Emma A. Hiatt was born on December 29, 1939, to Leonard and Anna (Bauer) Holm in Sutherland, Nebraska. She attended country school for two years before continuing her education at Sutherland Public Schools. On June 9, 1957, she married Virgil Hiatt and later graduated from North Platte High School in 1958. Together, they had two sons, Randy and Kalvin.
Emma worked in various jobs, including at Central Nebraska Packing, before pursuing a career as a beautician. In 1978, she opened her own salon, Emma’s River Road Boutique, out of her home, where she welcomed and cared for many loyal customers over the years.
She had a deep love for the outdoors, especially spending summers at the lake fishing, camping, and pulling Randy and Kalvin on water skis. Her passion for gardening was obvious in the large garden she planted every year, often sharing it with family and friends.
Emma and Virgil later purchased a farm between North Platte and Hershey, where they raised cattle and put up hay for the winter. She took great pride in working cattle and hand-feeding her favorites.
Emma was a life member of the Moose Lodge, President of the Women of the Moose, and served on several offices western Nebraska/Wyoming moose association. Additionally, she earned her Green Cap, Deputy Grand and College of regents’ degree.
For three years, Emma was the devoted caregiver to Virgil until his passing from cancer on February 4, 1995. To keep busy, she began bartending at the VFW, House Bar, and Moose Lodge, where she enjoyed the social atmosphere. That summer, she went on a memorable trip through Europe with her grandson, Brandon (BJ), visiting seven countries in ten days.
After Virgil’s passing, Emma found companionship with Ron Ostendorf and he quickly became part of the family. Together, they traveled from coast to coast and danced at every opportunity until his passing in 2022.
Emma’s home was always open for a game of pitch, and no one ever left hungry. In recent years, she found great joy in attending her great-grandchildren’s activities, proudly serving as their biggest cheerleader from the stands.
Emma is survived by her sons, Randy (Teresa) Hiatt of North Platte and Kalvin Hiatt of North Platte; grandson Brandon (Anna) Hiatt and children Abby and Hunter of North Platte; granddaughter Erin (Erik) Erickson and son Eli of Conifer, CO; brother Gene (Pam) Holm; brothers-in-law Irving, Leonard, Ronald, Dennis, and Marvin Hiatt; and sisters-in-law Kathern Zimbelman, Janet Wilkinson, and Deb McNeal. Amongst many other beloved family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Hiatt; companion, Ron Ostendorf; parents, Leonard and Anna Holm; brother, Albert Holm; sister, Bonnie Favinger, brother in-law Delbert Hiatt, Darrel Hiatt, sister in-law Virginia Mapes and other close nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, March 10, 2025 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, with Rev. Anne Durboraw officiating. Burial will be at the Riverview Cemetery, Sutherland, Nebraska following the service. Visitation will be Sunday, March 9, from 4-7, with family present to receive friends, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is assisting the family. Cards can be sent to 8300 S. Hayes St., North Platte, NE 69101