra) Thompson, Casey William (Nicole) Thompson, Andrew Wade (Jennifer) Thompson, Reece Everett Peyton, and Alex Dean Peyton. Great grandchildren include W. Mack’s sons, Malachi Lander and Noah Skyler Thompson, Casey’s children, Emily Ann, Tristin Miles and Peyton James Thompson, Andrew’s children, Cole Hunter and Paige Kenzie Thompson and Reece’s daughter, Emilia Jo Peyton. Mary Dee was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings; parents, LeRoy and Bertha Shirley, brother, LeRoy Stephen Shirley (Edna Earl), sister, Billie Crickett Mills (Royce), brother, Byron Kenneth who was called Cy and brother Jay Randol Shirley (Wanda). A special niece to Mary Dee is Cindy Dee Reichert of Arlington, Texas. At her request, Mary Dee will be cremated and interned at the Salem Presbyterian Church’s cemetery north of Gothenburg, NE. There will be a short service at the grave site that will be attended by family members later this fall. The Berryman Funeral Home of Cozad is in charge of the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628535418905.jpeg" alt="Mary Dee Peyton" />
 <figcaption>Mary Dee Peyton</figcaption>
 </figure>Mary Dee Shirley Peyton passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at the Gothenburg Health Hospital in Gothenburg, NE at the age of 94. She broke her hip and developed pneumonia after the hip operation. She was born on December 13, 1926, in Venus, Johnson County, Texas. Mary Dee was the third of five children born to LeRoy Shirley and Bertha Mae (Woolard) Shirley. Mary Dee graduated from Robert Lee Paschal High School in Ft. Worth, Texas at the age of nineteen on the 30th&nbsp;of July 1945. Later that same year, she married Mack Peyton, Jr. of Richmond, Indiana. They were married on August 17, 1945, at the Post Chapel of Ft. Bragg in Muscogee County, Georgia by the US Army Chaplain. Mary Dee’s children always liked to tell the tale about the girl from Texas and the boy from Indiana meeting in Wyoming, marrying in Georgia and eventually living in Nebraska. Mack and Mary Dee lived in Wyoming after Mack returned from WWII. Mack was attending the University of Wyoming to earn his teaching degree at that time. His first teaching and coaching job was in Rock Springs, Wyoming. In 1958/9 the Peyton family lived in Roswell, New Mexico where Mack taught and coached at the New Mexico Military Institute. After Mack received his master’s degree from the University of Wyoming in the summer of 1960, the family moved to Chadron, Nebraska where Mack was a coach and teacher at Chadron State College. Four years after Mack died in 1980, Mary Dee moved to Lexington to be near her children. In 2012, she moved into Assisted Living at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg and in 2020 the Care Home, Hill Top Estates in Gothenburg became her home. In 1960, Mary Dee entered college at Chadron State. Her oldest daughter, Judy, was beginning high school as a freshman and Mary Dee began her college career the same year. The two graduated from their respective schools in 1964. Mary Dee was the first person in her family to graduate from college. She began teaching at Chadron Public Schools that same year. She taught Earth Sciences and English to Jr. High students, and she taught for a total of ten years. Mary Dee and Mack loved to be out in nature. The liked to go rock and agate hunting in the lands around Chadron. They enjoyed picnicking with their children and the home movies show the family’s adventures in the hills of Wyoming. Fishing trips were in those movies also. Mack and Mary Dee also loved to bird watch and any outing involved keeping an eye out for the birds. One of the activities Mary Dee enjoyed was volunteering at the Eagle viewing area south of Lexington along with her son, Mark. They went many times to a blind on the Platte River to watch the Sandhill Cranes in the spring. Mack taught Outdoor Education classes at CSC and Mary Dee was always involved in the classes, too. When Mack took his classes into the Wind River Mts. of Wyoming, Mary Dee went along. Getting to the campground at the top of the mountain involved a long hike and sometimes a ride on a horse. She would sleep in a tent, cook over a fire, bathe in the lake, and participate in all the class activities along with the students. Two weeks later she would hike down the mountain back to civilization. During the summers Mary Dee and Mack would take graduate classes together. Some of their classes were in Michigan and Texas. They enjoyed visiting with nearby relatives in their time away from classes. Mary Dee learned to play golf and enjoyed playing with Mack. She was in a golf league in Chadron along with her daughter, Becky. One activity Mack could not get Mary Dee to do well was swimming. One time in the college’s old swimming pool, Mary Dee jumped off the diving board at Mack’s insistence. She went right to the bottom of the pool and stayed there. Mack had to swim down and rescue her. With Mack being a coach, Mary Dee and the children went to a bushelful of baseball and basketball games. The children received lectures on how to behave at the games. Of course, they did not always follow her instructions. They had been to too many games. One time, (she would say it did not happen) she gave them all a swat on the behind before they went to the game and promised more afterwards. Mary Dee loved to play cards and her mind and hands were quick on the draw. After moving to Lexington, she belonged to five Bridge clubs. She loved to put puzzles together and she dabbled in watercolor paintings, too. She raised beautiful flowers anywhere she lived and in Lexington, she belonged to the Iris Society and raised irises of many colors in her garden. She liked to keep her hands busy and would crochet, knit, do counted cross stitch, or make quilts in her spare time. She attended several quilt conventions with her daughter, Judy. Crocheting was her favorite handwork. Once she had a goal of making two hundred potholders of a certain pattern. They were made of cotton crochet thread (think doilies), and she had the pattern memorized. Two hundred potholders of all assorted colors. When the potholders were finished, she gave them away to whoever asked for one. She did not want to keep them; her enjoyment was in the doing. She also made fifty Barbie doll dresses of which Mark took twenty-five of them to Cuba on one of his trips to that country. Mary Dee developed macular degeneration in her eyes and had been treated for the disease for more than fifteen years. She had been left with just a small amount of peripheral sight in one eye. She could not do any of her handwork then and that is the one thing she missed the most as she grew older. Daughter, Becky lived next door to Mary Dee for thirty-two years in Lexington. Mark and his family would visit from Gothenburg and Judy would come from Arapahoe. Mary Dee called the area the Peyton triangle. Mary Dee will be missed by her three children: Judith Lynn (Gary) Thompson, Rebecca Jo Peyton, and Mark Mandel (Cindy Baalhorn) Peyton. She had a basketball team of grandchildren. Warren “Mack” (Andra) Thompson, Casey William (Nicole) Thompson, Andrew Wade (Jennifer) Thompson, Reece Everett Peyton, and Alex Dean Peyton. Great grandchildren include W. Mack’s sons, Malachi Lander and Noah Skyler Thompson, Casey’s children, Emily Ann, Tristin Miles and Peyton James Thompson, Andrew’s children, Cole Hunter and Paige Kenzie Thompson and Reece’s daughter, Emilia Jo Peyton. Mary Dee was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings; parents, LeRoy and Bertha Shirley, brother, LeRoy Stephen Shirley (Edna Earl), sister, Billie Crickett Mills (Royce), brother, Byron Kenneth who was called Cy and brother Jay Randol Shirley (Wanda). A special niece to Mary Dee is Cindy Dee Reichert of Arlington, Texas. At her request, Mary Dee will be cremated and interned at the Salem Presbyterian Church’s cemetery north of Gothenburg, NE. There will be a short service at the grave site that will be attended by family members later this fall. The Berryman Funeral Home of Cozad is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Dee Peyton (1926-2021)

Joni Kay Peterson, 61, of Lexington went on to her heavenly home on August 4, 2021 at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington and is running around talking to all her friends and family.&nbsp; Joni was born in Gothenburg, NE to Kent and Marian (Rodine) Peterson on June 11, 1960. &nbsp;&nbsp;Joni was raised on the family farm in Wild Horse Valley north of Brady, NE. Joni was born with Cerebral Palsy and had many challenges with her life.&nbsp; She attended grade school at Spannuth north of Brady and Educational Service unit 16 in North Platte and received her GED.&nbsp; She also attended University of Nebraska in Lincoln and, of course, was a diehard GO BIG RED fan, never missing a game since she was a teenager. Over Joni’s earlier life she lived in North Platte with another family and Omaha for 3 years at the Quality Living, inc.&nbsp; In 1994, she moved to her own apartment in Kearney and lived there for 22 years, where she loved having her own place. In 2016, due to some health-related issues, she was moved to Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington when she was needing some additional long-term care and resided there for almost 5 years. Joni was a strong Christian and loved the Lord and never lost her faith in going to heaven and walking and talking with all her fellow Christian friends and family.&nbsp;Joni attended Svea Dal Covenant Church where she grew up and the Evangelical Free Church while in Kearney. She was involved in Campus Life and the Greenhouse in North Platte. Due to her limitations of not being able to speak clearly, she was very efficient with the type writer to communicate with and later on using Facebook on the Internet to allow her to talk to her friends and family. No matter how sick she was she always had a loving smile that will never be forgotten.&nbsp; She was loved by everyone that knew her and had a special place in everyone heart. Joni is the only family member that got to ride in a hot air balloon with her cousin Sheryl on her last big trip to California. Joni is survived by her parents Kent and Marian Peterson, one sister Tamera (Rocky) Herrick, two brothers Craig (Kathy) Peterson, Brent Peterson, several cousins, nieces and nephew and great nieces and nephews. Visitation: Monday, August 9, 2021, 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM, Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg. NE, with the family present from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral Services: 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 10, 2021, Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, NE, with Dean and Valerie Hiser officiating.&nbsp; Memorials may be directed to the Maranatha Bible Camp, 16800 E. Maranatha Road, Maxwell, NE 69151.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628533333137.jpeg" alt="Joni Peterson" />
 <figcaption>Joni Peterson</figcaption>
 </figure>Joni Kay Peterson, 61, of Lexington went on to her heavenly home on August 4, 2021 at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington and is running around talking to all her friends and family.&nbsp; Joni was born in Gothenburg, NE to Kent and Marian (Rodine) Peterson on June 11, 1960. &nbsp;&nbsp;Joni was raised on the family farm in Wild Horse Valley north of Brady, NE. Joni was born with Cerebral Palsy and had many challenges with her life.&nbsp; She attended grade school at Spannuth north of Brady and Educational Service unit 16 in North Platte and received her GED.&nbsp; She also attended University of Nebraska in Lincoln and, of course, was a diehard GO BIG RED fan, never missing a game since she was a teenager. Over Joni’s earlier life she lived in North Platte with another family and Omaha for 3 years at the Quality Living, inc.&nbsp; In 1994, she moved to her own apartment in Kearney and lived there for 22 years, where she loved having her own place. In 2016, due to some health-related issues, she was moved to Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington when she was needing some additional long-term care and resided there for almost 5 years. Joni was a strong Christian and loved the Lord and never lost her faith in going to heaven and walking and talking with all her fellow Christian friends and family.&nbsp;Joni attended Svea Dal Covenant Church where she grew up and the Evangelical Free Church while in Kearney. She was involved in Campus Life and the Greenhouse in North Platte. Due to her limitations of not being able to speak clearly, she was very efficient with the type writer to communicate with and later on using Facebook on the Internet to allow her to talk to her friends and family. No matter how sick she was she always had a loving smile that will never be forgotten.&nbsp; She was loved by everyone that knew her and had a special place in everyone heart. Joni is the only family member that got to ride in a hot air balloon with her cousin Sheryl on her last big trip to California. Joni is survived by her parents Kent and Marian Peterson, one sister Tamera (Rocky) Herrick, two brothers Craig (Kathy) Peterson, Brent Peterson, several cousins, nieces and nephew and great nieces and nephews. Visitation: Monday, August 9, 2021, 4:00 PM- 8:00 PM, Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg. NE, with the family present from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Funeral Services: 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 10, 2021, Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, NE, with Dean and Valerie Hiser officiating.&nbsp; Memorials may be directed to the Maranatha Bible Camp, 16800 E. Maranatha Road, Maxwell, NE 69151.

Joni K. Peterson (1960-2021)

Mel Adams, age 86, passed away August 1, 2021, at the Ogallala Community Hospital. He was born on January 31, 1935, at Ogallala, Nebraska, the son of Melvin and Lucille Adams. In his early years, Mel lived in Lemoyne, Nebraska where the family bank was established. The family and bank moved to Brule, Nebraska due to the construction of Lake McConaughy.&nbsp; His father was called to active duty in 1940 during World War II. Melvin Adams Sr. was a Lieutenant Colonel, and they moved many times during his deployment. The family returned to Brule after the war in 1946. Mel graduated from Brule High School in 1952 and attended the University of Nebraska, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. Mel was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He furthered his education by graduating from the Independent Bankers Seminar, Harvard University in 1966 and the Colorado School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado in 1968. On January 14, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Huberta Beal. Together they had four children. Mel began working for IBM and the National Bank of Commerce in Lincoln but returned to Brule to join his father in the bank and insurance business in 1961. He was the third generation of bankers in the family. In 1962, Mel chartered the Keith County Bank &amp; Trust in Ogallala. Additional banks were purchased and eventually merged and rebranded into Adams Bank &amp; Trust, where Mel was the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. When Mel returned to Brule the bank had just over $1,500,000 in assets. It has now grown to over $1.1 Billion with branches located in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. He was President and owner of the insurance agency that became Adams Insurance Advisors. Mel enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard in 1952.&nbsp; He was Commissioned as an Armor Officer in the United States Army, following the tradition established by his father. &nbsp;In 1956, he graduated from the U.S. Armor School, Fort Knox, Kentucky.&nbsp; During his 16 years of service, he rose to the rank of Captain, and was the Battery Commander, Artillery, of the Nebraska National Guard unit when the Ogallala armory was built.&nbsp; With the many bank and insurance locations to visit, Mel was an accomplished instrument pilot and flew extensively. &nbsp;A commercial and instrument rated pilot, he accumulated over 9,000 hours.&nbsp; His good friend was Rector Searle, which the Ogallala airport is named after. Mel often volunteered to fly seriously injured people to emergency centers for medical care.&nbsp; Through his company, Central States Aviation, he operated the fixed based operation at the Ogallala airport from 1977 – 1991.&nbsp; Mel was elected Chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association in 1984 and served on the Board and as Chairman of the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado. From 1977 until 2002 he was a co-owner of Ogallala Livestock Auction Market and was a co-owner of radio stations in Sterling, Colorado and Casa Grande, Arizona.&nbsp; In 1983, he opened General Office Supply in Ogallala. He was the Scout Master for Troop 258 and was instrumental in his sons and several grandsons becoming Eagle Scouts as well as several granddaughters receiving the Gold Award in Girl Scouts. Mel and Huberta loved to travel and took their family and associates all over the world. Mel is survived by his wife, Huberta, children Todd (Kandy) Adams, Melanie (Dave) Washa, and Chad (Barbara) Adams, all of Ogallala and Laurie (Kirk) Hovendick of Hickman, Nebraska. Seventeen grandchildren; Jennifer (Ben) Wheeler-Harsh, Amanda (Josh) Hoover, Melynda (Billy) Boyce, Sarah (Michael) Vargas, Quincy Washa, Eric (Chelsie) Washa, Benjamin (Kayla) Washa, Alex (Renata) Washa, Colt (Anna) Washa, Jared (Sarah) Washa, Jessop (Caitlin) Adams, Samuel (Katherine) Adams, Harrison Adams, Rebecca Adams (fiancée Jack Fordon), Jacob (Meagan) Hovendick, Kalli (Kyle) Sawyer, John Hovendick.&nbsp; Twenty-two, soon to be twenty-four great-grandchildren. Sister-in-laws, Linda Adams, Bonnie Welsh, Vicki Hill, Tatania Beal, brother-in-laws Greg Beal, Norm Welsh and Jack Hill, as well as nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Adams and sister Pamela Adams. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Ogallala or Perkins County Hospital Foundations, Ogallala Public Schools Foundation, or a local charity of your choice. Funeral service will be at the New Hope Church, 319 East O Street, Ogallala, Nebraska on Tuesday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m. Internment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, August 22nd, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and Monday, August 23rd from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Draucker Funeral Home. Draucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628183275766.jpeg" alt="Mel Adams" />
 <figcaption>Mel Adams</figcaption>
 </figure>Mel Adams, age 86, passed away August 1, 2021, at the Ogallala Community Hospital. He was born on January 31, 1935, at Ogallala, Nebraska, the son of Melvin and Lucille Adams. In his early years, Mel lived in Lemoyne, Nebraska where the family bank was established. The family and bank moved to Brule, Nebraska due to the construction of Lake McConaughy.&nbsp; His father was called to active duty in 1940 during World War II. Melvin Adams Sr. was a Lieutenant Colonel, and they moved many times during his deployment. The family returned to Brule after the war in 1946. Mel graduated from Brule High School in 1952 and attended the University of Nebraska, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. Mel was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He furthered his education by graduating from the Independent Bankers Seminar, Harvard University in 1966 and the Colorado School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado in 1968. On January 14, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Huberta Beal. Together they had four children. Mel began working for IBM and the National Bank of Commerce in Lincoln but returned to Brule to join his father in the bank and insurance business in 1961. He was the third generation of bankers in the family. In 1962, Mel chartered the Keith County Bank &amp; Trust in Ogallala. Additional banks were purchased and eventually merged and rebranded into Adams Bank &amp; Trust, where Mel was the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. When Mel returned to Brule the bank had just over $1,500,000 in assets. It has now grown to over $1.1 Billion with branches located in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. He was President and owner of the insurance agency that became Adams Insurance Advisors. Mel enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard in 1952.&nbsp; He was Commissioned as an Armor Officer in the United States Army, following the tradition established by his father. &nbsp;In 1956, he graduated from the U.S. Armor School, Fort Knox, Kentucky.&nbsp; During his 16 years of service, he rose to the rank of Captain, and was the Battery Commander, Artillery, of the Nebraska National Guard unit when the Ogallala armory was built.&nbsp; With the many bank and insurance locations to visit, Mel was an accomplished instrument pilot and flew extensively. &nbsp;A commercial and instrument rated pilot, he accumulated over 9,000 hours.&nbsp; His good friend was Rector Searle, which the Ogallala airport is named after. Mel often volunteered to fly seriously injured people to emergency centers for medical care.&nbsp; Through his company, Central States Aviation, he operated the fixed based operation at the Ogallala airport from 1977 – 1991.&nbsp; Mel was elected Chairman of the Nebraska Bankers Association in 1984 and served on the Board and as Chairman of the Graduate School of Banking in Boulder, Colorado. From 1977 until 2002 he was a co-owner of Ogallala Livestock Auction Market and was a co-owner of radio stations in Sterling, Colorado and Casa Grande, Arizona.&nbsp; In 1983, he opened General Office Supply in Ogallala. He was the Scout Master for Troop 258 and was instrumental in his sons and several grandsons becoming Eagle Scouts as well as several granddaughters receiving the Gold Award in Girl Scouts. Mel and Huberta loved to travel and took their family and associates all over the world. Mel is survived by his wife, Huberta, children Todd (Kandy) Adams, Melanie (Dave) Washa, and Chad (Barbara) Adams, all of Ogallala and Laurie (Kirk) Hovendick of Hickman, Nebraska. Seventeen grandchildren; Jennifer (Ben) Wheeler-Harsh, Amanda (Josh) Hoover, Melynda (Billy) Boyce, Sarah (Michael) Vargas, Quincy Washa, Eric (Chelsie) Washa, Benjamin (Kayla) Washa, Alex (Renata) Washa, Colt (Anna) Washa, Jared (Sarah) Washa, Jessop (Caitlin) Adams, Samuel (Katherine) Adams, Harrison Adams, Rebecca Adams (fiancée Jack Fordon), Jacob (Meagan) Hovendick, Kalli (Kyle) Sawyer, John Hovendick.&nbsp; Twenty-two, soon to be twenty-four great-grandchildren. Sister-in-laws, Linda Adams, Bonnie Welsh, Vicki Hill, Tatania Beal, brother-in-laws Greg Beal, Norm Welsh and Jack Hill, as well as nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Adams and sister Pamela Adams. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Ogallala or Perkins County Hospital Foundations, Ogallala Public Schools Foundation, or a local charity of your choice. Funeral service will be at the New Hope Church, 319 East O Street, Ogallala, Nebraska on Tuesday, August 24 at 10:00 a.m. Internment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, August 22nd, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and Monday, August 23rd from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Draucker Funeral Home. Draucker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries