First Name: Last Name:

Milton Irven "Mans" Waidley
Milton Irven "Mans" Waidley was born in Wauneta, Neb. on Dec. 30, 1910, the ninth child of 13 children born to Miller Breneman "Milt" and Maggie (Benge) Waidley. He died on Dec. 21, 2005, in Oakland, Calif. He grew up on the 520 acre Waidley homestead about 12 miles northwest of Wauneta and about 10 miles east of Imperial in Chase County. The homestead was mostly pasture in sandhill country and sixty acres of the 520 was cultivated land. Mans was a trapper of fur bearing animals in his youth. He did work for the neighbors during harvest and planting season. Between times he broke saddle horses. In 1932 he jumped on a freight train and headed to Great Falls, Mont. He worked as a sheep herder, a plow shaker and a teamster and even sharpened his cooking skills as a cook for the other teamsters. He returned in the fall to Wauneta and met Edith Madison, who had moved from the Sutherland area. They married on April 3, 1933. They were married 57 years when Edith passed away in April 1990. They lived through the depression and three wars together. In 1934 he moved the family about three miles from his homestead to a farmhouse on the Stinking Creek where his only son, Gerald, was born. In early 1935 he moved with the rest of the Waidley family to Wauneta and worked in his father's blacksmith shop and a cream and egg buying station. The depression hit them hard and he moved his family to a farm three miles south of Palisade. Milt went to Montana for a few months and returned to the Nebraska hayfields. He then moved his family, along with Barney Rowley to Belle Fouche, S.D., where he worked as a blacksmith. Then worked at the Bentonite Company as a maintenance mechanic until March 1941. He moved to California and went to work for General Electric as a maintenance machinist and mechanic until early 1969 when medical problems forced him to take a medical retirement. He continued to work around his property and hunting and fishing. He spent a lot of time researching the Waidley family tree. He married May Goerke on March 16, 1992, and lived with her until his death. He stayed active and busy up to the last two months of his life. He lived 94 years, 11 months, 21 days, 7 hours and 28 minutes. He was laid to rest on Dec. 28, 2005, in the Merced (Merced County) District Cemetery's Garden of Peace with Dr. Steven Mouldenhauer of Valley Baptist Church officiating. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Edith (Madison) Waidley. He leaves behind his second wife of 13 years, May (Gorke) Waidley; son, Gerald W. Waidley; two grandchildren; five great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. Pallbearers were Gerry W. Waidley, Grant W. Waidley, Garren W. Waidley, Gerrad W. Waidley, Geramy W. Waidley and Martin Baltezore.

Brice Rueter
Life-long Wauneta resident Brice Fredric Rueter passed away Dec. 30, 2005. He was born on Feb. 25, 1944, in Holdrege, Neb., to Carl and Ann Holbein Rueter. Growing up in Wauneta, Brice was very active in 4-H, graduated from Wauneta High School where he played trumpet in the band and participated in several singing groups. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966 from the University of Nebraska. He was a member of Theta Xi Fraternity. He received his law degree from the University of Nebraska in 1971 and returned home to Wauneta to practice law and farm. His real love was woodworking. His grandfather clocks were masterpieces of design and execution and the wood work in his former law office in Wauneta attests to his remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. In recent years, Brice suffered from Multiple Sclerosis and spent the last 13 years of his life at Heritage of Wauneta where he received kind and attentive care. Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2006, at 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Wauneta, Neb., with Pastor Judy Dye officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Lucille McBride, pianist and Mrs. Sharon Walgren, soloist. He was inurned with his mother and father at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta. Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Bernece Deininger
Mildred Bernece Deininger was born on Jan. 15, 1917, on the south divide to Frank and Vida (Peak) Sweet. As a young girl she grew up and attended school south of Wauneta. Millie, as she was known, married Gordon A. Deininger on June 19, 1940, and to this union two children, Darlene and Roger, were born. The couple resided in Wauneta their entire married lives, of over 60 years. Millie was employed at Rexall Drug in Wauneta for many years, a position which she enjoyed very much. She moved to Aurora, Colo., in 2003, to be near her grandchildren. She passed away Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2005, at her home in Aurora. Millie was 88 years of age. Millie was an active member of the community of Wauneta in the Eastern Star. She is survived by her grandchildren: Shelli Beacom of Sheridan, Colo., Doug Beacom and wife, Julie, of Aurora, Colo., and Kevin Beacom of Santa Anna, Calif.; great grandchildren: Jillian Beacom, Joseph Beacom, Justina Beacom and Niki Beacom. Millie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gordon in 2001; her children: Roger in 1968 and Darlene in 1988; grandchildren: John in 1959 and Jude in August of 2005. Funeral services were held Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Wauneta with Pastor Judy Dye officiating. Organist was Mrs. Diana Ham and soloist was Mrs. Sharon Walgren. Casketbearers were Scott Walgren, Brian Harchelroad, Doug Beacom, Kevin Beacom, Joe Beacom and Jillian Beacom. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, with Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established in Millie's memory.

Blanche Cook
Blanche Cook was born on March 13, 1916, at the Richmond farmstead southwest of Grant, Neb. She was the oldest of four children born to William and Alice Hoffman Richmond. Blanche grew up on the farm, attending country school and later graduating from Perkins County High School in Grant in 1934. After graduation, Blanche worked in the telephone company office for several years. Blanche was married to Orie Cook on May 18, 1937, in Denver, Colo. Three children were born to this union, Beverly, Alice and Gary. They lived for two years in California before moving to Denver. In 1945 they returned to Grant. In 1958, Orie started Cook's Ready Mix in Imperial and Blanche worked in the office. The business became a success and the family moved to Imperial in 1963. After their retirement, Blanche and Orie spent their winters in Mesa, Ariz. Orie died in 1989 and Blanche continued to maintain her residence in Imperial and Mesa. She moved to the Westview Retirement Center in Grant in 2004 and because of declining health, she moved to the Park Ridge Assisted Living earlier this year. She stayed active at Park Ridge but suffered an apparent stroke Friday afternoon, Dec. 16, 2005. She was moved to the Perkins County Community Hospital where she died. She had reached the age of 89. Blanche had been baptized at the Grant Congregational Church early in her life. After her marriage, she remained active in church, teaching Sunday School and Bible School. After their move to Imperial, they joined the Methodist Church. She was a member of the Esther Circle and helped fold the church letters for mailing each month. Blanche was a member of the Imperial Eagles Auxiliary and volunteered at the Senior Center. Blanche always enjoyed a game of cards and bingo. Orie and Blanche enjoyed camping and fondly remembered the good times shared with the "Over the Hill" group. In addition to her parents and husband, Blanche was preceded in death by her brother, Floyd Richmond in 1982, her infant daughter Alice in 1945, and her son Gary in 2004. She is survived by her daughter Beverly and husband Larry Bachmann of International Falls, Minn., and a daughter-in-law, Darla Cook of Piedmont, S.D.; four grandsons: Chip Cook of Denver, Colo., Gregg Bachmann and wife Tammy of Indianola, Iowa, Doug Bachmann and wife Tammy of Des Moines, Iowa, and Kevin Bachmann and wife Jane of Wake Forest, N.C. Blanche also considered Cathy Kruzek of Denver, Colo., who spent time with Gary and Darla while she was growing up as her granddaughter. Other survivors include great-grandchildren Sasha Davis, Zac Bachmann, Mark Bachmann, Kate Bachmann, Nicole Gullion, Eric Gullion, Brandon Brooks; two sisters, Jean Mitchell and Mary Burnham, both of Denver, Colo.; two sisters-in-law: Lucille Richmond and Louvella Cook of Grant and one brother-in-law, Clair Bell, of Lexington; other relatives and friends. Services were held on Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, at the Grant First Congregational Church with Pastor John Keener officiating. Music was by Lynn Schumacher and Lori McCloskey. Casketbearers were Gregg Bachmann, Doug Bachmann, Kevin Bachmann, Chip Cook, Jerry Benge and Bill Richmond. Interment was in the Grant Cemetery. Bullock-Long Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Bruce Owen Francis
Bruce Owen Francis, 55, died Monday, Nov. 28, 2005, in Bethesda, Md. He was born May 19, 1950, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Horace D. and Emma E. (Ricker) Francis. He grew up in Garden City and received his primary and secondary education there. Bruce then attended the University of Kansas where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering. On June 16, 1972, he married Nancy Loraine McCartney. They relocated to Austin, Texas, where, after attending the University of Texas in graduate studies, he became a vice president of engineering for Austron, Inc., in 1973. His department was involved in time and frequency products. In December 1980, he and his partners relocated their computer business to the Washington D.C. area, founding Advanced Navigation, Inc. This company applied the technology previously developed to navigational applications, including aviation, ground transportation, ocean navigation, and, of note, provided navigational devices for the presidential helicopter fleet. B.F. Goodrich acquired the business in 1989 and Bruce then became a consultant for B.F. Goodrich. He was also a consultant for Circuit City. He was a co-founder of Comfort Technology, which manufactured a heat pump controller for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. More recently, he designed and managed websites. A lifelong passion was tennis, which has filled his evenings daily for years. He was engaged in many projects involving tennis associations, including the Mid-Atlantic Tennis Association, for which he was the webmaster and served on the grievance committee. He was the webmaster and chaired the nominating committee for the Maryland District Tennis Association. He was the webmaster, a member of the board of directors and a member of the executive committee of the Montgomery County Tennis Association. His activities in the sport included the organization of tournaments, the development of local rules and guidelines, and promoting community outreach of tennis for children and minority communities. He was recognized as the "go-to guy" for rules and court etiquette, providing training for captains, a unique tracking and scoring system, and a financial system to monitor accounts. Three weeks ago he shared with the volunteers of the Montgomery County Tennis Association in receiving the Pam Shriver Award for Outstanding Contributions to Tennis in Maryland, presented by the United States Tennis Association. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two brothers: Frank Francis and wife Dawnnel of Garden City, Kan., and Brian Francis of Tucson, Ariz., half-brother Evan R. 'Bud' Francis of Maryland; sisters-in-law Beatrice Francis of San Francisco, Calif., and Natalie Francis of Gahanna, Ohio; mother-in-law Mrs. Loraine McCartney of Thornton, Colo., brother-in-law Dr. Robert McCartney and wife Bonnie of Denver, Colo., multiple nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two half-brothers, Horace D. 'Dee' Francis, Jr. and Robert 'Bob' Francis. Funeral services were held Dec. 2, 2005 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg. Interment took place at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City, Kan., following a graveside service there. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gaithersburg Organ Fund, the Montgomery County Tennis Association Community Tennis Development Fund or to the charity of your choice.

Billy Dean Smoots
Billy Dean Smoots passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2005. He was born April 12, 1928, in Hamlet, Neb., to Vincent and Rose Smoots. He attended grade school in Hamlet and graduated from high school in Colorado Springs, Colo. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was a Radioman, Private First Class. He worked and retired after 33 years of service with Pacific Telephone. Billy had been active as a Scoutmaster and Toastmaster. He was also a member of Guys and Dolls square dance club for 27 years. He enjoyed traveling in his RV, hunting, fishing, camping and golf with his family and friends. He was a man who loved to live life to the fullest. He spent quality time in the great outdoors enjoying the fresh air and admiring nature's beauty. He tried to teach his grandchildren to appreciate the simple things in life and to instill in them with his values. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Juanita (Tiny); sister Nelma Pugh; predeceased brother Jimmy; three sons: Eugene, David, Gregory and wife Alexia; stepchildren: Ed Silke and wife Jody Mae, Linda and husband Carl Edwards, Patti and husband Gerry Sullivan; grandchildren: Errol, Tern, Kevin, Michael, Mathew, Robert, Stephen and numerous great grandchildren. And last but not least grand-dog Sandy. A rosary was held Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005, at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with the funeral mass held Monday, Dec. 12, 2005, at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More. Burial was at the Paradise Cemetery and a celebration of his life followed at the residence. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Paradise Irrigation District for "Billy Smoots - Save a Can, Buy a Fish" fund. Chapel of Pines Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Della Pearl Merrill
Della Pearl Merrill was born April 5, 1913, to Delaware and Elsie (Englehart) Decker in a sod house east of Traer, Kan. Two years after Della, the youngest Decker in the family appeared, the family moved to Cedar Bluffs, Kan., where her father was a Methodist minister at a country church. But by the time Della was six, she was fatherless. Her father had fractured his appendix and died following surgery. To survive her mother worked odd jobs, while Della attended first grade in Cedar Bluffs. The family moved to Orleans, Neb., the following spring where she attended school from the second grade through the first semester of her freshman year in high school. That winter she and her mother moved to Wauneta. They lived there through her junior year before moving back to Orleans for a brief time, but eventually moved back to Wauneta so Della could graduate with the Wauneta High School Class of 1931. During her high school years she met her future husband, John Jay Merrill. Della and Jay were married in September of 1931, when Della was 18. The following year they lived in and around Wauneta and started raising their family during the years of the dust bowl and the depression. After her youngest child started school, Della took a job working at the Wauneta Telephone Company. She would answer the phone, then patch the first party through to the second. Della worked alone and also served as the receptionist and helped with the billing. Working during the day meant chores were left to time off and laundry was huge in her family of seven, using a wash board for years. Della and Jay lived in Wauneta until their youngest graduated from high school. At that time they moved to Cheyenne, Wyo., where Jay worked in redoing the military base. Della was 45 at the time of the move and went to work at Montgomery Ward, first as a telephone operator, then in the cash office, and finally as a receptionist. After being away from Wauneta for 16 years, they moved back to retire. They bought the Mabel Taylor house and lived in Wauneta since the move. After moving back she lost her husband in 1978, then her daughter, Elsie Kerchal, in 1999. Even through the hard times, Della loved Wauneta. Della passed away early Wednesday morning, Dec. 21, 2005, at the Heritage of Wauneta Nursing Home. She was 92 years of age. Della loved to garden and growing flowers, she was a avid quilter, producing quilts for her 18 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren. Della was a member of the Rebecca Lodge of Wauneta and the Shilohettes until they disbanded. She loved to play cards, belonging to the pinochle and canasta clubs in town. She is survived by daughter Barbara O'Dea of Wauneta; daughter Joyce Hutchins of Inverness, Fla.; daughter Marilyn and husband Robin Koelmel of Lakewood, Colo.; and son Richard Merrill and wife Pat, also of Lakewood; 18 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren. Della was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jay; daughter, Elsie Kerchal; brother, Zenas and sisters, Pansy, Frances and Lulu. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005, at 10 a.m. at the Wauneta Church of Christ, Wauneta, Neb., with Pastor Randy Hayes officiating. Music was provided by the Wauneta Church of Christ choir. Casketbearers were grandsons and great grandsons Rick Merrill, Doug Merrill, Derek Koelmel, Gerry Koelmel, Steve Kerchal, Dave Kerchal, Russ O'Dea, Bob Goings, Jeremy Merrill and Justin Kerchal. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta. A memorial has been established in her memory Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta was in charge of arrangements.

Maya Michelle Blackman
Maya Michelle Blackman, infant baby, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005. She was born Oct. 14, 2005, in North Platte to Jared Carson and Missy Michelle (Vrbas) Blackman. She was preceded in death by maternal great grandfathers Van Peterson and Donald Vrbas and uncle, Luke Blackman. Survivors include her parents, Jared and Missy Blackman of Palisade; two brothers: Luke Carson and twin brother Matthew Jared; one sister Kenna Ward; maternal grandparents Jerry and Tami Vrbas of Palisade; paternal grandparents Carson and Jennifer Blackman of Roscoe; great grandparents: Elaine Peterson of Palisade, Mary Lou Vrbas of Culbertson, Joyce and Dave Mickelson of Elk River, Minn., J.C. 'Bud' and Cena Graves of Ogallala and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, at 11 a.m. at the Hamlet Union Church with Rev. Marshall Erickson officiating. Music was provided by organist Diana Ham and soloists Sara Behrends and Teresa Erickson. Selections chosen were "Jesus Loves Me," "Glory Baby," "I Can Only Imagine," and "You Lift Me Up." Pallbearers were Joe Vrbas and David Vrbas. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Brad O'Keefe, Shane Struckman and Seth Alberts. Interment was at the Palisade Cemetery, Palisade, with Carpenter Breland Service in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be given in her name.

Otis J. 'Knotty' Knotwell
Otis J. 'Knotty' Knotwell, 82, passed away Dec. 9, 2005, at the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo. He was born Feb. 23, 1923, in Chase County, Nebraska, to Otis and Clara M. (Ditton) Knotwell. He graduated from Wauneta High School in 1942. He started at McCook Junior College but then joined the Marine Corp on Feb. 16, 1943. He served his tour of duty mostly in the South Pacific. He mustered out on May 2, 1946. He married Beryl I. Hamilton on Aug. 25, 1946. Knotty served on the Nebraska State Patrol at Norfolk, Neb., 13 years before returning to Wauneta after the death of his father. During his long life he was in law enforcement, was a blacksmith, nursing home maintenance man and golf course maintenance man in his semi-retirement. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Wauneta, a life member of American Legion Post 304, life member and Commander of VFW Post 7996 and life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He is survived by his wife, Beryl; daughter: Carol and husband Steven Thompson, Barb and husband Gordon Hinrichs, Colleen and husband Dennis Goings and Patti and husband Lonnie Kitt; son James Knotwell and wife Denise, 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; sister Esther (Knotwell) Einspahr; several nieces and nephews and more friends than you can count. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Clara Knotwell; sister Betty (Knotwell) Jehorek and daughter JoAnn Thorman. Memorial services will be held Friday at 1:30 MT at the United Methodist Church in Wauneta with Rev. Judy Dye officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory.

Irma Jeffries
Irma Jeffries was born on Nov. 7, 1908, at Wauneta, Neb. She was the youngest of four daughters born to A.C. and Estella Craig Pence. She grew up in Wauneta where she attended school, graduating from Wauneta High School in 1927. Irma was married to Willis Bunyan 'Bunnie' Jeffries in 1928. They made their home at Wauneta until 1939 when they moved to the Madrid, Neb., area. Irma worked for Carl Gauger in his grocery store and also assisted Bunnie in their Jeffries Conoco business. Irma later worked at the Perkins County Community Hospital and was in the supply department of the hospital when she retired. Bunnie died in July of 1983 and Irma continued to maintain her home in Madrid until 1994 when she moved to Westview Retirement in Grant, Neb. Irma was moved to Golden Ours Convalescent Home in 1997 where she died early Thursday morning Dec. 8, 2005. She had reached the age of 97. Irma had been a member of the Madrid United Methodist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, Irma was preceded in death by her three sisters: Myrtie DeGarmo, Veva Polly, and LaVina Johnson; one daughter-in-law, Marilyn Jeffries and one grandson, Jack Jeffries. She is survived by her two sons, Don and his wife, Margaret, of Virginia Beach, Va., and William 'Bud' of Grand Island, Neb.; three granddaughters: Jill Dearborn of Massachusetts, Megan Jeffries of New York City; and Jane Richardson of Grand Island; three grandsons: Craig of Virginia Beach, Bill of Edmond, Okla., and Jim of Grand Island; 11 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. A memorial service was held on Monday, Dec. 12, 2005, at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant with John Long officiating. Burial of cremains will be in the Wauneta Cemetery at a later date.

Lowell Ferrel
Lowell Orlan Ferrel was born in Phillips County, Colo. on April 28, 1920, to Grover Anderson Ferrel and Alta Fern (Hall) Ferrel. He passed away Nov. 27, 2005. He was baptized in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Lowell attended Cement School in Yuma County and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1939. Lowell and Donnabeth Ferebee were united in marriage Jan. 1, 1942, at Lamar, Neb., by Rev. Ivan Kilpatrick at the United Brethren parsonage. To this union three children were born: Vicky Lynn, Lowell Ora and Jay Dee. In July 1942, Lowell entered the United States Army and served in Europe during World War II. His company was one of the first to land on the Beach of Normandy. Lowell was honorably discharged on Nov. 26, 1945. After he returned from the service, Lowell and Donnabeth spent the next 14 years living south of Lamar, where he started training horses. In 1960, they bought the acreage where they lived for the next 45 years and where he was very successful with his training stables. He trained and showed many horses at one time, often riding as many as 52 horses a day. One novel experience was training a zebra to ride and drive. Lowell was an official judge for the American Quarter Horse Association, The Appaloosa Horse Club and the American Paint Horse Association. He judged shows in every state in the continental United States and in four Provinces of Canada. He had been asked to judge in Australia, but had declined. Lowell received the "Boss Award" at Nebraskaland Days in North Platte for his outstanding contributions to the sport of rodeo; an Honorary Service Certificate from the American Quarter Horse Association for 17 years of service as a judge; a Certificate of Appreciation for his dedication to the American Quarter Horse Association; and Lifetime memberships to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Nebraska Quarter Horse Association. Rotary was very important in Lowell's life. He served as the local president, attended five international conventions (Orlando, Fla., Portland, Ore., Mexico City, Mexico, Melbourne, Australia, Seoul, Korea) and received the Paul Harris Award. Music has always been a big part of Lowell's life. He played the tenor saxophone in high school, the bugle in the army, and later played many instruments including soprano sax and violin. He played with Wayne Lee's orchestra for many years and in later years enjoyed playing with groups at the Senior Center. He was preceded in death by son Jay Dee and his parents, Grover and Alta Ferrel. Lowell is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donnabeth; daughter Vicky and husband Jim Brown; son, Lowell Ora and wife Jennalea; three grandsons, Troy Brown, Toby Brown and Thomas Ferrel; four great grandchildren, Audrey Lynn Burbach, Connor Brown, Gillian Ferrel and Sean Ferrel; sister Margie and husband Dale Machart and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 1, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Imperial, Neb. with Pastor Kay Alnor and Jim Smith officiating. Pianist was Mrs. Marcia Bauerle and soloist was Mrs. Jill Bauerle. Military rites were by the V.F.W. Post #4688, Imperial. Casketbearers were Dick Potter, Bob Kluender, Charlie Lee, Gary Greeley, Pete Dillan and Lloyd Hazard. Honorary casketbearers were Bill Silvester, Don Newman and Tom Kiplinger. Interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Imperial. Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Cecil Decker
Cecil Beard Decker was born on Nov. 13, 1906, to Chester and Nellie Beard Decker on a farm near Oberlin, Kan., and passed away Nov. 6, 2005, one week prior to his 99th birthday at the Good Samaritan Care Center in Alliance. In 1920, he moved with his parents to a farm west of Wauneta, Neb., where he was enrolled in grade school and later attended Wauneta Rural High School and played football. As a young adult, Cecil was diagnosed with cancer, but with aggressive treatments, overcame the disease. Soon, he moved to Washington where he was a talented mechanic and car salesman for many years. Upon his return to Nebraska, he married Frieda Stanley, and the two made their home in Benkelman. In Benkelman, Cecil and Frieda owned and managed their own business. After retirement, he spent his time tending to his well-manicured lawn, caring for his garden, especially the corn, and fishing with his family. In August of 2000, Cecil and Frieda moved to Alliance to be nearer to their family, Georgia and Kylee Stanley. Cecil lived in his own home until six months prior to his passing. On April 7, 2005, his wife, Frieda, passed away. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Loide and his sister, Mildred Brill. He leaves to mourn Georgia Stanley and his granddaughter, Kylee, of Alliance. Graveside services were held Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2005, at 1 p.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial, Neb. Because of Cecil's belief in education, a memorial has been established in his memory for the Lakeside School Library Fund. Memorials may be sent to Lakeside Grade School, Lakeside, NE 69351. Bates-Gould Funeral Home of Alliance, Neb., was in charge of arrangements.

Donald Miller
Donald Raymond Miller was a "home delivery" on June 23, 1921, in rural northwestern Kansas. He was the oldest son of Claude and Odelia Miller. He was followed by Corona, Dale, Jeannie, Patsy, Mike, 'Twinkles' (Mary), 'Bunnie' (Iris Sue) to total eight Miller children. He lived in St. Francis, Sharon Springs and Goodland, Kans. His family moved to Denver when he was around 12 years old. He attended St. Ignatius Loyola School and St. Joe's High School. He worked as a bicycle messenger for deliveries in downtown Denver. When the war broke out in 1941, he enlisted in the Army. He was in the Pacific Conflict in the Philippines, also in Luzon and New Guinea. He was a nurse with the original 4077 (M.A.S.H.) unit. After the war, he worked in the "CCC," and helped build parks and dams. He met and fell in love with Neoma Evelyn Troxel from Wauneta, Neb., who was working in the Reeses' Coffee Shop in Denver. They were married Nov. 13, 1948. He was hired by the U.S. Postal Service in 1950, starting at the Broadway Station and then stayed down at the Denver Terminal Annex. Their eight children, Evelyn Sue, Raymond, Donna, Danny, baby boy, Annie, Donny and Tim, were born from 1951 to 1967. They bought a house at 2763 So. Julian and later moved to a larger house at 2963 Yates in 1960. He helped supplement the family's income, working delivery and pick up for Kaufman Printing and driving a school bus. After Neoma passed away in 1989, Don became a member of the WOWs (Widow or Widowers Club). On July 8, 1995, he married his second wife, Pearl. Pearl took Don to New Zealand for their honeymoon. They spent time with both families and friends, including his mother-in-law, the late Luella Troxel, and sister-in-law, the late Norma, and husband Gerold Bodeman at Palisade. Don gave up the battle with his poor health Oct. 17, 2005. His interment was in the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver on Oct. 21. A memorial service was held at the King of Glory Lutheran Church by his wife Pearl, children and step-children for members of his families. Don was a brother-in-law to Harry and Nola Straub of Wauneta and Gerold Bodeman of Imperial.

Leona Fern Gockley
Leona Fern Rollstin Gockley, daughter of Ralph D. and Elva Carmen McCoy Rollstin, was born June 3, 1912, at Trumbull, Neb., and died Oct. 16, 2005, at the age of 93 years and four months. Leona grew up in Edison, Neb., and attended school there until her final year of high school. She graduated from Arapahoe High School in Arapahoe, Neb., in 1929 so she could accomplish Normal Training. This qualified her to begin teaching at the age of 17 in rural one-room schoolhouses in Furnas County. She did so for three years. She then attended one semester of college and continued to teach for three more years. On March 9, 1935, she married Ralph Gockley in Edison. For the next 10 years, they lived in several communities in Nebraska and Colorado, following Ralph's jobs as a depot agent for the CB&Q Railroad. In 1946, they moved to Wauneta, Neb., which was her home until 1997. At that time she moved to a retirement home, The Greeley Place, in Greeley, Colo. In 2004 and 2005, she resided at Sterling House Assisted Living in Greeley. Leona's life revolved around her family and her Christian faith. She was active in children's programs as well as the women's organizations and Bible studies of her church. Leona helped establish the hot lunch program at the Wauneta public schools. She worked in that capacity for six years. All of Leona's family members have been blessed with items from her years of crocheting and embroidering. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Merna Davis of Littleton, Colo., Norma and husband, Richard Dunn, of Greeley, Colo., Dennis Gockley and wife, Donna, of Wauneta; a stepson, Lester Gockley and wife, Verla, of Fort Morgan, Colo., and her sisters: Laverne Chapman of Edison, Dorothy and husband, Wayne Mues, of Arapahoe, Ruby and husband, Mark Martin, of Kearney, Neb.; 12 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Leona was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Ralph and one granddaughter, Melanie Dunn. A memorial service and burial will take place at the Christian Church in Edison on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 1:00 p.m.

Lorna DeGarmo
Lorna Belle DeGarmo of Hayes Center died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2005, at El Dorado Manor Nursing Home in Trenton. She was 90 years old. Lorna was born on July 11, 1915, at Akron, Colo., to Willis S. and Ada Valentine (Johnston) Schmitt. She lived at Akron and Elizabeth, Colo., until she was three at which time she moved with her family to Grandby, Colo. When she was nearly 12, her mother passed away and she and her brother, Everett, moved to their father's place north of Stratton, Neb. At the age of 17, she was converted and remained a follower of Christ the rest of her life. After her high school graduation, she attended Bible School in Colorado Springs, Colo., until 1953. She was married to Boyd Marshall DeGarmo on May 8, 1953, at Colorado Springs where they made their home. To this union three sons were born. They moved to Hayes Center and Haigler, Neb., commuting between the two communities where Boyd did auto body repair work and Lorna was a homemaker. Lorna was a member of the Hayes Center Emmanuel Chapel. She enjoyed sewing, reading and spending time with her grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Boyd; one brother, Everett Schmitt and step-sister Violet Harrison. Survivors include her three sons: Boyd Willis and wife, Linda, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Wendell Ray of Hastings and Kenneth Wayne of Parks; step-brother Eddie Johnson and wife, Doris, of Pueblo, Colo., step-sister Louise Dengler of Denver, Colo., and five grandchildren. Memorials may be given in her name. Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook with Morris Hartman officiating. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of arrangements.

Robert O'Dea
Robert Eugene O'Dea was born June 30, 1930, at Indianola, Nebr., to Francis H. and Elizabeth M. (Hanthorn) O'Dea. As a youngster he moved with his parents to McCook, Nebr., where he grew and attended school. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1947 and served between WWII and the Korean War, being discharged in 1950. He returned to McCook and soon began to work for Northern Natural Gas Company as a welder which took him to Omaha, Nebr., Bob married Barbara J. Merrill on Jan. 18, 1954, at Sidney, Iowa, and the couple settled in Omaha, He then gained employment with the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, as a welder, taking him and his family to Greece, Scotland, the midwestern and eastern states. After 26 years, Bob retired in 1985 and he and Barbara purchased a farm south of Palisade, Nebr. The couple settled on the farm for a short time before selling and moving to Trenton and McCook. In 2004, they made Wauneta, Neb., their home to be near family. Bob passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005, while on a fishing trip at Pierre, S.D. He was 75 years of age. Survivors include wife Barbara of Wauneta; daughter Marilyn and husband, Fred Goings, of Wauneta; son Russell O'Dea of North Platte, Nebr.; grandson Robert Goings and wife, Mindi, of Wauneta; two great grandchildren, Gunner and GraCee Goings of Wauneta; brother Patrick O'Dea and wife, Alice, of North Platte; sister Bernadetta and husband, John Sis, of Indianola; and sister-in-law Marie O'Dea of McCook. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leonard. He enjoyed hunting and loved to fish, spending many summers with family fishing on Lake Oahe near Pierre, S.D. Private family memorial services will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta. A memorial has been established in Bob's memory. Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta is in charge of arrangements. "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well-preserved piece, but to slide across the finish line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, and shouting Geronimo!!!"

Gerald 'Gary' Larreau
Gerald "Gary" D. Larreau age 69 of Wauneta, Neb. died at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. on Sept. 21, 2005. He was born on March 14, 1936, in Oberlin, Kan., to Charles and Ruby Larreau. Gary attended school in Oberlin and McCook. On July 30, 1953 he was united in marriage to LaDonna Kincaid. They survived 52 years together. Gary became an apprentice bricklayer in the mid '50s continuing the profession all his life. He enjoyed buying, selling and trading any kind of vehicle, especially Dodges. He was an avid story teller. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Carol Larreau Brown and a grand daughter, Shannon Marie; three brothers: French, Smiley and Dick; a sister, Ginni Speaker. Gary is survived by his wife, LaDonna; three sons: Mark Larreau and wife Chris of Hastings, Joe of Texas and Brian of California; son-in-law Bob Brown; four grandchildren, Kristy, April, Adam and Shasha, all of Valentine; a sister, Gloria and husband Roger Messenger of McCook. Gary was loved by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and will be missed by all. Services were held at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Richard Karr officiating. Organist was Jackie Johnson with special selections: "Softly and Tenderly" and "Just As I Am." Pallbearers were Lance Messenger, Craig Messenger, Shawn Yoder, Doug Highland, Dace Collins and Dave Gallington. Interment was in the Fairview Cemetery, Cambridge. Memorials may be left at the mortuary in Gary's name. Lockenour-Jones Mortuary, POB 247 Cambridge, NE 69022 (308) 697-3838, was in charge of arrangements.

Janice L. Janicek
Janice L. Janicek, 76, of Meridian, Idaho, died Friday, Sept. 9, 2005. Janice was born on Jan. 26, 1929, in Gothenburg, Nebr., to Godtfred and Vendla (Johnson) Jensen. She was raised in Hay Springs, Nebr., graduating from high school in 1947. Shortly thereafter she joined her parents who had moved to Kimball, Nebr. She married Dale G. Janicek on Feb. 14, 1949, and they farmed in the Kimball area raising a family of six children. She was a gifted seamstress and shared her talents by giving sewing lessons in her home. Later she opened a fabric store in Kimball. In 1965 the family moved to Scottsbluff to open a larger fabric store, The Sew and Sew Fabric Store. After the family was grown she moved to Boise Idaho in 1978 where she owned and operated Jan's Sew & Sew Fabric Store. She closed her store and was later employed by the Bon Marche in the alterations department. In 2000 she retired. She had compassion for others in need, offering help where she could. She loved shopping for bargains and checking out the local garage sales, sewing, taking pictures at family events, visiting with friends and new acquaintances and watching her grandchildren grow up. Upon retiring, she looked forward to lunches at the Meridian Senior Center and visiting with friends. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Monte and Lela Janicek of Meridian, Idaho, Kevin and Denise Janicek of Wauneta, Nebr., Brad Janicek of Meridian Idaho, and Vance and Sandy Janicek of Meridian, Idaho; daughters and sons-in-law: Tonia and Woody Burge of Irvine, Calif., and Denise Janicek and Steve Coyle of Star, Idaho; sisters and brother-in-law: Joan and Lee Garey of Downs, Kan., Shirley and John Moeller of Rawlins, Wyo.; brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Sharon Jensen of Boise, Idaho; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Paula Dale Janicek. The memorial service was held on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at The Chapel of the Chimes, Meridian, Idaho. A memorial has been established to the Meridian Senior Center, 133 West Broadway Avenue, Meridian, Idaho 83642.

Theo Hahn
Theo Melvin Hahn, 93 of Diamond Bar, Calif., formerly of Hayes County, died Aug. 29, 2005, in Pomona, Calif. He was born Jan. 10, 1912, in Hayes County in a sod house to John Henry and Ethel Belle Hagerman Hahn. He grew up in Hamlet on a farm. He graduated from Hamlet High school and attended Colorado State Teacher's College in Greeley, Colo. Theo worked his way through school, washing dishes, cooking, etc., in a fraternity along with other jobs. He graduated and taught in Hamlet High School. On Sept. 29, 1934, he married Helena Ann Jeffries in Oberlin, Kan. He taught in Hamlet from 1934 to 1936; Max from 1937 to 1939, Imperial from 1939 to 1949, taught eighth grade and was principal of the elementary school. He then sold insurance in Lincoln from 1949 to 1968. He was a member of the "Nebraska Soddy Club," a Master Mason, Lions Club member, Master Angler of many fish in Nebraska waters and Scout leader for years and an Eagle Scout. Theo and Helena moved to North Platte in 1968 and resided there until August 1996. He ran the Opportunity Center until he retired in January 1977 at the age of 65. Survivors include a daughter, Diann Hahn Woolman of Diamond Bar; grandchildren: William Martin Woolman of Clovis, Calif., Kadi Ann Woolman of Discovery Bay, Calif., and Jonathan Woolman; and great grandchildren: Elizabeth, Jordan, Trinity, Tanner and Ty. He was preceded in death by his wife on Sept. 28, 2000, in Fullerton, Calif. Memorials are suggested to the National Alzheimer's Association. Inurnment of the cremains of Theo and Helena will be Saturday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta.