Alma Elizabeth Young was born on April 5, 1935 at Grand Island, Nebraska to Jense P. and Henrietta (Lewis) Jensen. As a youngster, she grew up in the Grand Island area and attended school there.
On July 20, 1955, Alma married Richard R. Bethke in Grand Island, Nebraska. The couple lived in several different locations and settled in North Platte, Nebraska while raising their family. Richard passed away in December of 1984.
Alma married Jim H. Young on May 16, 1990. Alma and Jim settled in Delta, Colorado and then in Stratton, Nebraska where they purchased the Stratton Hotel. The couple made Stratton their home and owned operated the hotel for many years.
Alma loved fishing and never passed up an opportunity to try her luck. She enjoyed day tripping, traveling to someplace new, taking in the sites and museums and returning that evening. She especially loved spending time and visiting with family. Alma was also very proud of obtaining her GED at the age of 50.
Alma passed away on Tuesday afternoon, March 9, 2021 at her home in Stratton, Nebraska surrounded by her family. She was 85 years of age.
Alma was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Richard in 1984 and Jim in 2004; her daughter, Bonita Jensen; a grandson, Chance Ridgeway; two sisters and one brother.
Survivors include her daughters Shirley Lunk (Allen), Karin White (Jeff), and Patricia Strauss, all of Stratton, Nebraska; her son, Raymond Bethke of North Platte, Nebraska; 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and her sister Alice Jividen of Madras, Oregon.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday afternoon, March 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time at the Benkelman Memorial Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska with Rev Rod Heilbrun officiating. There will be no visitation as Alma's wishes were for cremation.
A memorial has been established to Alma's family for a future designation.
Benkelman Memorial Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska is entrusted with arrangements.