U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-CurrentMaryGrace Harris
June 22, 1927 - March 22, 2018
MaryGrace Hood came into this world June 22, 1927 at Billings, Nebraska. The story was always told that she was born in a chicken coop that was home to her parents and older brother. It would later become a part of the Harris ranch.
Her father worked for many people and, including at one time, her future husband’s sister.They moved often finally settling on a farm in eastern Nebraska near Wolbach. It was still in the family until her son was in his teens. Mary Grace’s mother suffered poor health forcing her to take responsibility for the house and her younger siblings, something which she took very seriously.
She was preceded in death by her husband Sherman and her two brothers, Jack and Karol. She is survived by her brothers--Harvey (Donna) of Everett, Washington, and Ernie (Roberta) of Neola, Iowa--and her five sisters: Marty Hall of Omaha, Nebraska, Jeanne Mathis of Gordon, Nebraska, Cella Williams of Omaha, Nebraska, Leora Denison of Martin, South Dakota, and Leota Frandsen of Martin, South Dakota. She is also survived by her son, Alan (Kathleen) and daughter, Sherry, both of Gordon, Nebraska, as well as her grandchildren Jeremy (Rajeana) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Matthew (Leah) of Chadron, Nebraska, and Shandall (Ron) of Gordon, Nebraska. She had seven great grandchildren: Nadia, Caedmon, Olivia, Gavin, Chelsea, Evangeline, and Garrett.
MaryGrace lived a full life. She was a servant to family, church, and community. She came to Sheridan County to teach rural school at 16 years of age. She always held it over her children that she graduated valedictorian. Only later did we learn it was a class of 4 students.
As the teacher lived with William Harris (Jennie), brother of her future husband. Sherman proposed on April Fool’s Day. He always maintained it was a joke and but that the joke was on him when she accepted. They were married on December 7th, 1946 in St. Joseph, Missouri. To this union were born two children: Alan and Sherry. While MaryGrace taught school, the couple farmed a small place north of Gordon until purchasing a small ranch North of Rushville where they lived until their retirement, brought on by a bout with eye cancer. The ranch remains in the family to this day. After retirement, they joined the Peace Corps serving in southern Honduras, MaryGrace continuing her legacy as a teacher. After two years away, grandchildren drew them back to Sheridan County. MaryGrace was active in the Clinton Methodist Church until failing health retired her. MaryGrace and Sherman also served with the foster grandparents in Hay Springs, Rushville, and Gordon. One of Alan’s fondest memories was putting his 60- and 70-year-old grandparents on the school bus for Head Start. MaryGrace and Sherman liked to vacation south, spending the winter months in Arizona, California, and Florida. MaryGrace and Sherman were “guest owners” of a ranch in Santa Barbara, south of Ronald Reagan’s ranch, where they met Cary Grant and served him toast with chokecherry jelly.
MaryGrace had a sharp mind and Alan enjoyed many hours of conversation with her discussing family, politics, farming, and people. She will be greatly missed in this.
The final chapter in this book is MaryGrace’s love for Jesus. She placed him above all despite her own shortcomings. Her son recalls visiting with her as she faced heart surgery: “I’m too old to really spend this kind of money on. However, if I can change the life outcome of one child in Head Start, I owe it to Jesus to continue this life.”
A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.
Marty J. Peters
January 31, 1944 - March 28, 2018
On March 28th, 2018 after a very short illness, our wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend passed out of her earthly body into the arms of Jesus. Marty Jo Peters (Sipp) was born in Rushville, NE on Jan 31st, 1944 to Donna (Stiehl) and George Sipp. She was raised in Hay Springs, NE along with her younger sister Judi. Growing up, the two girls were inseparable. Throughout their youth and especially as the girls got older, they enjoyed taking train trips together. Some of those trips ended in California with a visit to family but several ended in Ainsworth, NE to just have fun. One of the most memorable occurred in 1965, when the two took the train to Omaha to see the Worlds Fair.
Marty attended the Hay Springs Public Schools for grades K-12. She was involved in many clubs and activities during those years. Marty was well known for her musical talents and was often asked to play the piano for several different organizations around her hometown. She carried this talent on into adulthood as her children remember her playing songs well into the evening, sometimes asking them to join her and sing while she played. During her high school years, Marty gracefully stepped into a large leadership role by taking the band Majorette position for the school. Of the many responsibilities of the position, the one Marty was especially fond of, was leading the band out onto the field during half time of the high school football games. Marty was active in Jobs Daughters as well, excelling and eventually becoming the Past Honored Queen for the beloved organization. During the summer months, when not riding trains with her sister, Marty was a lifeguard at the Hay Springs pool. Marty was a natural caregiver and relished the position of keeping people safe.
In 1962 after high school graduation, Marty moved to Boulder, CO where she attended Colorado University. There, Marty joined Sigma Theta Tau and graduated in 1965 with a BA in Nursing. This was an incredible accomplishment as she was the first person ever in her family to have graduated from college. Leaving behind many beloved college friends, Marty moved back to the Hay Springs area and began working at the Rushville Hospital as a Registered Nurse.
On October 22, 1966, Marty married Jerry Peters, the love of her life, at the St. Columbkille Church in Hay Springs, NE. The couple began their marriage in a small house in the Mirage Flatts area. Marty would come to have several stories of driving her little VW bug into work at the Rushville Hospital. For the most part, those stories took place somewhere along the miles of country roads between work and home and more often than not, during the winter. To this marriage were born 4 children, sons Matt (Mindy) of Rushville, NE, Greg (Jennifer) of Smithville, MO and daughters Hallie (Carroll) Cox of Rushville, NE and Rachel (Matt) Renyer of Baldwin City, KS.
In 1976 Marty and Jerry moved to the ranch south of Rushville where they operated Sipp Cattle Company, and even though the ranch life kept her busy, Marty continued her work in the field of healthcare. The dynamic of her work eventually morphed into a teaching position in the area nursing homes. Marty excelled at this, as she was a natural born leader and teacher. Many of her students continued on in the field, earning degrees in Nursing and beyond of which Marty was extremely proud.
In her retirement, Marty was able to enjoy her 13 grandchildren with absolute abandon. She loved cooking and gardening with them as well as sharing her love of reading. Marty was blessed to be near several of her grandchildren but never failed to visit those living out of town as often as she could. Marty often said that her grandchildren were the light of her life.
Marty was a member of P.E.O., Chapter DW. This was an organization that she, her sister Judi and daughter Hallie all enjoyed together. Marty loved her P.E.O. sisters and often talked of the joy she had in meeting with them every month. The best part of the organization for her was her joy in working with these wonderful ladies to help other women achieve their full potential in life.
Marty had a passion for helping. She was well known for her smile, her laugh and her kindness. It was not in her to waste a moment of silence where a kind word could be used. Each of her children felt the pride their mother had for them and the words I love you ended every encounter. The daily calls, texts and emails will be greatly missed.
Marty leaves behind her loving husband Jerry Peters, mother Donna Sipp, sister Judi (Jim) Skeen, her 4 children and 13 grandchildren, as well as several brother and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Marty was preceded in death by her father, George Sipp, nephew Eric Peters, and other beloved relatives.
Visitation will be held at 7 PM on Sunday, April 1st, 2018 and Services will be held at 10AM on Monday, April 2nd, 2018, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic in Rushville NE. Committal will be at a later date.
A Memorial has been established in her name for the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs, NE. Donations may be sent care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366 Gordon, NE 69343.
For those left behind, although grateful for our time with her, we are left with this recurring thought, “My God we have lost her”.
Jesse DeVere Britton
November 1, 1927 - October 2, 2010
Jesse DeVere Britton, passed away on October 2, 2010 in Chadron, Nebraska at the age of 82. He was born on November 1, 1927 in Hemingford, Nebraska to Jess Warren Britton and Myrtle Mildred (Toliver) Britton.
Jesse grew up and graduated from high school in Crawford, Nebraska in 1945. After graduation, Jesse served in the Army 1st Calvary after the end of World War II. He was stationed in Japan during the occupation to assist with rebuilding the country. Jesse was a professional truck driver and drove the Chadron to Omaha route twice a week for many years with Ross Transfer. Jesse lived most of his life in Chadron looking after his family and raising his children. He was a member of the Eagles, B.P.O.E, and the VFW. He was a loving Dad, Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle.
Jesse is survived by sons Steve (Karen) Britton and John (Ronda) Britton. Grandsons Tanner and Wyatt Britton. Brothers Duane, Ron (June), LaVern, and Warren (Renate) Britton. As well as many nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial donations may be made to: The Eagles Club in Crawford. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337
Shirley Musfelt
December 15, 1935 - March 25, 2018
Shirley Ann Musfelt, 82, of Gordon, NE, died Sunday, March 25, 2018, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born December 15, 1935 in Gordon, NE, to Tug and Josephine Palmer. She lived with her siblings in Gordon and attended Gordon Public Schools.
On February 4, 1956 she married Raymond Musfelt in Gering, NE. The couple made their home on the family ranch northeast of Gordon. To this union seven children were born.
Shirley was a member of the Gordon American Legion Auxiliary. She took pleasure in caring for her children and grandchildren, playing board games and attending ball games. Shirley took pride in living on the family ranch.
Preceded in death by her husband Raymond Musfelt; son Ricky Musfelt; daughter Theresa Musfelt; parents Tug and Josephine Palmer; brothers Theodore, Jim, Donald, Kenneth, Gary and Jackie; sisters Helen Curry, Virginia Harris Hugen and son-in-law Marle Black Calf.
Survivors include 3 sons; Craig (Mary) of Gordon, NE, their children Ricky, Nicole, Misti, Kayla, Taryn and 22 great-grandchildren, Mark (Lori Hilliker) of Mitchell, NE and their children Kaylee, Nathan, Lucas and 2 great-grandchildren, Micheal (Carol Johnson) of Gordon, NE and Carol’s children Morgan, Tara, Lindsey, Ashley, Trevor and 6 step great-grandchildren, 2 daughters both of Gordon; Lesa (John) Saxton and their children Derek and Alyssa, Sheila Black Calf and her children Nicholas, Daylan and Broc, 1 great grandchild, sister Hope Fankhauser of Rushville, NE and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sheila R. Merchen
March 25, 1943 - March 25, 2018
Sheila Rae (Parker) Merchen born March 25, 1943 to Gordon and Olive (Cellan) Parker. She grew up on a farm west of Highmore. She went to Eagle Country School till 1954 when they moved to town.
Sheila and her sisters were all very good singers, they won the snow queen talent show and advanced on to competition in Aberdeen. Sheila and her sisters also sang on keloland tv for a telethon. She graduated from Highmore High School in 1961. Sheila then moved to Pierre and went to work at the state library.
She met Clayton at a dance in Holabird SD in the summer of 62 while he was working on the Oahe, and Fort Thompson dam. They were married on December 15, 1963 in Highmore SD. They moved to Brownlee NE where Clayton worked on a ranch. In the spring of 64 they moved to Martin SD where they lived for about 2 years then they moved to Sturgis and then on to Whitewood SD until 1972. They moved back to Bennett County by Norris SD so that Clayton could help on the family ranch.
Sheila started driving school bus for the Bennett County Schools in the fall of 1979 and drove that same route till 1986 when she started work at the kitchen at the grade school in Martin. Sheila worked there till 2003 when she decided to stay home and take care of her grandchildren. Her greatest love besides her husband was all of her kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Sheila had a great love for music that she passed on to her kids. Rodeos, ballgames, music contests, you name it she was there!
Sheila passed away at her home on March 25, 2018. She will be greatly missed by her husband Clayton, sisters Shirley (Lawerence) Lynch, Sharon Abernathy, and Mary (John) Weidenbach. Brother Michael Parker. Son Laverl (Mison) Merchen, daughters Theresa Ortiz, Tracey Merchen, and Mary(Leo) Goss. Nine Grandchildren Kyle & Cody Merchen, Melissa (Mark) Cuff, Luz(Josh) Flockhart, Antonio Ortiz (Charlotte), Kimberlee Schulz, Tanner (Sadie) Goss, Tyler Goss, and Piper Goss. And seven great-grandchildren Cinch & Parker Goss, Cole Cotton, Mark & Maddison Cuff, and Will & Cypress Flockhart.
Funeral Services were held Friday March 30, 2018, 10:00 am at the New American Legion in Martin, SD. Burial was held in the Calvary Fairview Cemetery in Kadoka, SD. A memorial has been established and donations may be sent in care of Bennett County Funeral Service PO Box 65 Martin, SD 57551.
Ron Hilliker
April 18, 1945 - March 27, 2018
Ronald Lee Hilliker, age 72, lifetime resident of Gordon, NE passed away on Tuesday March 27, 2018, at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, SD after a lengthy battle with Parkinson Disease.
Services will be held Monday April 2, 2018, at 2:00 pm at the Gordon City Auditorium, with Bill Combs officiating. Arrangements were made by Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home. A memorial has been established for the Gordon Volunteer Fire Department.
Ron, the son of Clydean and FayJean (Gardiner) Hilliker was born on April 18, 1945 in Gordon. Ron married Connie Wright on March 31, 1967 in Martin, SD. Born to this union were three children, Michael, Deborah and Misty.
Ron had a great appreciation of the outdoors. If he wasn’t hunting or fishing, in the later years after grandchildren came, he could often be found in the stands at a baseball or football game or attending a trap shoot. He shared his passion of the outdoors first with his children and later his grandchildren. Once his first grandson Brandon was born he was seldom seen without his biggest admirer and sidekick. Ron instilled the value of maintaining nature in everyone and taught one and all the rules of the outdoors and made sure they were followed. He will be remembered by many as the man around town that seemed to walk for miles and miles no matter the weather.
Ron is survived by his wife, Connie Hilliker, his children Michael Hilliker, Deborah Parks, and Misty Reigenborn, brother Pat Hilliker, sisters Bobbie Hilliker and Lori Hilliker, six grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents Dean and FayJean Hilliker, in-laws Orval and Rose Wright, brothers Gary and Howard Hilliker, sister Diana Hilliker, nephew Lonnie Hilliker and son in-law Jerry Parks.
