Florence Grace Breuklander was born in Sharon, Ohio on April 30, 1931, to Everett and Ocie (Cunningham) Spear. She came to Nebraska by train at the age of three with her father and two older sisters, Jessie and Mary. Mrs. Sarah Davis received her and cared for her as a second mother. She attended Cornell and Burge Rural Schools and at the age of ten entered into the Valentine public schools graduating in the Class of 1950. During her high school years, she was a Candy Striper at the Sandhills Hospital and cared for newborn babies in the hospital while also caring for Mrs. Davis in the evening. She loved babysitting her nieces and nephews. Florence was in Glee Club, Job's Daughters, Rebekah 100 A.F.B., and Cherry County Ladies Extension Club. She was a member of the Valentine Presbyterian Church where she started attending at a very young age and served as a Sunday school teacher during her high school years. She attended Chadron State Teacher's College for two years and earned her teaching degree in 1952. While teaching, Florence met Roy in 1953 at the Smith Falls school house and they were married on June 28, 1955, at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine, NE. They made their home on their ranch near Sparks, NE, and their union was blessed with four children; Shirley, Twyla, Rhonda, and Steve. Together, Roy and Florence ranched and operated Sunny Brook Camp, their outfitting business, on the Niobrara River. Florence was a devoted mother and wife, an incredible homemaker, and a proud rancher’s wife.
Throughout her life, she served God in many areas including Presbyterian Ladies Aide, Outreach, and as a Deacon. She was honored to have received a lifetime membership pin. She felt at home in any church, as life circumstances allowed her to attend many over the years. She brought God's love, forgiveness, and witnessing to each one with her presence. Florence’s greatest love was her family and time spent with them, sharing family history and stories. She enjoyed embroidering, scrapbooking, cooking, writing endless recipe cards, and creating art. She was always writing letters to be sent to family and friends and appreciated her many "penpals." Florence was always full of laughter and had such a joyful spirit!
Florence passed away at Providence Medical Center in Wayne, NE on December 5, 2021. She was preceded in death by her father Everett Spear, mother Ocie Cunningham Spear White, stepfather Wilbur White, caregiver Sarah Davis, husband Roy Breuklander, brother Marschal Spear, sisters Jessie Beman and Mary Rogers, grandson Justin Kneifl, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is survived by half-brother Robert (Carol)White, daughters Shirley (Ron) Winter of Valentine, NE, Twyla (Doug) Graham, Valentine, NE, Rhonda (Bruce) Kneifl of Newcastle, NE, and son Steve (Gina) Breuklander of Sparks, NE. Grandchildren Jessie Winter (fiancé Dusty Dillon), Jeni (Jon) Cox, Zeb (Lanell) Graham, Angelina (Greg) Wright, Mandy (Greg) Gear, Tana (Adam) Danielski, Dani Breuklander, and great-grandchildren Everett Wietjes, Dalton, and Kwynn Graham, Riley Cox, Harper, and Hattie Wright, Trinn Kneifl, and Lennon Gear. She is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends including Dorothy Satra, Bob Stetter, and Stanley Lucas.
Funeral service for Florence Breuklander, age 90, of Valentine will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Valentine. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Dec. 8th at 6 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.