Obituaries - 2005-2007 ~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Jan. 5, 2005 REV. JAMES K. IRWIN (1917-2005) ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Jan. 5, 2005 50 years ago MRS. MINNIE DOHSE JONES (1866-1955) ~~~~~ 25 years ago (Due to lack of space, the full obituaries cannot be listed. Anyone wanting more information can contact the Journal) HELEN E. KENDALL RULEAU (1909-1979) VIRGIE E. (STEELE) JOHNSON (1890-1979) MAE BUCHAN BODWELL (1888-1979) ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Jan 12, 2005 JOE K. BRITT (1925-2005) On June 8, 1949 he married Eunice E. Barth, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rushville. Together they raised a family and continued to work the family ranch until his retirement in 1998. Joe was a life member of the American Legion Post 161 in Rushville. He proudly served as part of the Post Color Guard for 30 years. He had a love for ranching, but was also an avid sports fan with his favorites being bowling, golf, hunting and fishing. Joe spent over 30 years as a member of the Rushville Men’s Bowling Association and as a member of the Rushville Golf Course He had many stories to tell for all of his favorite sports. Joe was a person who truly enjoyed life and lived for and loved his family, but he had particular love for his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Eunice of Rushville, son Lyle Britt of Rushville and wife Mary Ann, daughter Barb Strauch of Gering and husband Bob; grandchildren, Sierra and Mary Britt of Rushville, Lynda Scott of Gering, Crissy Olsen of Harrisburg and husband Chris, Alan Strauch of Morrill and wife Bobbie, Brain Strauch of Laramie, Wyo.; and Becky Strauch of Gering. Great grandchildren Dalton and Justin Scott, Ryan and Whitney Olsen, Cody and Tristin Strauch and Tawnie, Riley and Torrye Smith (Strauch). Sister, Virginia McGaughey of Gordon and husband Blondie and their family. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dell and Henrietta Britt, brother Melvin Britt, and son Wayne Britt. Services were held in Rushville with burial in the Fairview Cemetery in Rushville. ~~~~~ DORIS CARPENTER (1924-2005) Doris married Edward Orrin Bayliss, Sept. 26, 1945 in Gordon and they had 5 children. On May 21, 1985 she married Robert J. Hergert at Hot Springs, SD. On June 27, 1989 she united in marriage to Harlan Claude Carpenter, in Rapid City, SD. She was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church, the UMW Society and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed doing needle work, working jigsaw puzzles, reading and many activities with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Eddie and Bob, a son Edward JR. and sister Hope Saxton. She is survived by her husband Harlan, her daughter, Leah (Dennis) King of Alliance, Diana, 5 step children, Mike, Paul, Keith, Marilyn and Denise, five grandsons and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Gordon United Methodist Church with burial in the Fairview Cemetery, Rushville, ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Jan. 19, 2005 PATRICIA JANSEN (1951-2005) Her best memories were of ranch life, skating on the frozen meadows, climbing the windmills, and riding her horse Queenie. She graduated from Gordon High School in 1969. She was a ranchers wife, then ran a seamstress shop in Rapid City. She then attended Bible College in Eugene, Oregon, but before completion she came back to Gordon to take care of her mother, Mary who had diabetes. Patty’s love for God was the spark in her life, and she shared that spark, with many neighborhood kids, when she hosted July for Jesus, a Bible study for kids, with the help of the Wesleyan Gospel Chapel. Those that will miss her are her husband, Patrick Jansen, daughter Bobbie Jo Peil of Hay Springs, brothers, Fred Rawles and wife Pat, Alvon Rawles, Ivin Rawles all of Gordon, sisters Sandy Hathorn and husband Maurice of Gordon, and Tammie Deeder and husband Jeff of Madison, NE, numerous nieces and nephews, step-sons and her dog Shadow.. Funeral Services were held at the Wesleyan Gospel Chapel with Burial in the Lavaca Cemetery ~~~~~ GENEVRA COBB (1915-2005) Genevra received a teaching certificate from Chadron State College in 1934. She taught for a year and then on Sept. 20, 1935 she married Jack Cobb and spent the rest of her life as a ranch wife. She belonged to an extension club. She loved gardening, especially flowers that were a challenge to grow. She also enjoyed dolls, reading and embroidery. She was a member of the Methodist Church in Merriman and was treasurer for a few years. Genevra was a soft spoken person and under that soft-spokenness was a very keen sense of humor. She loved small children and is remembered for her unique way of seeing life. She was a gracious hostess and a tremendous cook. Survivors include her husband, Jack, daughter Barbara Burress, sons, Richard, John and Tom, brother Hugh Goodfellow, 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Funeral service were held at the United Methodist Church in Gordon with burial in the Gordon Cemetery. ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Jan. 12, 2005 75 years ago ANDREW J. BLAZER (1861-1930) CLYDE RANCK (1887-1930) MRS. H.B. LUTHER (d. 1930 age 59) HARLAN PORATH (d. 1930 age 23) ~~~~~ 50 years ago JAMES O. GRIGG (d. 1955 age 40) ~~~~~ 25 years ago (due to lack of space, these will be listed in brief) LAWRENCE KEITH LESSERT (1911-1979) GUY AUSTIN STETHEM (1896-1980) EUGENE AMERICAN HORSE (1915-1980) ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Jan. 26, 2005 ARCHIE KIME (1908-2005) He was a member of the Old Time Cowboys Association. He loved the land, cattle, horses and the ranch life. He loved it so much he would not leave the ranch home until one week before he died, even though he had poor health for a number of years. He loved telling storied of the old days and regardless of how many times he told them they were always told the same. All it took for a story was for someone to stop by for a chat. Survivors include his wife Elvira, of the home and one son, Donald of Derby, Kans. A sister Ann Egli of Gordon and sister-in-law Marie Kime of Rushville, NE., and many neices and nephews. Memorial services were held in Gordon, NE and his ashes strewn over a favorite place on the ranch. ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Jan. 19, 2005 50 years ago WILLIAM CLEVELAND ARNOLD (1885-1955) WILLIAM WESLEY LADELY (1878-1955) ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Jan. 26, 2005 100 years ago NELS HANSEN (1815-1905) ~~~~~ 75 years ago LEONARD R. ANDERSON (d. 1955 age 31) ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Feb. 2, 2005 MARGARET L. GRANT (1911-2005) Margaret was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cozad. She enjoyed her church circle and bridge club. She was also a member of the Eastern Star for more than 50 years. Margaret is survived by her son, Bill (Jolene) Grand of North Platte, a sister, Catherine Dukat of Phillipsburg, Kans. And 2 grandchildren, Kelly Grant of Omaha and Karmen Grant of Kearney. She was preceded in death by her husband n 1970, a brother James Dorsey and a sister Jessie Dorsey. Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Cozad, NE, and burial was in the Cozad Cemetery ~~~~~~~~~~ SHERYL A. (SHERI) HERSHMAN (1946-2005) After graduating from Gordon High School, she attended the National School of Business in Rapid City, SD where she excelled. She then married and had her two sons, Brian and Kevin. Sheri was forever the ultimate sports fan, loving baseball, football (especially the Huskers), basketball, hockey, and most any other sport you could think of. Her sons shared her love of sports and participated while in school, and as adults. She loved watching their games and always encouraged them. When her grandson Dylan was old enough to begin playing, she was right there watching him and being the most supportive Grandma she could be. For many years Sheri and her family lived in Washington state. She was employed by the University of Washington, but yet remained a loyal Husker fan, even sporting a Herbie Husker tattoo. Sheri moved back to Nebraska several years ago to be closer to her mother. She began raising Schnauzers after getting her beloved Milli. She enjoyed raising Milli’s daugher Halli, and tried unsuccessfully not to become attached to the puppies. Many people across the U.S. are enjoying Sheri’s pups. When Sheri was diagnosed with lung cancer in Jan. 2004, she went to stay with her sister in Seattle while receiving chemo-therapy and radiation. On the good days, they enjoyed short trips around the Puget Sound, often visiting places that held fond memories for them. Throughout her treatment, Sheri remained positive and upbeat. The Dr. and nurses frequently remarked "she is such a joy to be around." Everyone who knew Sheri will miss her dearly. Sheri is survived by her sons, Brian and Kevin Hershman, Lincoln, mother and stepfather, Bonnie and Jim Claussen, Chadron and her sister Susan, Seattle, WA. At Sheri’s request there will be no services. ~~~~~~~~~~ SEAN FARMER (1977-2005) He is survived by his parents, Ronald and Linda Farmer of Gordon, sisters, Ronelle "Mousie" Farmer of Rapid City, SD and nephew Davin Blake. ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Feb. 2, 2005 AMY LOWE SCHMIDT (1904-2005) On August 1, 1935 she was married to Kenneth Lyle Schmidt. Two children, Jerry and Jerene came to bless their home. Amy loved being a homemaker, a farmers wife and helping raise their twins. Amy and Kenneth lived on a farm northeast of Gordon, for 40 years before moving into their new home in Gordon, where she resided until her death. Amy was an active member of the Presbyterian Church since 1932, an honorary member of the Women’s Association and a member of the Princess Rebekah Lodge since 1926, serving as Noble Grand of the Lodge. The Sunny Knoll and Home Advancement Clubs played a large part in Amy’s life, she was a faithful member throughout her life. A Pinochle Club which she organized gave her much enjoyment. Survivors include Jerry and Judy Schmidt of Fayetteville, GA, Jerene Lohman of Clear Spring, MD and their families, including 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, many nieces and nephews and their families and many friends. Preceding her in death were her husband,
Kenneth, her parents, 2 brothers, Arthur and Sidney and
her sister Irene Lowe Smith. ~~~~~~~~~~ SAMUEL (SAM) FRANK PHILLIPS (1971-2004) Sam married Stacy Broadbent, Oct. 5, 1991. From this union two beautiful children were born, Samantha Nicole and Zachery Thomas Phillips. Sam was the proud owner and operator of several long haul semi-trucks. In 1989 he became a conductor for Union Pacific Railroad and at the time of his death was working as an engineer. His love was being with his children. He was proud of their accomplishments and was a great supporter. He always looked forward to family gatherings and greeted everyone with a sincere smile. ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Feb. 2, 2005 75 years ago NEVA GRACE HUGHES (1916-1930) ~~~~~ 50 years ago CHARLES CALVIN CLARK (1874-1955) ~~~~~ 25 years ago WILLIAM ROLAND ANNETT (1885-1980) Services were held at the Gordon Methodist church and interment was in the Gordon cemetery. He is survived by his wife Nelle, two sons, Thomas G. and William R. Jr. (president of Annett Ford, Inc.) all of Gordon, sister-in-law Margaret Annett of LaCrosse, Wisc., grandchildren and great grandchildren. EDWARD JOSEPH RIORDAN (1910-1980) ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal , Feb 16, 2005 KAYE E. BUCKELS (1934-2005) She is also survived by nine brothers and sisters: Vi Stotts, Joan and (Don) Harner, Dick Lessert, Lynne Withers, Skip and (Shirley) Lessert, Mark and (Terri) Lessert, Gayle and (Lawerance) Kocer, Jerry and (Theresa) Lessert, Helen Ann and (Greg) Johnson and many many neices and nephews. The funeral was held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Gordon, NE. ~~~~~~~~~~ RUSSELL LORAIN CALDWELL, SR. (1923-2005) He is served as a Pharmacist Mate Third Class with the U.S. Navy during during World War II, from Oct 11, 1943 until his discharge on Jan. 29, 1946. On Oct. 17, 1950 he married Thelma Brown and 4 children being born: Russell Lorain, Jr., Kenneth Wayne, Shannon Kaye and Carol Lynn. Mr. Caldwell lived in Pendleton, Oregon from 1956 until 1976 and had been employed as a truck driver with Caldwell Trucking in Pendleton. He loved setting up at flea markets and enjoyed people in general. He was a member of East County Church of Christ for 27 years and a member of the Gresham Grange for about 15 years. Caldwell of Gresham, OR; his children: Loraine Evans (Charles) of Hyannis, NE; Don Caldwell (Pat) of Elwood, NE; Peggy Kuta (John ) of Loup City, NE; and Shirley Larabee (Louis) of Ainsworth, NE; Russ Caldwell, JR. of Wood Village, OR; Kenny Caldwell of Gresham, OR; Shannon Vincelli of Monmouth, OR; and Carol Stewart (Don) of Independence, OR; 22 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren. 3 sisters, Lela Denny and Pauline Brown of Pendleton, OR and Georgia Gregory of Campbell, TX and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 grandson, 1 great-grandson, 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Russ loved his Lord and wanted everyone he knew or met to know Christ. He will be greatly missed by all of his family. ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheidan County Journal, Feb. 16, 2005 ELDON TECH (1922-2005) WW II ~~~~~ RICHARD HERMAN DREYER (1920-2005) Richard was released from the struggles that
his tire body gave him on Jan. 23, 2005, into the waiting
care of his savior, Jesus. He trusted in the promise of a
house with many rooms that Jesus promised to him and knew
and trusted in that promise his entire life without
wavering. During WW II, Richard enlisted in the Coast Guard and served in the Pacific Theater in numerous campaigns. While serving as a motor machinist made on the ship LST 20, he felt the need for spiritual leadership due to the life or death situations that faced the crew, and since no chaplains were available, he took the initiative to lead worship services for his crew mates. Upon his discharge in 1946, he attended Wartburg College for a time, but the call of being near God’s land was strong and he returned to farm on his own. On June 6, 1949, he was united in marriage to Margaret Nadobny. They bought their own farm soon after and began a lifelong love of service by farming. Richard was instrumental in establishing the
Sheridan County Farm Bureau. He supported it by serving
on the local board and various state positions throughout
his life. He also served his commitment to future
generations by serving as school board member of District
#35 for years. In his quest for better ways, he was one of the first in the area to try new ideas; such as irrigation, in his farming practices, while always making do with what he had. His examples of faith, love and honest work have been learned well and appreciated by his family. Surviving family include: Wife, Margaret; Ron and wife, Marie of Rushville; Daryl of Rushville; Wayne and wife Penny of Hay Springs; John and wife Judie of Denver; Trudy Harris and husband Scott of Kansas; Joe of Gordon. 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren also survive him. Brothers: Clarence, Ralph and Elmer Dreyer. Preceding Richard in death were his parents, Carl and Emma Dreyer; brother Harold, brother-in-law, Bill Nadobny; sister-in-law, Delores Dreyer; infant daughter, Irene; daughter, Eileen Riggs; son-in-law, Butch Riggs, and grandson Michael Dreyer. He was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery, Rushville, next to daughter Eileen and son-in-law Butch Riggs. ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheidan County Journal, Feb. 16, 2005 MARGARET ANN DREYER (1938-2005) She married Richard Dreyer on June 6, 1949 in Waverly, Iowa. She became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rushville and was a steadfast leader and laborer there the rest of her life. She and Richard settled on a farm south of Hay Springs, where they engaged in dairying and diversified farming. She instilled in her family a love of the land, pride in hard work and the importance of surrendering one’s life to God. She tenderly and lovingly nurtured her children, Ron, Eileen, Daryl, Wayne, John, Trudy and Joe. Just as she nurtured the flowers with which she brightened their home. In 1982, she and Richard moved to Rushville, where she continued to nurture plants and flowers in and around their home. Her service to her Lord, and love of people were carried into her activities with the Banner Community Club, VFW Auxiliary; Women of the Evangelical Church, Farm Bureau Women’s Association, and Trivent for Lutherans. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; infant daughter, Irene; daughter Eileen; son-in-law Gary Riggs; brother, Bill Nadobny; brother-in-law, Harold Dreyer; sister-in-law, Delores Dreyer and grandson, Michael Dreyer. She is survived by her children: Ron and wife, Marie, Rushville; Daryl, Rushville; Wayne and wife, Penny, Hay Springs; John and wife Judie, Denver, CO; Trudy and husband, Scott, Minneola, KS; Joe, Grodon; and 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Others are sister, Florence and husband, Delmar; brother, John Nadobny and wife, Lorene; sister-in-law, Verna Nadobny; in-laws: Elmer Dreyer, Ralph and Joyce Dreyer, Clarence and Doris Dreyer, and Faye Dreyer. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery at Rushville. ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheidan County Journal, Feb. 16, 2005 MARJORIE RUTH SMITH FOX (1919-2005) Earl’s father was a Civil War Veteran, born in New York, moved to Iowa. He took his family of 10 children to Oklahoma by covered wagon and when their crops failed they were returning to Iowa when they found a house and work in the new town in Helvey, NE. Mayme’s grandparents came from England in 1852 with 3 of their 12 children. The remaining being born in Woodford County, Illinois. In 1886 they moved to the Helvey, NE area. Thus this is where Earl and Mayme met and were married. When Marjorie was about 3 ˝ the family moved to Western, Saline County, NE. AT age 5, she moved with her family to Big Springs. At first they lived with the Roy Smith family until Earl got a shack put up on the school lease. Then they built a basement where Marjorie’s twin sisters were born, Finally they were able to build a house on the basement in 1931. Marjorie graduated from Big Springs Rural High School in 1937 and that summer attended normal school in Lincoln so she could teach right out of high school. She taught 5 ˝ years in rural schools. Two of those years were in Keith County. From 1939 to 1942 she lived with the James Copley’s for 2 ˝ years and the Morse Scriptures for ˝ year while teaching school in Garden County, NE. On June 20, 1942, she married Lewis B. Fox, who had been her father’s hire man and had volunteered for his year of selective service in the United States Army, April 22, 1941. They were married in Tacoma, WA while Lewis was stationed at Ft. Lewis. There they lived in the Woodcrest Apartments on the 4th floor. In order to use the stove, it had to have a quarter deposited in it. In Dec. 1942 she returned to Big Springs to live with her parents as he husband was sent to Ft. Riley, Kansas to Officer’s Candidate School. In January 1943 she moved to Big Springs, lived with Mrs. Alice Hanson and taught 7th and 8th grade at Big Springs Grade School while Lewis was finishing his training. The summer of 1943 she moved to Bracketville, TX and was there for ten months until Lewis left in Feb. 1944 for overseas during World War II. Then she returned to Big Springs and did substitute teaching until Dec. 1944 when Lewis returned to Brigham City, Utah to recover from the amputation of his right leg. She found them an apartment on the second floor which was difficult for Lewis. It being the home of a Mormon family, they could not drink coffee or tea in the house. When Lewis was able to leave the area they moved to Idaho as Mable Fox, Lewis’s mother had cancer. When Mable died, Lewis wanted to return to Big Springs, to what he called "the land of plenty". Marjorie loved this community and lived there even after Lewis’s death in 1975 until 2002 when she sold her beloved "place" and moved to Assisted Living in Rushville, NE where she was close to Connee. In the summer, 2004 it became necessary for her to move to Gordon Countryside Care. Marjorie and Lewis had three children, Judy Elizabeth, Connee Louise and John Earl. Marjorie was an active member of the Big Springs United Methodist Church for 77 years and active in the Alumni Association. She was a former member of the AARP, Happy Hour Club and American Legion Auxiliary. She was a Sunday School Teacher, Cub Scout Leader and Methodist Youth Fellowship Leader. Her love of teaching continued as she collected poems and literature to share when she had the lesson for the United Methodist Women. She is survived by daughters: Judy (George) Knoblock, Skokie, Illinois, Connee (Steve) Kruml, Gordon, Ne and son, John (Printha) Fox, Culbertson, NE. Six grandchildren, Heidi Peters, Gordon, NE., Dee Ann (Paul) Ellis, Vernon Hills, IL., Heather (Scott) Lasley, Bowling Green, KY., Amanda Fox, North Platte, NE., Lewis (Crystal) Fox and Jeff (Brenda) Fox, Lincoln, NE. Six great grandchildren, Caleb and Kylie Peters, Lauren and Avery Ellis and Annee and Hayden Lasley; Also her sister-in-law, Margaret Lawrence of Nampa, ID., and brother-in-law, Joe Hertje. ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheidan County Journal, Feb. 16, 2005 REV. HAROLD A. TROUT (1912-2005) ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, Feb. 16, 2005 50 years ago THOMAS KELLEY (d. 1955 age 84) JOHN WELLCOME MARSHALL (1877-1955) JULES ALEXANDER SANDOZ (1897-1955) ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, Feb. 23, 2005 CARLEY M. CONNEALY Preceded in death by grandparents, Bob and Mary Ann Connealy and great-grandma Elena Hansen. Her Mom and Dad, Holly and Jim; brother, Jake, grandparents, Rich and Barb Hill of Omaha, NE, grat-grandpa Charles "Bananas" Hansen and dog, Boji, numerous aunts, uncles, cousin and many many special friends survive her. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 18, 2005 at St. Hubert Catholic Community in Chanhassen. ~~~~~ MORRIS E. COON, Lieutenant Commander, USN
(Retired) He was born Jan. 14,1924 on a farm near Gordon to Nellie Ruhama (Morris) Coon and William Lewis Coon. Bud attended several one- room schools before entering Gordon High School where he was a star athlete, attended Boy’s State (second to attend from Gordon), and graduated with honors in May 1940. He also met his future wife, Shirley Tenny, while attending Gordon High. The were married shortly after World War II on October 6, 1946. Bud enlisted in the Navy in Denver, CO in August 1941. He attended Fleet Air Radio School and Radioman/Gunner School in San Diego, CA. He was initially assigned to Patrol Squadron 12 (VP-12) flying as Radioman/Gunner in PBY’s from Hawaii and Midway Island. VP-12 was the original "Black Cat" Squadron, flying Catalina aircraft painted with non-reflective black paint for attacking Japanese ships at night. In July 1944, he was ordered to Composite Squadron 81 (VC-81) aboard the Escort-Carrier, USS Natoma Bay, flying in TBF (Avenger) torpedo planes as a Radioman/Gunner. He participated in several bombing and torpedo missions during the Battle of the Philippines. His plane was shot down in Dec. 1944, and he spent Christmas in a small rubber raft. On the 3rd day he was rescued by a Navy submarine. Returning to the U.S. in August 1945, he was assigned to various squadrons and aircraft carriers and also had a tour with the Naval Air Special Weapons Facility in Albuquerque, NM. In Dec. 1953 he returned to the Far East aboard the carrier, USS Essex, operating in Korean waters. Bud was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in August 1958. He was again ordered to Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility, Albuquerque, NM and served as the Avionics Division Officer until July 1963. He returned again to the Far East in August with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1 in Stsugi, Japan. Prior to, and during the Vietnam conflict, he operated from Saigon and Danang in south Vietnam. Bud was awarded the Legion of Merit *one of the Navy’s highest medals) for "the conception, development, testing and practical application of many techniques and equipment which revolutionized the practice of Electronic Warfare, while serving with VQ-1". When he retired from active military duty as a Lieutenant Commander of June 1, 1971 he had served for 29 years, 9 months, 9 days. . . of this time, 15 years and 7 months were in foreign and/or sea service. In addition to the Legion of Merit, other medal/ribbons include: 18 Air Medals (four individual action during combat flights; 14 for 280 flights in combat zones), Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V", 2 Presidential Unit Citations, Navy Unit Commendation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal WWII, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After retiring from the Navy he entered Civil Service as an Intelligence Operations Specialist with the Naval Intelligence Command and later for the Naval Material Command Headquarters, Washington, D.C. Bud was preceded in death by his mother and father , his wife Shirley and two brothers (Dean and Bill). Survivors his brother, Wayne L. Coon of Gordon, his sister Shirley McCue of Martin, SD and numerous nieces and nephews. Following military commemorative services at Old Fort Myer Chapel, he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on March 10, 2005. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, Feb. 23, 2005 RUTH EVELYN GOTHERIDGE Ruth lived most of her life in and around Batesland, SD and Gordon, NE. She lived at Sterling, CO, a few years before moving to Madrid, NE, until she was confined to hospital at North Platte and Kearney, NE and later at the North Platte Care Center. Ruth passed away on Feb. 13, 2005 at the age of 63 years and 1 day. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ernest in 1985, her mother Ruth in 1990 and her father Lester ‘Buster’ in 1991. Ruth leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Darell Stott, 9 aunts and 1 uncle; Goldee and Lewis Patterson of Bartlesville, OK, Rosie Case of Hot Springs, SD, Mildred Denison of Eli, NE, Charles Gotheridge of Martin, SD, Pheoba Burney of Hot Springs, SD, Edna Parent of Isle, MN, Adelia and John Price of Lincoln, NE, Eileen Cadwell of Lancaster, WI, Grace and Don Cole of Mulvane, KS and Esther Paulson of Virginia Beach, VA and numerous cousins. Services were held Feb. 17, 2005 in Gordon, NE with burial in the Gordon Cemetery. ~~~~~ LANNY DARRYLL STOUFFER Lanny was born on June 23,1939 in Gordon, NE where he grew up. He lived his adult life in Rushville, after living in Scottsbluff 13 years, he moved his family back to Rushville to raise his children. Lanny worked in the meat business and later he and Shirley had a home based ice business until 3 years ago. His greatest love was his family and he enjoyed visiting with friends. He married Shirley Reed in 1959, and to this union came four children. He is survived by his wife Shirley, 3 sons, Craig and wife Carol, Kevin and wife Vicki, Kelly and wife Barbara and a daughter Shelly and husband Marcelle Wilhite, 6 granddaughters, Marti and husband Nate Haag, Gabrielle, Kiara, Maci, Micah and Milissa, 3 grandsons, Maxim, Marcus and Matthew and 2 great granddaughters, Berklie and Brenna and his sister Dixie Stouffer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Glenna Stouffer and baby brother. Lanny will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends. Memorial services were held Feb. 23, 2005 in Rushville. ~~~~~ 100 years ago MRS. BENJ. RANDALL ~~~~~ 75 years ago W.S. SPANN ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, Feb. 23, 2005 75 years ago JOSIAH M. WALLS ~~~~~ 25 years ago JULES ALEXANDER SANDOZ Jules was born Dec. 27,1897 at the Old Jules place along the Niobrara River south of Rushville. He was the first son of Jules Ami Sandoz and Mary Elizabeth Fehr. He was married to Mary Maritda Kicken, Feb. 21, 1924 and to this union were born Celia, Mrs. Orville Ostrander, Ernest William Sandoz of Hebron and Marguerite, Mrs. David Widtfeldt of Harrisburg. Burial was in Parkview Cemetery in Rushville. ~~~~~ MAGGIE ELLEN GOODIN HAGLER ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 3, 2005 KENNETH L. PALMER He was born Oct. 14,1937 to Guy and Josephine (Dixon) Palmer. "Buck" attended school in South Dakota and Nebraska. He is survived by his wife Pauline, daughters Karla, and Sally both of Lincoln, NE. grandchildren, brother Gary and sisters Hope Fankhauser, Virginia Hugen and Shirley Musfelt, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ted, Jim, Donald, Jackie, one sister Helen, three nephews and one niece. Graveside services were held at the Gordon Cemetery. ~~~~~ 75 years ago JAMES HARVEY STEVENS HOPE LETOY RASMUSSEN DOROTHY MYERS ~~~~~ 50 years ago JEMIMA WAGNER YARDLEY ~~~~~ 25 years ago (due to lack of space, the obituaries listed in the Journal for this week in 1980 are for the following people, listing only birth and death dates. LUELLA E. PITTMAN, age 75, born 1905 and died Feb. 23, 1980 GEORGE WILLIAM PURDY, born March 6, 1888 and died Feb. 5, 1980 LEONARD CLAUDE SCOTT born Oct. 28,1905 and died Feb. 12,1980 KATHERINE GLANTZ YOST born Jan. 4, 1888 and died Feb. 24, 1980 LOUIS M. ALTRINGER born Feb. 8, 1946 and died Feb. 15,1980 FRED R. NELSON born June 8,1907 and died Feb. 11,1980 KATHLEEN COLEMAN HAWKINS born Jan 27, 1914 and died on Feb. 7, 1980 ~~~~~~~~~~ Sheridan County Journal, March 9, 2005 Donald Clayton Ladely
(1917-2005) ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 9, 2005 WINIFRED I. ECKERLE After graduating from Alliance High School in 1930, she attended Chadron State College and Nebraska Wesleyan University. She taught in area rural schools for several years. She married Emerson Eckerle on June 3, 1939 at the United Methodist Church in Alliance. They lived on the family ranch north of Lakeside until 1975. They then retired and moved to Alliance. Winifred’s husband died August 13,1985. She continued to live in Alliance until 1987. She moved to Scottsfluff and in 1995 she moved to Northfield Villa in Gering. She was a member and former deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Alliance. After moving to Scottsbluff, she attended the First United Methodist Church. Winifred is survived by her daughter Jenell Eckerle of Scottsbluff, daughter and son-in-law Marilynn and Kenneth Huck of Bayard, daughter Glenda Eckerle of Wheatland, WY, brother Donald Wollaston of Upland, CA, granddaughters Shauna Mullendore and Kristin (Jeff) Harm and 6 great-grandchildren. Her husband, her parents and a brother preceded her in death. Funeral services were held March 9 at the Bates-Gould Chapel in Alliance with burial in the Alliance Cemetery. ~~~~~ DONALD CLAYTON LADELY Most of his life was spent living and ranching in the sandhills area around Cody and Gordon, NE. He ran the mail route south of Cody, NE for 18 years. His friends called him "Dudley" and he loved a good poker game, a well- trained horse, and an open range filled with cattle. He will be remembered for his strength, his integrity and down-to-earth good common sense. He is survived by his daughter Dahna Chaitanya of Salt Lake City, Utah; wife Frieda and children, grand and great of Gordon; two brothers, Glen Ladely of Kilgore, NE and Doug Ladely of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Don was preceded in death by his father, Charles, mother Esther, brother Clarence and sister Leona. Graveside services were held on March 7, 2005 at the Gordon Cemetery. ~~~~~ LYLE J. McCUNE Lyle worked on several ranches in the area before he went to the Army on March 12, 1942, serving overseas during this time. Lyle and friends would entertain people by rodeoing. On May 15,1943 he married Evelyn Fleuckinger in Abilene, Texas. To this union 2 children were born. After leaving the Army on Dec. 2, 1945, Lyle returned to the sandhills to ranch. Lyle and Evelyn were both pilots, often ferrying planes from Lock Haven, PA to Ogallala. They also enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends. Lyle was a member of IOOF Lodge in Gordon and VFW Post #3680 of Hyannis. He also served on the Grant Co. Fair Board and the Hyannis Board of Education. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Emmett and Dwight, wife Evelyn and grandson Ryan McCune. Survivors include his daughter LaVeta McDune of Kingsville, Texas, son Kenneth of Hyannis, 9 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, sister Elaine Heller of Grand Junction, CO, sister Darlene and Clarence Hiller of Branson, Missouri, brother Virgil and Frankie McCune of Denver, CO and friends. Cremation was chosen and memorial services were held March 9, 2005 at the Winter Community Building in Hyannis. Interment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery south of Maxwell. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 9, 2005 RICHARD MORRIS COON Dick was born on August 27,1929 near Gordon, NE to Raymond and Bessie Coon. As a young man he lived on a farm and attended rural school northwest of Gordon. His younger years were spent in rural Nebraska. He graduated from Gordon High School in 1947. He went south with a combining crew for two summers. He always enjoyed working on cars. On April 16, 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Violet Huckins. The couple lived in Gordon, where Dick worked in an auto parts store for Russell Brandon. In 1953 they moved to Martin, SD where Dick worked for Joe Papousek at the Chevrolet garage. In 1959, Dick bought the Chevrolet garage in Martin, which he continued to operate until 1990. He also owned the Ford garage until it was sold to Dick Bair. In 1990 he moved the Chevrolet dealership to Gordon, NE which he operated until 2001. As a Chevrolet dealer Dick won many awards. Dick and Vi enjoyed many trips during these years, seeing Hawaii, Venezuela, Sweden, and Mexico, to name a few. In 2001 Dick semi-retired, but continued to sell cars for Jamie Eisenbarth, until his health began to fail. Dick enjoyed golfing, selling cars, dancing, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dick enjoyed all the people he met in his walk of life and was always there to help others in need. He will be missed by his wife Vi, his two daughters, Diana Cano and Judy (David) Soderlin both of Martin, SD; his two sons, Dan (Diane) Coon of Rapid City, SD and Rodney (Cindy) Coon of Martin, SD, his five grandchildren, Justin (Lana) Cano, Jeremiah (Debbie) Canao, Melody (Scotty) Sime, Matt (Amy) Soderlin and Mikel Soderlin, his nine great grandchildren, his sister Marlyn (Skeet) Hathorn, many nieces, nephews, great aunts and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Jack and a sister Anna. Funeral services were held March 8, 2005 at the United Methodist Church in Gordon, NE with burial in the Gordon Cemetery. ~~~~~ CATHERINE LEONE DUKAT Catherine attended elementary school in rural Sheridan County. She graduated from Gordon High School. After high school graduation, Catherine attended Chadron State College. Catherine and Charles L. "Chuck" Dukat were married on Feb. 23, 1935 in Rushville, NE. This union was blessed with three children: Shirley, Dean and Stephanie. They lived on the ranch southwest of Wood Lake until moving to Valentine in 1977. Catherine was a member of Wood Lake Union Church, Diabetes Association, Town & County Club, Sand Cherry Garden Club, Cherry County Historical Society, Nebraska Cow Belles and Tri State Cowgirls. She enjoyed plate collecting, traveling the world, gardening, scrapbooks and china painting. Her special passion was the Dukat room at Centennial Hall. At age 85, Catherine fulfilled her dream of sky diving. Preceding her in death were her parents, W.S. and Dora Dorsey, husband Chuck, son-in-law Adrian "Joe" Fritz, brother James Dorsey and sisters Margaret Grant and Jessie Marie Dorsey. She is survived by son Dean Dukat and wife Velma of McAllen, Texas, daughters Shirley Fritz of Omaha, NE and Stephanie Austin and husband Ron of Phillipsburg, Kansas. Also surviving is sister-in-law Adah Dukat of Rushville, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. and twenty-three nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held March 1, 2005 at Wood Lake Union Church, interment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Wood Lake. ~~~~~ CLYDE LEFLER, SR. His survivors include: sons, Clyde and Jerry of Gordon, NE; daughter, Arlene Peters of Tucson, Arizona, 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 9, 2005 DONAVAN FERGUSON Donavon R. Ferguson was born Oct. 17,1921 at Mitchell, NE to Floyd and Helen )Reinhardt) Ferguson. He grew up and received his education in Mitchell and graduated from Scottsbluff High School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1942 until 1945. He served his entire Navy career on board the USS Idaho as a signalman, and was witness to the flag raising at IWO Jima and also witness the signing of the Peace Treaty that ended the war. Following his discharge, he lived in California for a short time and then returned home to Scottsbluff. On Jan. 12, 1949 he married Virginia M. Travis in Scottsbluff. Through the GI Bill, Donavon began his career in the neon sign business, a business that he was involved in until his death. For the past twenty-five years, he worked side by side with his son Michael at Fergusons Signs. He was a Golden Gloves Boxer and did well with his lightning fast punches, but his passion in life was raising, training and racing horses, mostly running, quarter and paint horses. His youngest son Bob is carrying on the tradition and bloodlines of 40 years of racehorse breeding. Donavon rode his own horse on the night shift of the Pony Express Reenactment in 1960 and he received a bronze medallion for his service. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, the American Quarter Horse Association, the American Paint Horse Association, was a lifetime member of Scottsbluff Elks Lodge #1367 and was a past recipient of the Scottsbluff Jaycees Boss of the Year Award. He is survived by his wife Virginia M. Ferguson of Scottsbluff;, sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Deanna Ferguson of Scottsbluff and Robert Roy, DDS and Kristen E. Ferguson of Gordon, Grandchildren Robin Reed Ferguson and Reann Rae Ferguson both of Gordon, brothers Wayne Ferguson of Rhode Island and Gerald and his wife Beverly Ferguson of Penn Valley, Calif., a sister Geraldine Miller of Twin Falls, Idaho, a sister-in-law Bobbi Ferguson of Alliance and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents and a brother Roy Ferguson preceded him in death. ~~~~~ MARIE H. BARNETT Marie was born on Oct. 4, 1908 in Arcadia, NE to Abraham and Judith Hagey. She grew up in the Arcadia area, them moved with her family to a ranch south of Gordon and attended Gordon High School. She married Ben W. Sanders of Gordon, where they raised a son and two daughters and spent many years in the restaurant and café business. Family leisure activities included fishing, arrowhead hunting and picnicking at the Niobrara River. Marie later became trained in cosmetology and owned and operated a beauty salon in Gordon. After Ben’s death, Marie met and married Alvin S. "Barney" Barnett and moved with him to Anaheim, Calif. in 1963. She loved the experiences and opportunities offered by life in southern California and made many life-long friends there. She especially enjoyed entertaining her visiting family and friends from Nebraska and introducing them to the sights and activities available in the area of her new home. In 1979, Marie and Barney returned to Gordon to live and enjoy their retirement years. She joined the American Legion Auxiliary and the First Presbyterian Church. She resumed her membership in the SAS Card Club, of which she was an original member. She spent countless hours enjoying various card games with friends and family. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, brother Leonard Lindall, sisters, Helen Harle and Ann L. Cone, and son Ben R. Sanders. Survivors include daughters, Virginia L. Trueblood of Gordon and Lita L. Benson of Upton, WY, sister Elsie Myers of Arcadia, NE. Fourteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held March 5, 2005 at the First Presbyterian Church with burial in the Gordon Cemetery. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 9, 2005 ROBERT LAWRENCE COATS To this union, eleven children were born: Robert, Jr., of Sharps Corner, SD, Lawrence Coats of Kansas City, KS, Carolyn Booth of Batesland, SD, Donna Michael of Brighton, CO, Dick Coats of Hay Springs, NE, Rolly Coats of Wounded Knee, SD, Calvin Coats Sr., of Porcupine, SD, Renee Gray of Smithville, TN, Patti Nelson, Bonnie Musfelt and Marvin Coats, all of Gordon, NE. Bob continued ranching until 1985 when he retired and his son and ranching partner, Robert Fr., bought Bob and Bernice’s share of the ranch and has kept the ranch in operation. Bob was not the type of person to be idle, so he went to work for Shannon County Schools as a Night Watchman at Rockyford School and worked there for 16 years, at which time he became ill. He spent some time in Rapid City while he recuperated and then Bob and Bernice moved to Rushville, NE where Bob resided at the Parkview Lodge Assisted Living facility for three years. Bob moved to Gordon, NE in Nov. 2004 to be closer to his children, family and fiends. Where Bob went, Bernice followed and set up house as close by as she possible could, spending all her days with him, visiting with him, taking care of his every need, and sharing their love. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Clyde, Sr., his mother Jennie May, his sister, Vera Olson and his brother George Coats. Bob’s six brothers and sisters are: Darwin Coats of Rapid City, SD, Hazel O’Bryan of Martin, SD, Eileen Mikesel of Chadron, NE, Opal Smith of Rapid City, SD, Clyde Coats, Mr., and Fern Boomer of Martin, SD. Bob and Bernice have 31 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, all of whom he loved with all his heart and was very proud of them. Next to his family and ranching, Bob’s greatest love was music and sharing it with friends. Bob loved to sing and play his accordion and his family and friends have wonderful memories of his accordion playing, singing and dancing. Bob was a wonderful husband, father, son, uncle, grandfather and friend who will be forever remembered as a kind and gentle man with a generous and giving heart. We love you and will miss you ... until we meet again. Funeral services were held March 5, 2005 at the Legion Auditorium in Martin, SD with burial in the Martin Community Cemetery. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 9, 2005 75 years ago BALDWIN BUCKLEY GEORGE HENRY IRELAND He suffered a stroke of paralysis that effected his entire left side. He remained in this condition a week, cheerful and hopeful that he would soon recover. But the Master called him early last Saturday morning to a peaceful end. He is survived by five children: J.E. Ireland of Newell, SD, R.E. Ireland, Shoshone, WY, Mrs. C.J. Pfeiffer, Wood, SD, Mrs. Earl Margrave and F.M. Ireland of Gordon. Besides the above he leaves 2 brothers and 3 sisters, one of whom, Mrs. Clara Ligier of Caliente, NV was able to be present at the funeral, and 11 grandchildren. The funeral was held March 11 from the Presbyterian Church. Interment was made in the Gordon cemetery. ~~~~~ 50 years ago ANDREW STRICK NICHOLAS DUKAT GUSTAV L. HOPPE ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 23, 2005 L. JUNE STEFFEN On May 26,1952 she married her soul mate, Robert Steffen. To this union six girls were born. In their early years, they lived in South Dakota. In 1964 they moved their family, a milk cow and the kids’ cats in the back of a truck and an overflowing station wagon to Gordon, NE where they currently reside. June worked as an aide at Gordon Memorial Hospital and as bookkeeper at the Gordon Livestock Auction. Later she worked twenty-seven years at the Gordon Clinic and Sandhills Surgical Center as bookkeeper, office manager, and various other capacities. She had a great compassion for people, always sharing her special "gifts". She retired in 1996. Children were first and foremost in her life. Her greatest joy was caring for and watching her children and grandchildren. She made many personal sacrifices for her family. She loved to garden. The harvest of her large gardens and diligent laborers were enjoyed by many. From this garden, she enjoyed canning and preserving produce for her family. Flowers were also part of her green thumb. Her life "blossomed" through her flowers. Cooking was her passion; and she was a wonderful cook. Fresh breads, rolls, pies, and many new recipes were enjoyed by all that knew her. She never knew a stranger. Within minutes of their arrival, she was cooking and sharing a dessert or a meal. She enjoyed collecting and reading in excess of 1000 cookbooks. She spent many a sleepless night reading them. Survivors include her husband Robert of 53 years, daughters and spouses: Kathy and Robert Russell, Barbara and Weldon Calkins, Julie and Warren Madison, Sharon and Bill Gates, Anita and Denny Janssen, and Janet and Chuck Hinn; 15 grandchildren and 1 ˝ great grandchildren. Survivors also include siblings Mary Jean (Martin) Liegl, Marge Minkel, Jim (Linda) Lubbers, and Arlene (Butch) Heine. Preceding her in death were her parents and her sister, Alice. Services were held on Monday, March 21, 2005 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Rushville, NE. .June’s grandsons serving as pallbearers were Michael Russell, Brian and Eric Calkins, Derek Janssen, and Brad, Steve and Matt Gates. Honorary pallbearers were granddaughters Bobbi Jo Archibald, Alicia and Cheryl Madison, Sharla Janssen, Celsey, Cirsten Carlee and Carson Hinn and Great grandson Darin Archibald. ~~~~~ ALBINA ELEANOR KOUPAL NOVOTNY She was the fifth child of eight children born
to Joseph and Mary (Sykora) Koupal. In 1913 the family
moved near Ardmore, S.D. in a covered wagon. There her
father homesteaded a quarter of land. In 1915, after they
owned the land, they moved back to the Tabor, S.D. area. Albina was a member of the Western Fraternal Life Association, was active in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Batesland and Martin. She loved to play the accordion for her family. Her other joys were sewing, baking and sharing her Bohemian heritage. She attended Czech days numerous times in Tabor, S.D. Preceding Albina in death were her parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and 2 infant siblings, husband, infant son Adolph Jr., daughter Jane Rous in 1987, son-in-law Jim Evans in 2000 and great granddaughter Heather Winter in 2003. Survivors include her sons George (Arlene) of Batesland, Larry (Mary Kay) of Martin, John (Phyllis) of Batesland, daughters Dorothy Evans of Gordon, and Dorine (Gordon) Fidge of Bismarck, ND, one son-in-law Bly Rous, and one sister-in-law Helen Koupal of Mitchell, SD along with 21 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren and 3 great-great granddaughters. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 23, 2005 MARIE BOHMAN Marie L. Colman, and her twin brother Robert, were the son and daughter born of William and Anna Coleman in Hay Springs, NE on Dec. 5,1909. They were second in a family of seven. She attended the Sandridge County School through 10th grade and attended 11th grade in Chadron. Marie learned at an early age to help others in need. After her mother was seriously injured in a car-train wreck that also involved her twin brother, she held the family together acting as a mother. Marie married Harry Bohman on June 30, 1937 in Hay Springs, NE. They moved to Crookston, NE. They bought a farm northeast of Crookston in the l940’s and resided there until 1976 when the retired and moved to Valentine, NE. Marie taught a lot children to play the piano, accordion or guitar. She taught Sunday school at the Methodist Church in Crookston; served on the Crookston School Board and was active in the Methodist Church in Valentine as long as her physical strength would allow in later years. Her hobbies included making quilts, cooking, entertaining with her accordion or the piano; she was a member of the Valentine Senior Citizen Kitchen Band. Marie played the piano as late as last week to her friends in Sioux Falls. Her greatest gift was her ability to make friends and show her genuine concern and love to those around her that she cared for. Although no children of their own, Marie and Harry opened their home to many young people and provided them with memories that will last a lifetime. Marie leaves to cherish her memory; sister Rosetta Piercy of Gordon, NE; brother Ted Colman of Naperville, IL; 15 nephews and 5 nieces. Preceding her in death; her husband Harry; brothers Robert, Art and Ernest; sister Rachel Daughetee and 2 nephews. Funeral services were held Feb. 28, 2005 at the United Methodist Church in Valentine with burial in the Mount Hope Cemetery. ~~~~~ 75 years ago AGNES THAYER ROSE ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 16, 2005 IRENE GIBSON She was born to Fred and Stella (Cunningham) Gehrig in Sheridan County, NE on August 26,1915. She attended a country school 4 miles south of Gordon, through the 10th grade. Irene married Chalen Gibson on May 28, 1937 in Chadron, NE. To this union were born three sons. Irene was active in the Presbyterian Womens Circle, Willow Tree Quilters and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was a very giving, caring and patient person. She loved to garden, quilt and crochet. Survivors include her sons, Ken Gibson of Gordon, NE, Tom Gibson of Ft. Morgan, CO, and Don (Des) Gibson of Vetal, SD, 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and one sister, Thelma Hartman. Funeral services were held March 11, 2005 at the First Presbyterian Church and burial was in the Gordon Cemetery. ~~~~~ SEAN FARMER Sean was born Sept. 13,1977 at the Gordon Memorial Hospital to Ron and Linda Farmer. He attended Gordon Elementary School from kindergarten through second grade. The family then moved out south to start the family business, where he finished his grade school years at Valley Union School. For his Jr. High and High School years he went to Gordon High School, graduating in 1996. When Sean was a young boy he participated in Jr. wrestling, 4-H, bowling and also competed in little league baseball and soccer. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church where he attended Sunday School and was very active in MYF and was also a member of the Sons of American Legion. During Jr. High and High School years, he was part of the basketball, football, wrestling and golf teams. He also was a member of drama club, G-club, band, and spent his summer months working with his Mom and Dad. In the fall of 1996, Sean looked forward to pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at Chadron State College, where he succeeded and graduated in 2000. While living in Chadron he became an EMT and was a member of the volunteer fire department. In his lack of spare time, he was still able to practice Taekwondoe and be a stage manager for the CSC department of the performing arts. Sean was also holding two part-time jobs at Hardee’s and Wal-Mart. Later Sean moved to Rapid City, SD, and transferred to the Wal-Mart there. In September 2000 until his untimely death, Sean resided and worked as a Jr. counselor at the Juvenile Division at STAR (State Treatment and Rehabilitation) Academy YCC in Custer, SD. There he would help boys from ages 12-18 to get on the right track. Sean had a deep concern for others and always wanted to help (and almost always could). He never put himself first. In the early summer of 2002 until 2004 he took up a second job as a bartender in Rapid City at Bostons Gourmet Pizza. There, Sean worked with his sister Mousie, (Ronelle), picking backup on a great childhood relationship. Some of Sean’s enjoyments included weight lifting, card and board games, and just having fun. He loved the outdoors which was evident in his active life of motorcycling, camping, hiking, snowskiing, photography, fourwheeling, and always looked forward to the time he spent with his dad deer hunting. Sean and his family were able to do some traveling visiting 38 states. In 2002 Sean and his sister spent two weeks in Spain and France, a cruise, and many trips to Mexico Every trip to Rapid City he would be sure to stop at Mousie’s and spend some time with her and his 5 month old nephew Davin. Sean is survived by parents, Ron and Linda Farmer of Gordon; sister, Mousie Farmer and nephew Davin Blake of Rapid City, SD. Grandmother, Mrs. James (Martha) Farmer of Gordon. Uncle John Haslow and wife Jo of Scottsbluff., Aunt Judy Morton and Husband Don of Arvada, CO; uncle Jimmy Farmer and wife Shirley of Story, WYO; great aunt Jenny Dewing of Loveland, CO.; great-uncle Dick Haslow and wife Alta of Alliance; great-aunt Marian Nygaard and husband Bob of Apple Valley, CA; many cousins and even more friends. A memorial has been established in Sean’s name for a college fund for his nephew, Davin Blake. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 16, 2005 MERRILL ‘WOODY’ WOODRUM As a young man he worked on area ranches before joining the Army and serving in Germany from 1950-1952. He was united in marriage to Carol Jean Pace in Chadron, NE on June 6,1953. They moved to California in 1957 where Merrill obtained his contractor’s license and formed his own construction company, now operated by their son. He is survived by his wife Carol Jean and one son Ron (Phyllis) of San Jose; three grandchildren, Terina (Scott) Khanna, Tarah and Tom; one sister Hazel Spindler, Marshfield, WI; two brothers, Gilbert, Lakewood, CO and Ted of Bridgeport, NE , along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents and one brother, Irving. ~~~~~ SHIRLEY M. ELLIS Shirley Mae Scott was born Dec. 17, 1927 to Jim and Ruby Scott at the farm home north of Hay Springs. As a child the family moved to the Bethel Community south of Whitney. She grew up there and attended country school. She graduated from Hay Springs High School in 1946. Shirley married Don Grant, Oct. 31, 1946. They had four children, Kay, Kelly, and also twins, Kyle and Kevin who died shortly after birth. Shirley and Don separated in 1974. On May 1, 1976 Shirley married Gordon Ellis in Rushville. Gordon and Shirley retired from ranching in 1991 and moved to Chadron. Shirley became a resident of the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs on Jan. 21, 2005. Shirley’s husband Gordon; children, Kay and Terry Hull of Dubois, WY, Kelly and Vickie Grant of Gordon, NE survive her. Also surviving he, are four grandchildren, stepchildren Larry and Sherryl Knobloch of Hill, MN, Carolyn and Bernard Jones of Chadron, NE, Randy and Tralice Ellis of New Underwood, SD. Eleven step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; brother Jim, sister Roberta and twin sons. ~~~~~~~~~~ JAMIE M. BUNNER Funeral Services were held March 12 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sidney. Interment was in the Gates Cemetery, west of Sargent, NE. Jamie Marie Bunner was born May 2,1983 in Kimball, NE. the daughter of Charles and Nancy (Slagle) Bunner. She received her elementary education in the Potter Schools through the 3rd grade before moving to Sidney where she graduated from Sidney High School in 2001. She was attending college at Chadron State College, working towards a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education. She spent the last two years working for the Office of Human Development in Chadron. At the time of her accident she was on her way to Omaha to be with her fiance’. Jamie was active in volleyball, the speech team for 4 years of which she qualified for state 2 years and received a medal at state her junior year.. She was active with Jobs Daughters in Sidney and Kimball where she served as a past Honored Queen and as Miss Congeniality in 2000. While in Chadron as a freshman she served as an adopted Angel for grandparents in nursing homes. Jamie loved working with crafts and enjoyed giving of her time to help other people. She especially enjoyed working with children. Survivors include her parents, Chuck and Nancy Bunner of Sidney; her fiance’ Cody Beguin of Rushville, NE; three brothers, Jim Bunner of Kearney, Tyler Bunner of Steamboat Springs, CO, and Tad Bunner of Bakersfield, Calif. One sister, Stacy Ban and her husband Mike of Elbert, CO and their children: Ashley, Andrew and Austin; grandparents John and Ella Mae Bunner of Lincoln, ILL., Foster sister Pam Luby and her husband Tim of Kansas City, KAN and their children Scott, Craig and Megan; Special friends Deb Walker of Ainsworth, NE, Jerry and Julie Wamsley of Sidney and their children Garrett, Alex and Beau, and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 16, 2005 HELEN STRONG MICHAELSON Helen was the fourth of nine children born to Walter C. and Mary Schnieder Strong at Gordon, NE on April 14, 1917. She worked hard at a young age, cooking for the family and helping raise her younger siblings. She married Roy Michaelson on Dec. 16,1936. They farmed until 1941, when they moved to Los Angeles, Calif., for four years, where Roy worked at Douglas Aircraft during the war years. In 1945, they returned to Nebraska to farm again. In 1965, they moved to Rushville, where she ran Helen’s Café’ for 14 years until retirement. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Rushville. Helen had a kind, loving, hard working nature and was a faithful worker in her church. She was always available to fold news letters and will be remembered for her famous cinnamon rolls, which she made for all occasions. Helen is survived by a son Ralph; one brother Vilo and wife Doris of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, sisters: Marjie Shannon, Verda Musfelt both of Rushville, and Evelyn Tyndall of Escondido, Calif, granddaughters, Barbara Anderson of Douney, ID and Cristy Trennenpohl of New Mexico, great-grandchildren Dustin and Trista Anderson, Brandon and Myranda Trennenpohl many loving nieces, nephews and two special great-nieces Taryn and Lacey Retzlaff, and a brother-in-law Richard Michaelson and wife Lucille of Rushville. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy, her brothers, Ralph, Gordon, Loren and Emery Strong, and great-grandson Zane Anderson of Douney, ID. Funeral services were held March 11, 2005 at the United Methodist Church, and she was laid to rest by her husband Roy in the Fairview Cemetery at Rushville. ~~~~~ 75 years ago DONNA MAE CORWIN ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 30, 2005 MARIE KIME She was born on Feb. 9, 1911 at Ohiowa, NE. in Fillmore County to Frank and Mary (Svec) Kuska. When Marie was in the 7th grade they moved to Exeter where she graduated high school in 1929. She attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for a year and got her teaching certificate. She taught schools near Exeter until 1937, then Marie moved to Cherry County to teach. It was there that Marie met Glenn Kime and on March 25,1939 they were married in Martin, S.D. Marie and Glenn (Swede) spent most of their 58 years of marriage farming and ranching in Cherry and Sheridan counties. She was a member of Royal Chapter 184 Eastern Star for almost 50 years. After the couple sold their ranch in 1995, they moved to Rushville, and lived there until Swede’s death May 19, 1997. Marie continued living in Rushville until December of 2004 when she moved to Countryside Care Nursing Home in Gordon. Marie is survived by two sisters in law and 15 nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Helen and husband Harvey Willey. Memorial services were held March 18, 2005 with interment in the Gordon cemetery. ~~~~~ FRANKLIN RICHARD REEVES He was born March 18,1934 on a farm near White Clay, NE to Bill and Josephine (Smith) Reeves. At the age of four the family moved to Rushville, NE. Frank attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through thee eighth grade and graduated from Rushville High School in 1952. He was a very good all around athlete; playing football, basketball and track. After attending the University of Nebraska a couple of years he enlisted in the army, serving 2 years then moved to Anaconda, MT to work in the copper mines. There he met and married Patricia McGuire in August of 1957. To this union were born two children, Tim and Kathy Reeves. In later years he returned to Rushville where he was self employed as a painter/carpenter before accepting the position of maintenance man for Sheridan County in June of 1988. During his 11 year of employment he worked wholeheartedly restoring much of the Courthouse. Franklin married Jackie Kaberna on October 26,1984 in Sturgis, S.D. Franklin and Jackie shared a love of gardening and together they established a special retreat shared with all who enter their gate at 508 South Main. Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth, brother in law Bob Riggs, and two nephews, Rick Lehman and Rod Beguin. Survivors include his wife Jackie, son "Timmer" of Missoula, MT, daughter Kathy of Anaconda, MT, brother Irving Reeves and wife Darlene of Florence, AZ, sisters Margaret Riggs of Miles City, MT, Edith Lehman and husband Dick, Dorothy Beguin and husband Bob of Rushville and many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, March 30, 2005 75 years ago OLIVE BUCKMINSTER ~~~~~ 50 years ago CHARLES AUBREY STRATTON THOMAS ROHRER HARDIN ~~~~~ 25 years ago ROY TENNEY BUCKLES He served in the U.S. Navy from Feb. 26, 1942 until Oct. 18,1945 as a chief machinists mate. On Sept 3, 1944 he was united in marriage to Dena D. Pfaffengut in San Francisco, Calif. Three children were born to this union. Roy lived in the Merriman and Gordon areas throughout his life, working primarily as a trucker, carpenter, mechanic and parts man. He was employed as a parts man by Modern Farm Equipment, Inc. in Gordon at the time of his death. Survivor include his wife, Dena; son, Wayne R. and wife Marilyn of Garland, Texas; daughters Lorriane J. May and husband Thomas of Des Moines, Iowa, and Elaine M. Brammer and husband Bill of Coppell, Texas; one grandson, Wayne Mark Buckles, brothers, Jim, Ben, Bob, Frank and Charles; and sisters, Ava McBeth, Belle Dahlgren and Marie Jones. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Gordon and burial was in the Gordon cemetery. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, April 27, 2005 TABATHA JO (ABOLD) MORTON James and family are currently living in Chadron. She enjoyed staying home, and taking care of her children and keeping house. Tabatha was preceded in death by her twin brothers Lewis Ernest and Lamont Lewis Abold, who passed away as babies, and Grandpa Lewis Abold of Rushville. Survivors include her husband James, children Natascha and Jeremiah Morton, Dad Lewis, Mom Rene’e and brother Louis Abold of Rushville, Grandpa Barney Smith, Grandma Esther Jane Smith, of Rushville, Grandma Iona Abold of Chadron, many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, and many other relatives and a host of friends. Tabatha had a long hard struggle with cancer for seven years. She passed away on April 21, 2005, at home in Chadron. She was a very strong person and very up beat. She always kept her family and friends in good spirits when they were feeling down. Tabatha’s kind heart touched many, many people, and she will be very much missed. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 26,2005 at the Cicmanec-Chamberlain-Pier Chapel in Rushville, with burial in the Abold Cemetery. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, April 20, 2005 100 years ago RONALD PERRIN JAMES STIRK 75 years ago LEANDER SAMUEL GRIFFETH EVA DOYNE VAN ROSSUM ~~~~~ 25 years ago ROBERT P. FAIR GLEN HOLLOW HORN ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, April 20, 2005 MOLLIE NORTON She attended the Mill School on Pine Creek through the 8th grade. She especially enjoyed riding horse back to school with her half brother, Lawrence Lulow. She had fond memories of school and wished that she could attend high school. The alternative was to attend the Mill School for an additional part of the year helping the teacher. Her childhood years were spent riding horseback, trapping for furs, and attending barn dances at the various neighbors’ places. She talked of how many miles they would ride to attend social functions and that many times it would be daylight when they arrived home. She and her half brother Lawrence were very close growing up and had lots of fun together. On August 7,1928, she married William (Bill) Edgar Norton in Chadron, NE, at the age of 17. To this union, three children were born. For a short time they lived near Whitney, NE. then moved to the Fred Sandoz Ranch and worked there for two years. Because of the illness and death of her father, they moved back to the homestead to help her mother. She worked very hard helping her mother plant a very large garden and a separate large potato patch. The harvesting of the fruit and vegetable was the hardest, because all of it had to be carried by buckets up the hill to the house. Then, hours were spent helping her mother can the vegetable or stem the berries for preservation. This remained a part of her life. Her greatest enjoyment was to share with family and friends the many things that she grew. She also spent many hours picking wild currants, choke cherries, and plums, as well as horseradish for grinding and asparagus. Rearing a family through the Depression Years was a trying time, and led her to do even more trapping for furs, milking of cows, and the raising of chickens to supplement the family income. Because her husband worked off the ranch, she fed the cattle, did the calving and all the other chores around the ranch. She dearly loved her cattle, and continued owning her herd until just a few years ago. Her husband passed away on July 12,1967. She met a friend, Carl Sharp, and moved to Haigler, NE, where she lived for eight enjoyable years. They enjoyed traveling to places like Nashville, TN., The Denver Stock Show, the Ozarks, and other places of interest. In 1980, her farm home burned, which forced her to buy a trailer to put down on the farm. Two years later, she moved to a home in Rushville. There she continued to enjoy her garden and flowers. She enjoyed family and friends stopping by to visit and to eat with her. Cooking was a real joy for her. She liked having her grandchildren stay over night with her so that she could have the opportunity to teach them how to sew, to cook, and to play cards. At the age of 89, she made her home with Tom and Marilyn. She especially enjoyed going out to eat, which generally happened at least once a week. While Marilyn was gone to school, Tom became her very special support system. He cared for her daily needs no matter what they were. Survivors include her three children and their spouses, Ralph and Dorothy Norton, Ileen and Tom Rose, and Marilyn and Tom Kockrow. Her grandchildren and their spouses are (Ralph’s Children) Donna and Kevin Jech, and Rodney and Jackie Norton; (Ileen’s children) Ronda and Paul Kenner, Velda O’Neill and Dan and Vicki Rose; (Marilyn’s children) Karena and Travis Denton and April and Bob Smith. Great grandchildren are Timothy, Benjamin, Nathan and Melissa Jech, Jessica and Alyssa Norton, Brandon and wife Kaisha, Derek and Ty Kenner, Tyler, Tanner and Dali O’Neill, Cody and Cortne Rose, Stetson and Wrangler Youel, and Roper Denton. Other survivors are numerous nieces, nephew, cousins and a host of Friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and all of her brothers and sisters. Services were held April 19, 2005. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, April 20, 2005 GAROULD JULIAN FAIRHEAD Garould started school at four and one-half years of age at a school located two and one-half miles from his home. Joy and Minna bought Garould his first horse, a Shetland pony named Billy. Billy was a beautiful pony that Garould loved to ride. Billy was also Garould’s transportation to school and home. Garould missed very few days of school and all were due to very cold winter weather. Eighteen months following Garould’s birth, a most beautiful baby sister arrived, Dorothy Lee. Garould and Dorothy Lee were very close throughout their lives. About two years later Joy Carol was born and two years later Mildred Ruth joined their family. Joy sold his holdings on the reservation in 1930 and moved to the present location of the ranch four and one-half miles north of Merriman, NE. This ranch was a beautiful place with rolling sandhills, lush green meadows and a lovely creek that ran between the family home and the barn. Garould was in fourth grade at that time and continued his school years at Merriman and later at Curtis, NE. Garould enlisted in the Navy in December of 1941. The first two years Garould served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Badger on the Murmansk Run fighting the German navy and submarine fleet in the Atlantic. The German navy was cunning and it seemed like a long war to Garould. At the end of two years Garould took an electrical engineering course at Newport, Rhode Island. He was later transferred to a brand-new destroyer, the U.S.S. Maddox. Garould served as a fire controllman, controlling the electrical circuits and firing of the big guns. The Maddox was sent directly to the South Pacific to engage the Japanese war machine, joining up with Admiral Halsey’s Third Fleet. Garould’[s first sea battle was the Battle of Luzon, off the coast of the Philippines on the China Sea. This sea battle was one of many as they pursued the Japanese. Garould’s ship was badly hit on "The Day of the Kamikaze". The Kamikaze’s attacked, wave after wave. About one-third of the ship’s personnel were wounded or died. After the direct hit, they went to a floating dry dock for three weeks for major repairs. Then the U.S.S. Maddox returned to Bull Halsey’s fleet for the duration of the war. When the war ended, the U.S.S. Maddox was in Tokyo Bay providing protection for the battleship U.S.S. Missouri. Garould has so many battle points, he was one of the first to head home for discharge. Garould arrived home to his beloved Sandhills just ten days before Christmas 1945. Garould married a schoolmate, Gladys Ellen Gerdes, on June 6,1946 in Alliance, NE. Four children were born to their union, James Kent, Jeana Leigh, Garould Joseph and Leigh Alan. Garould passed away at the Gordon Memorial Hospital on April 14,2005. Garould was preceded in death by his son, James Kent Fairhead in 1953, his parents, Joy and Minna Fairhead, and a sister, Dorothy Lee Ricedorff. Garould’s life are his wife, Gladys, daughter Jeana (Ralph) Holso, sons Gary Fairhead and Leigh Fairhead, and grandchildren Laura, Jason, Wesley, Leah, Brooke and Brennen Fairhead. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, April 13, 2005 VIRGINIA I. CHURCHILL Virginia and Albert Churchill were married April 20, 1929 at Alliance, NE. This union was blessed with three children. Virginia and Albert leased a ranch north of Lakeside, for a year, then moved north of Cody. They lived on the Rosebud Reservation for 15 years where Albert ranched and Virginia taught school. They moved to their home north of Valentine in 1954. Virginia began teaching 2nd grade in the Valentine school system and continued until her retirement. She taught school for 42 years. Virginia was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, American Legion, Nebraska Teachers Association and the Valentine Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening and crafts. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Virginia passed away April 1, 2005 at the Ainsworth Care Center at age 97 years 5 months and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her parents;
Sidney and Mary Irwin, husband Albert who died in 1995,
son Leslie G. Churchill, sisters, Velba Irwin, Lola
Justice, and Maxine Pinaire and brothers Sidney and
Hobart Irwin. Virginia is survived by daughter Helen
(Stan) Holsten of Grand Island, NE and son Kenneth
(Lila)Churchill of Valentine, grandchildren; Randall
(Julie) Strong of Sarasota, Florida, Ginny Sears of
Valentine, Kenneth (Audrey) Kramer of Ainsworth, Dean
(Cathy) Churchill of Valentine, Dick Churchill of
Bancroft, Wisconsin, Don (Heather) Churchill of DeWitt,
NE, Brad (Shirley) Churchill of Fowler, Colorado, Linn
(Trula) Churchill of Valentine, Cody( Kelly) Churchill of
Kansas City, Missouri, and Bonnie (Mark) Weaver of
Valentine. Also surviving are 23 great-grandchildren, 7
great great grandchildren and a host of friends who knew
and loved her. ~~~~~ HENRY WAY Henry married Charlene Tesch and she passed away in 1958. On July 13, 1964 he married Mary Emma Graff in Pierre, S.D. They had one son, Mark. Henry worked in carnivals and was also a commercial pilot and worked construction and farmed in the area. Henry liked to fish. He would play ship captain crew at the truck stop and drink coffee and visit with friends. He was a collector of belt buckles and key chains. Henry was a member of the Wesleyan Gospel Chapel and the Assembly of God Church in Wood, S.D. Survivors include his son, Mark of Gordon, brother Harold "Butch" Way of Clarksvilles, IN, sisters Elta Mullens of New Albany, IN and Mary Noelle of Burke, S.D. Funeral services were held April 6,2005 at the Wesleyan Gospel Chapel . Burial with military rites was held at the Gordon Cemetery. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, April 13, 2005 100 years ago JEFF DeFRANCE Mrs. DeFrance became uneasy on account of the prolonged absence and went in search of him twice without looking up on the tower. Upon returning from the barn the second time and while in the doorway of her home, she saw her husband’s lifeless form fastened to the mill having his coat caught in the bevel gear in such manner that he was strangled. His right arm was broken in two places and his chest was crushed in while his hands were unmarred, which indicates that he was unconscious when death ensued. The gear had such a clutch on him that a great part of his clothing had to be cut in order to remove him. His body was taken overland to the home of his mother on Pole Creek by the way of Ellsworth. The funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. J.R. Jenkins of Chadron. Jefferson DeFrance was born in Jackson County, Ohio on March 15, 1863. He grew to manhood in his native state, coming to Nebraska when he was 21 in company with his father, the family following the next year. For seven years he worked for Bennett Irwin and after that became foreman of the Spade ranch, having eminently qualified himself by several years of faithful service for Bartlett Richards in South Dakota and Wyoming. In Sept. 1903 he left the employment of the Spade company, who made every effort to retain his services, since everything entrusted in his care was looked after. About a year ago he incorporated the DeFrance Cattle Company of which he was president and manager with headquarters on the old Putney ranch near Putney ranch near Ellsworth. On October 19,1903 he was married to Miss Nell Smith of Middleport, Ohio, who is almost prostrate at this severe shock. He leaves a wife, mother, three brothers and four sisters to mourn his untimely death. He was laid to rest beside the father who preceded him eight years ago. ~~~~~ 75 years ago MARY MARTHA JONES ELLIOT OSIN CRAWFORD ~~~~~ 50 years ago JAMES A. BUSH ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, April 6, 2005 LYNN R. "Shorty" GEALY Lynn was born on October 15,1917 in Gordon, NE to Clarence and Mae (Webster) Gealy. He attended school in Gordon, graduating in 1935. He married Venita Fern Schroeder on August 14,1937 in Newton KS. They lived in Goddard, Kansas until the mid 1940’s when they moved to Gordon and began farming. Later moving to Gering in 1961. Lynn worked at the Lockwood Corp, and later retired from both Magnolia and Northfield Villa. Survivors include his son Larry and wife Millie Gealy of Yuma, AZ; grandchildren Rusty and wife Tami Pierce and Dan and wife Martha Pierce all of Gering; great grandchildren James, Aaron, Robyn and Danielle and Brent Pierce all of Gering and brother John Gealy of Gering. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter and son-in-law Carol and Larry Pierce, brothers Lyle and Waldo Gealy and sisters Ruth Dillon, Julia (Pudge) Zurn and Evelyn Diehl. ~~~~~ WILLIAM TURECHEK Bill was born on January 14, 1918 to William E. and Mary (Maun) Turechec in Chadron, NE. He married Helen Percy on November 12,1952. They lost a daughter, Shelley Mary in 1961. Bill served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He ranched south of Rushville. He spent his spare time playing horseshoes and was an 8- time state champ. Bill was also a member of the United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife Helen. Brothers, Jim of Ahwahne, CA., Ted of Simi Valley, CA, and Dennis of Otego, NY; sisters, Marjorie Tamburello of Sedalia, CO, Phebe Peterson and Lou Turechek both of Denver, CO, and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter Shelley, his parents, his brother John and sisters Maria McDowell and Lucille Byson. ~~~~~ 100 years ago ELZA WALLS To this union were born six children; four boys and two girls. He leaves his wife and three children to mourn his loss. The children living are Solomon, Josiah and Ann Arobella Osborne. The deceased are James W. Samuel and Angelene Dickinson. He united with the M.E. Church when 17 years of age and remained a faithful member until his death. He was an official member of the church most of his life; was made a trustee of the First M.E. church in Gordon at its organization on the second Sunday of May 1884, and was continued a trustee until his death. Mr. Walls enlisted in the service of his country on Oct. 9, 1861 in the 43rd Regiment, Indian Vol. Infantry, and was appointed Orderly Sergeant. For meritorious service and bravery, he was commissioned 1st Lieutenant. He moved with his family to Sheridan county in 1884 and was a continuous resident up to the time of his death. He was twice elected to service as county commissioner of the First District and made a reputation for honesty and upright dealings that any man could be proud of. The above is a partial record of the life of Elza Walls. He was a great sufferer during his long illness, but bore it all with true Christian fortitude, never complaining, always having a kind work and pleasant for those about him. He was a man among men, a gentleman of the highest type, and his conversation was elevating and pure. He was a kind and loving husband, an indulgent father and a patriotic citizen of the bravest order, an honest and faithful officer; and it can truly be said by one who knew him well that the world is better for his having lived in it. ~~~~~~~~~~ Source: Sheridan County Journal, April 6, 2005 75 years ago MRS. CHRISTIAN HOLZBERGER, SR. ALTA LUELLA GRAHAM BEAMER ~~~~~~~~~~ Doris M. Matthews Shaffer (1916-2005) Source: The Oregonian,
Portland, OR, Friday, July 29, 2005. ~~~~~~~~~~ 2007DAVIS, Wayne "Ken" 1926-2007 Source: The Oregonian, Portland, OR, Sunday, March 11, 2007 ~~~~~ Clara Ethel Gwynn Empkey (4 March 1933-16 June
2007) -- transcribed by Kathie Harrison in memory of Clara Empkey, who was a longtime contributor to NEGenWeb sites
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