H - Page 1 - Obits

EDWARD C. HAAS BEAVER CITY — Edward C. Haas of Beaver City died Wednesday at Fritzer Memorial Hospital in Oxford at the age of 72 years.

He was born Nov. 28, 1908 it Beaver City and was a lifelong resident of Furnas County. He attended Beaver City schools and farmed all of his life north of Beaver City. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army in World War II and a member of the First Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife Irma; two sons, Gary of Keedysville, Md.. and James of Omaha; one daughter, Mrs Douglas (Shirley) Cozak of Wilber; two brothers, Earl of Beaver City and Donald of Lincoln; two sisters, Emma Wentling of Beaver City and Minnie May of Portland, Ore and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Beave City with the Rev. A. J. Ives officiating. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery with military honors at graveside and Hopping-Haase-Wenbur Funeral Home in charge arrangements.

Mrs. Mabel Hackler was born June 4, 1872 to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wiswell, Alexandria, Nebr. She died January 28, 1950, at Brookes General Hospital, San Antonio, Texas, of coronary thrombosis, having been sick in the hospital 12 days.

She was united in marriage David M. Hackler March 19, 1891 at Hebron, Nebr., and remained in marriage 58 years and 9 months. To this union four children were born.

They lived a short time in Fairbury, Nebr., then moved to Reynolds, Nebr., in 1893. In 1897 the Hackler family moved back to Springview, Nebr. After a stay of ten years in Springview they moved to Benkelman, Nebr., in 1908. The family remained in Benkelman until 1930. In 1930 they sold their farm in Kansas and the family moved to Oregon where they remained until 1932. Then they moved to San Antonio, Tex., where they resided at the time of Mrs. Hackler's death.

Mrs. Mabel Hackler was united with her Lord in Christian baptism at Springview, Nebr., in 1905. She remained in the Baptist church during her life time. While living in San Antonio she attended a nearby Presbyterian church.

There remains behind her husband, David M. Hackler, San Antonio, Tex., two daughters, Mrs. Wm. Menge, Benkelman, Nebr., and Mrs. Calvin Maranville, San Antonio, Texas. A son, Robert M. Hackler preceded her in death in 1941 in San Antonio, Texas. An infant daughter, Leta, preceded her in death at Springview, Nebr.

Mrs. Hackler was the last of her family, eight brothers and sisters, her father and mother having preceded her in death.

David M. Hackler, long-time Dundy county resident, passed away at his home in San Antonio, Texas, on September 8th. Mr. Hackler, who was 86, suffered a light stroke a few days previously, sank into a coma and never regained consciousness. His wife preceded him in death just seven months ago.

After living in Dundy county for 22 years, Mr. and Mrs. Hackler and son Bob left Benkelman in 1930 to spend a year in Oregon. In 1931 they returned to Denver where they lived for a year before moving to San Antonio in 1932. Their son Bob passed away there in 1941 from a heart attack and since that time they made their home with their son-in-law and daughter, Captain and Mrs. C. C. Maranville.

Among the relatives from a distance attending the funeral which was held at San Antonio on Wednesday, September 13th, were his other daughter, Mrs. Marie Menge of Benkelman and son Rev. and Mrs. George Menge.

Mr. David M. Hackler was born July 6, 1864 to the family of Mr. and Mrs. James Hackler, Nebraska City, Nebraska. He died September 8, 1950 at his home, 808 Cliff Ave., San Antonio, Texas, of the infirmities of old age, having been sick in bed one week.

He was united in marriage to Mable Wiswell, March 19, 1891 at Hebron, Nebraska, and remained in marriage 58 years and 9 months. To this union four children were born.

They lived a short time in Fairbury, Nebraska, then moved to Reynolds, Nebraska, in 1893. In 1897 the Hackler family moved to Springview, Nebraska. After a stay of ten years in Springview they moved to Benkelman, Nebr., in 1908. The family remained in Benkelman until 1930. In 1930 they sold their farm in Kansas and the family moved to Oregon where they remained until 1932. Then they moved to San Antonio, Texas.

Mr. David Hackler was united with his Lord in Christian baptism at Springview, Nebraska, in 1905. He remained in the Baptist church during his lifetime. He was a kind and loving father during his lifetime.

Mrs. Hackler preceded her husband in death January 28, 1950, in San Antonio. There remains behind two daughters, Mrs. Wm. Menge, Benkelman, Nebraska, and Mrs. Calvin Maranville, San Antonio, Texas. A son, Robert M. Hackler, preceded him in death in 1941 at San Antonio, Texas. An infant daughter, Leta, preceded him in death at Springview. Nebr. There also remains five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mr. Hackler was the last of his family, four brothers. and his father and mother having preceded him in death.

The funeral was held in San Antonio, Texas at Porter & Loring Funeral Home Wednesday, September 13, at 2:00 p.m. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Paul Tisdel and assisted by Rev, George Menge, a grandson, both ministers of the Church of Christ. He was laid to rest at Sunset cemetery beside his wife.

IMPERIAL– Lloyd Marlin "Shorty" Hager was born Feb. 24, 1918, on a farm near Lush-ton, Neb., to Claude C. and Clara Belle (VanVleet) Hager.

At the age of three, Shorty moved with his family to Hitchcock County, Neb., where he attended the Dyke country school until the eighth grade. Shorty assisted his folks in farming and as he got older became a farmhand working in Hitchcock and Dundy counties.

Shorty married Bonnie Jane Loop on Aug. 31, 1940, in Oberlin, Kan., and soon enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was in the European Theater during World War II and was discharged at Hitchcock, Texas, on Sept. 25, 1945.

Taking advantage of the GI Bill, Shorty and Bonnie traveled to Denver, Colo., where he learned the trade of meat cutting and processing.

Shorty and Bonnie then returned to the Trenton, Neb., area where they began Hager Square Deal Meats and Processing in 1955. It was at this time that Bonnie also started Hager's Beauty Shop in her home. Shorty closed the processing plant in 1972 with the thoughts of retiring but found he wasn't ready and gained employment with the Dayco Company of McCook, Neb. Shorty worked in McCook for 11 years, retiring for good in 1983. Bonnie continued her beauty shop until 1998, when the couple made their home in Imperial, Neb.

Shorty passed away Monday morning, May 27, 2002, at his home in Imperial. He was 84 years of age.

Shorty had many hobbies including fishing and woodworking. He enjoyed working with different procured meats and entering these meats in contests. He was a member of the Disabled Veterans Post 354188 of McCook, the American Legion Post 357 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10561, both of Trenton.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Imperial; a daughter, Betty (Mrs. Gerald) Jessee, of Benkelman, Neb.; three grandchildren: Katie Jo and Julie Jessee of Benkelman and Melissa (Mrs. Tony) Cochran of Imperial; two great-grandchildren: Bonnie and Cody Cochran of Imperial; a sister, Kela Hinkle, of Lexington, Neb., and a brother, Del Hager, and friend, Pat, of Rio Rancho, N.M.

A graveside inurnment service for Shorty Hager was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2002, at the Trenton Cemetery in Trenton with Pastor Keith Wellman officiating. Liewer Funeral Home of Imperial was in charge of arrangements.

Jacob Russel Haigler, third son of Eli Haigler and Elizabeth Ann (Hinkle) Taylor, was born in Franklin county, Missouri, February 7, 1836 and died September 29, 1905 at his ranch near Young Gila county Arizona

Jake, as he was commonly called. never married. He was seven years old when his father died and fifteen when his mother died. His education was of a common school. After his father died the family moved to Holt county, Missouri, in 1843 where his mother entered a homestead in section 12, township 60, range 39 and 40. After his mother died in 1851 Jake, his brother John W. and sister Mary went back. to Franklin county, Missouri, and made their home with an uncle, Isaac Hinkle.

When the war broke out in 1861 he left Missouri and in company with several others went to the gold fields of California. From Missouri he went to New York., There they took a ship for Panama. Here they crossed the isthmus with pack mules, took ship again on the Pacific ocean and landed at San Francisco, California. From there he went to the gold fields of Sacramento. Here he prospected for awhile, then circled in to Nevada. From there he went to Idaho where he engaged in the sheep business and remained during the early seventies. He then came back to Missouri, (Holt county) for Christmas of 1875(4?) After spending the winter in Holt and Franklin counties, Missouri, during the spring of 1876(5?) he, with friends from Missouri, went to western

Nebsaska and Colorado and in June of 1874(5?) he located his ranch in what is now Dandy county, Nebraska, and built his dugout on the hog back between the North Fork of the Republican river and the Arickaree.

He was widely known as a cowman and his ranch was headquarters for round-up parties of cattlemen from Texas to Montana. From letters of C. L. Ray, Jake was the most hospitable cowman on the river. His ranch was open to both grangers and cowmen. He was a man who had a big heart and a very pleasant personality. He had friends by the score. As Jimmy Morris said, Jake Haigler was the highest type of man. He was all honor and his word was as good as gold, as brave a heart as a lion. In 1881-'82 the Burlington railroad extended their use to Denver. passing through his ranch near his house and named the station in honor of his name.

Among the men who worked for Jake was the distinguished Irish cook, Billie Welch, who was widely known for his Irish Jokes and wit. Jake's foreman was William Goslin. There were two other men I know of, Jake Webster and Dick Burns. I understand Jake built the first hotel at Benkelman and put Billie Welch in charge of it. Later he was interested in a store at Benkelman with James Morris. The fall of 1883 he sold his ranch and visited one year in Missouri. In 1886 he again engaged In the cattle business in Arizona near Payson and Temple. The firm name was Ming, Haigler and Kensel.

From 1886 to 1903 Jake made several trips back to Missouri to visit his only brother. His ranch house was the scene of many battles with the Indians when old Geronimo was on the warpath down in Arizona. One time the Indians took several hundred head of his cattle. After killing what they wanted to eat, Jake and his men got the rest back. One time some of his cowboys were killed by the Indians but never at any time did they harm Jake Haigler.

His tragic death as taken from the Silver Belt paper published at Globe Arizona, states the following:

"Jake R. Haigler, of Pleasant Valley, near Young, Arizona, was thrown from a mule he was riding on September 26 or 27, 1905. He had gone to fix a water gap up the creek a short distance from his home. He had been warned to be careful about this mule, as she was tricky. W. J. Young had told him that morning before he left not to ride that mule. After Young left Jake saddled up the mule and went to fix the water gap. Mr. Young was away that night and Jake did not return. His going and coming was not unusual, for he would often go to some of his neighbors. The mule came in the next morning without the rider.

The alarm was put out and a party composed of W. G. Young and others started looking for him. He was found near the water gap. Near this place stood a leaning tree, where a cattle trail passed. The supposition is that when passing under this tree Jake leaned over to one side and the mule jumped. He being old and quite feeble, it is thought when the mule jumped that Jake fell off and his foot hung in the stirrup. The mule probably kicked him and in going around, his head struck a sharp-edged rock, which had matted blood and grey hair on it. When they found him he had crawled to the water edge of the creek to get a drink. He was unconscious when found.

After taking him home a physician was sent for—some sixty miles. He rallied for a short time but passed away soon after. Death came September 29, 1905. He was buried where he always said he wanted to be buried, on top of a little hill near the Mongollon mountain, overlooking his ranch and his last home. He had many friends in Pheonix, Tempe, Clifton, Globe and Holdbrock, Arizona. His ranch was located on a creek near a large spring in Gila county. Arizona, 125 miles from Holdbrock, the nearest railroad station in a mountainous country."

The writer, a nephew. was called by wire when Jake was first hurt but it being a long way there, Mr. Haigler had died and was buried before I arrived. So this is the ending of Jacob R. Haigler for whom the town of Haigler, Nebraska, was named after.

Helen Joan (Ellis) Haines, daughter of Daniel Wesley and Cynthia Caroline (Burgett) Ellis, was born May 18, 1934 in Dundy County, NE and quietly slipped from this life and entered into her eternal reward Sept. 26, 1979 at the Presbyterian Medical Center, Denver, CO at the age of 45 years, 4 months and 8 days.

Helen grew up in Dundy County where she lived her entire life, attending District 66 country school and Benkelman High School. On July 28, 1951, she was united in marriage to Hubert Merle Haines, also a Dundy County native, and to this union three children were born: Linda Joan, Daniel Eugene, and Kenneth D.

Helen's life was full, fulfilling, and a great blessing to all she touched. She was brought to a saving knowledge of her Lord Jesus Christ at the approximate age of 12 and she was an associate member of the Pleasant Valley Friends Church as a young person and later, on Oct. 10, 1963, became an active member and at the time of her passing was a member of the Benkelman Friends Church which she served so faithfully.

Her heart and life revolved around Christ and the church. She taught young children in Sunday School for 26 years and left her mark upon many a child's life. She was a faithful president of the Town and Country Missionary society for 15 years and at the present time was serving as vice-president of the Friends Women of the Rocky Mountain Yearly Meeting. She also was serving as church treasurer and as an assistant Sunday School teacher. Helen greatly enjoyed singing second soprano with the "Singing Friends" a special Gospel singing group.

Along with being active in her church, she was active in 4-H for many years. Helen worked at the Dundy County Hospital for ten years and at the Hester Memorial tome for three years and for the past three years helped with the Red Cross Bloodmobile.

Along with this she was a special grandmother to her six grandchildren whom she loved and cherished.

After spending her entire life on the farm, on April 22, 1979, Helen and Hubert purchased and moved into a lovely home in Benkelman where Helen enjoyed being close to all of her many activities. She was a devoted homemaker, wife and mother, giving herself unselfishly to making her family happy and secure.

Helen is survived by her parents, Daniel and Cynthia Ellis of Benkelman, her husband Hubert of Benkelman, her three children: Linda Joan of Gering, NE; Daniel and wife Mary, Kenneth and wife Francie all of Benkelman; two sisters: Cynthia and husband Randy Baney of Benkelman, Jean and husband Jim Kier of Parks, NE, one brother, Robert Ellis and wife Marion of Benkelman and six grandchildren: Bill, Krystal, Heather, Amy, Robbie and Danny Gene along with a host of other relatives and friends who will greatly miss her love, her smile and her thoughtfulness which are now adorning her heavenly home.

Services were held at the United Methodist Church, Benkelman, with Rev. Bob Sanders and Rev. Joe Hodges officiating. Organist was Mary Baney and she accompanied “The Singing Friends” in their offering of "Amazing Grace" and "Because He Lives."

Bearers were Wilfred Hansen, Nason Wilson, Bob Graham, Bob Brackin, Don Osborn and Keith Wood. Interment was at the Benkelman Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Jones' Funeral Home of Benkelman, NE.

Janet Helen Haines died Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb. She was 73 years old.

She was born Nov. 10, 1926, in Chase County, Neb., to Alva G. and Helen C. (Boening) Howard. She attended school in Max, Neb. On June 1, 1941, she was confirmed as a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman.

On April 5, 1945, Janet married John W. Haines. They have two children: Stanley William and Alice Marie.

Helen enjoyed life in the South Fork area of northwest Kansas. There she and John raised their children. In 1960 they moved to the Haines farm north of Benkel'man. She worked for 19 years as a nurse aide at the Hester Home giving much loving attention to the residents. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to her. She never missed church and made sure the children made it to Sunday school and also school, no matter what the weather or road conditions were.

Preceding her in death were her parents; a brother, Thomas Howard, and a sister, Margaret Jean Blecha.

Those surviving her include her husband, John; their son, Stan, and wife, DeVonna, of Benkelman; their daughter, Alice Haines, also of Benkelman; two sisters: Joyce and husband, Arden Ham, of Benkelman and Dora and husband, Phillip Albert, of Brush, Colo.; a brother, George Howard, of Las Vegas, Nev.; five granddaughters and nine great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at th Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with the Rev. George Matthews officiating. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery, with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Della Inez (Miller) Haines was born to Ralph and Frona (Weeks) Miller at Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Jan. 17, 1903 and passed from this life at the Hester Memorial Home at Benkelman, Nebr. on Nov. 28 at the age of 74 years. She was married to Glen J. Haines on Aug. 30, 1922 at Wayne, Nebr. To this union was born two sons and one daughter; Gerald L. Haines of Lincoln, Nebr.; Della Mae Koppinger of Benkelman and Robert J. Haines, deceased.

She is survived by her husband, Glen, one son Gerald and wife Jackie, one daughter, Della Mae and husband Hoppy, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Ralph and wife Opal Miller of Wayne, Nebr., Louis and Jessie Miller of Norfolk, Nebr. and one sister, Grace and her husband, Carl Meliick of Wayne, Nebr. and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Robert, two sisters, Myrtle and Opal and one brother, Lloyd.

Viola Marie Osborn Haines of 555 N.W. Seventh Street, Cedaredge, Colorado, died Sunday, January 17, 1988, at St. Mary's Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was 72.

She was born April 17, 1915, to Orian and Agnes Sahlin Osborn at Benkelman, Nebraska, where she spent her childhood and attended schools.

She married Irwin L. Haines on February 14, 1937, in Stratton, Nebraska. Mr. Haines survives.

The couple moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1939. In 1981 they retired in Cedaredge.

Other survivors include two daughters: Sharon LeFavour of Meridian, Idaho, and Margaret Serfoss of Penrose, Colorado; a son, Maurice of Cedaredge; three sisters: Elsie Stephenson of Fairmont, Nebraska, Fay Lutz of Benkelman, and Ilene Erdman of Haigler, Nebraska; four brothers, Don, Dale and Bill Osborn, all of Benkelman, and Orlando Osborn of Chadron, Nebraska; five grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Services were held Wednesday, January 20, 1988, at 2 p.m. at the Callahan-Edfast Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Jim Kinnington officiating. Burial followed in the Orchard Mesa Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Glen Joseph Haines was born to Joseph and Bertha Haines on August 28, 1904, in Glenwood, Iowa. He died on July 12, 1989, at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska.

Glen worked as a city superintendent in several cities beginning in Laurel, Nebraska, and retiring in Hill City, Kansas, 38 years later. At that time, he moved to Stratton, Nebraska.

He was married to Della Ines Miller in 1921 and to this union were born three children, Gerald Haines and Della Mae Koppinger, both of Benkelman, and a son, Bob, who preceded Glen in death.

His wife, Della, passed away in 1977 after a marriage that lasted for 56 years. In 1980, Glen was married to Nellie Allen. The couple resided in Arvada, Colorado, until her death in 1987 when Glen moved to Benkelman.

Glen leaves to mourn his children, Gerald and Della Mae; brothers, Ernest of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jim of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Edwin of Redding, California; a sister, Clara Glahn of Clarence, Missouri; grandchildren, Jeff Haines of Jackson, Tennessee, Vicki Haines of Lincoln, Nebraska, Justin Haines of Seward, Nebraska, Susan Shineman of Littleton, Colorado, Sandy Moberly of Osborne, Kansas, and Bill Koppinger of Virginia Beach, Virginia; great-grandchildren, Julie Stephenson, of Akron, Colorado, Kirt Shineman of Preston Park, Pennsylvania, Garth Shineman of Littleton, Colorado, James Moberly of Salina, Kansas, John Moberly of West Point, New York, and Glenda and Austin Koppinger of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and great-great-grandchildren, Kaycle and Brandon Moberly of Salina, Kansas, and Colton Stephenson of Akron, Colorado.

Graveside services were held Saturday, July 15, 1989, at 10:30 a.m. at the Benkelman Cemetery with the Rev. Vernon Whetstone officiating.

Soloist Richard Bartholomew sang "Going Home" and "How Great Thou Art" with the congregation singing "Blest Be The Tie."

CEDAREDGE, Colo.– Irvin Leroy Haines of Cedaredge, Colorado, died of natural causes Tuesday, September 7, 1993, in the Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta, Colorado, at the age of 79.

He was born June 26, 1914, to Rolly Roy and Maude Viola (Sauer) Haines in Benkelman, Nebraska, where he spent his childhood.

He married Viola Marie Osborne on February 14, 1937, in Stratton, Nebraska. She died in 1988.

Irvin was a self-employed farmer in the Grand Junction, Colorado, area. He was a resident of Cedaredge for the past 11 years.

He attended the First Baptist Church of Cedaredge and enjoyed traveling, especially to the northwestern United States.

Survivors include a son, Maurice, of Cedaredge; two daughters, Sharon LaFavour of Meridian, Idaho, and Margaret Serfoss of Penrose, Colorado; four brothers, John and Hubert, both of Benkelman, Marvin of Burns, Oregon, and Roy "Rolly" of Caldwell, Idaho; three sisters, Mary Mahathey of Bakersfield, California, Elva Ahlmeyer of Wilsonville, Nebraska, and Esther Schrader of Benkelman; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 10 1993, in Orchard Mesa Cemeter in Grand Junction with the Rev. Darrell Buhler officiating.

Funeral services of the late J. H. Haines were held at Pleasant Valley Friends church near Benkelman, Nebraska, at two o'clock, Friday, February 10, 1950.

Elders 0. D. Pendelton and Don W. Duffin of McCook, Nebraska, Latter Day Saints church officiating, assisted by Rev. Joe Hodges.

Singers were Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mathews of McCook, Wilbur Case of Stratton, Nebraska, and Mrs. Ernestine Hendrickson of Benkelman.

Pallbearers were A. J. Hansen, Frank Little, Eugene Hansen, Tom Humphreys, Marvin Hansen and Cecil Williams.

Job Henry Haines, son of William and Mary Haines, was born at Liberty Mills, Wabash county, Indiana, on April 4, 1885 and passed away at the home of his brother Rolly Haines, February 7, 1950, at the age of 64 years, 10 months and 3 days.

He came with his parents to Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of one year. He lived in Dundy county until 1910 when he filed on a homestead in Yuma county, Colorado, where he met and marred Anna May Colver, January 9, 1911.

They left the homestead in 1913 and located at Casper, Wyoming, where he held the position of engineer for the Burlington railroad until 1919, when, because of ill health, he moved back to Dundy county where he farmed two years. He then decided to locate in California where he lived ten years. He moved to Oregon, but during the last war he worked in the shipyards at Richmond, California, later moving back to Oregon. Four years ago he located at Weiser, Idaho, where their home is at the present time.

On January 9, 1949 in his home he accepted Christ as his personal Saviour. He was baptized March 6, 1949 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Weiser, Idaho.

He became ill September 10, 1949. He doctored with local doctors to no avail until October 24, when he sought the advice of doctors at Latter Day Saints hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. On November 15, he was released to visit his brother Rolly Haines at Benkelman, pending his return to the hospital at Salt Lake City for more treatments in January, 1950. On January 21, 1950, he returned to his brother's home near Benkelman where he prayed daily and praised the Lord during all of his suffering and encouraged all with whom he came in contact to accept Christ as their personal Saviour until he was called to his heavenly home.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife, two, brothers, William 0. Haines of Long Beach, California, and Rolly R. Haines of Benkelman and their families, other relatives and a host of friends.

John W. Haines, 76, died Friday, Feb. 2, 2001, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb. He was born Oct. 25, 1924, in Dundy County near Parks, Neb., to Rolly and Maude (Sauer) Haines, and attended country school in District No. 22.

He was united in marriage to Janet Howard at her parents' home in Max, Neb., on April 5, 1945. John and his wife made their home near Benkelman, and later moved to the South Fork community in Cheyenne County, Kan., where they lived for 13 years. In 1960, John purchased his father's farm and relocated his family to their new home north of Benkelman.

He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith on March 3, 1968, and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman.

John devoted his life to raising his family, caring for his livestock and tending his farm. In his free time, he enjoyed playing cards arid square dancing. He found great joy in being a grandpa to his 5 granddaughters and later 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Janet, on Oct. 8, 2000; brothers Ervin and his wife, Viola, and Harold and his wife, Opal; sisters Elva and her husband, Vic Ahlemeyer, Dorothy and her husband, Verle Richard, and Fern Richard; an infant sister, Margie, and a sister-in-law, Helen Haines.

Those who survive him include his son, Stanley, and his wife. DeVonna, and a daughter, Alice Haines, all of Benkelman; sisters Mary Mahathey of Bakersfield. Calif., and Esther and her husband, Vernon Schrader, of Benkelman; brothers Marvin and wife, Genevieve, of Burns, Ore., Rolly and his wife, Mary, of Caldwell, Idaho, and Hubert and his wife, Judy, of Benkelman; a brother-in-law, Mearl Richard, of Benkelman; 5 granddaughters, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services for John Haines were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, 2001, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with the Rev. George Matthews officiating. Jackie Wilson was the organist and Steve Stroup, with guitar accompaniment, sang "In The Garden" and “The Old Rugged Cross." The congregational hymn was "Amazing Grace."

Casket bearers were Rick Confer, Danny Wilkinson, Doug Peckham, Carlos Castillo. Jerdene Barnhart, Ken Brassie and Wes Donohue. Honorary bearers were the Hester Home staff.

Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.

Rolly R. Haines, pioneer Dundy County pump irrigator, farmer and rancher, passed away on Saturday after a long illness. He was 63 years of age.

Mr. Haines was the first to prove the feasibility a pump irrigation in the cornbelt of Dundy County, having developed a profitable and efficient unit near his home north of Benkelman. His place developed into one of the finest farmsteads in the community and his management of the land and his operations in cattle feeding established him as one of the outstanding farmers in the area.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 1894 and a death date of 7-27-1957.)

Ella V. Haining was torn May 1, 1892 in Hitchcock County, NE. She passed away in Denver, CO on Aug. 7, 1979.

Services were held Aug. 10, 1979 at the Jones' Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, NE. The Rev. Allan Martin officiated.

Organist was Anna Benge and the soloist Audrey Tecker. Musical selections were "Beyond the Sunset" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Jerry Wonderly, Dean Scott, Kirk Sandman, Clifford Oakley, Nick Sandman, and Dennis Johnson. Honorary bearers were August Warning, Fred Waterman, Virgil Sandman, Melvin Pursley, Walt Barenberg, and J.P. "Bud" McKillip.

Interment was at Benkelman Cemetery. Funeral was conducted by Jones' Funeral Home of Benkelman, NE.

Ella V. Haining, daughter of Will Snoke and Mary McKillip Snoke, was born at Highland, NE, May 1, 1892 and passed away at Denver, CO, Aug. 7, 1979.

She attended school in Hayes Center and Normal School in McCook after which she taught in the rural schools.

She was married to Robert A. Haining, July 4, 1910, at Cody, Wyoming. To this union was born two children, one son and one daughter. Surviving her are her daughter, Velda of Denver, one granddaughter, Zetta Low Oakley and husband, Clifford, of McCook, five great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. Also surviving her are one foster brother, Clyde Garrett of Hayes Center and nieces, Zelpha Scott of Hayes Center, Eda Sandman of Wauneta and Charlotte Odom of Picayune, MO. and several great grand nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Robert and her son Clair and her brother, Frank Snoke.

She will be sadly missed by those who knew her. Especially her daughter and grandchildren who have many precious memories to remember her by.

Well, she is the most beautiful person five great grandchildren could ever know.

We only wish that our seven children would have had the chance to make those mudpies in the backyard, and to know and understand the meaning of patience by sharing moments together over jigsaw puzzles and staying within the lines on paint by numbers.

Especially the bedtime stories, songs and prayers that she was willing to share.

What is a Great Grandmother? She is Ella V. Haining, a Grand Great Grandmother to cherish and love.

As the sun comes over the horizon, Abbey awakes with a smile; always a friendly hello and wanting us to stay for awhile.

From the big front porch, where we were welcomed with open arms; we knew there was no chance of being harmed.

To the wonderful stories in such a meaningful way; we knew she was in our hearts to stay!

To singing songs like "Yellow Rose of Texas" and "The Old Rugged Cross"; our love for Abbey will never be lost!

From the walks to the garden, her straw hat you could see; everything about her God meant it to be.

DENVER, Colo.--Velda Haining was born July 9, 1914, in Hayes County, Nebraska, to Robert and Ella Haining, and died March 3, 1993, at her home in Denver, Colorado.

Other than teaching school, she worked for Postal Life and Bendix in Kansas City, also at Colorado General Hospital.

Five years ago she was the victim of a street gang beating. She also was a victim of cancer.

The body was cremated. Moorehoward Mortuary scattered the ashes over the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

BENKELMAN -- Marie Alma Haley, 88, died Monday, February 28, 2005 at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

She was born April 2, 1916, in Dundy County to William and Della (Morrison) Stamm and attended school near her home.

On August 12, 1935, she was united in marriage to Joseph R. Haley at Imperial and they made their home on the Stamm Homestead north of Benkelman. In 1955, she and Joe moved to Benkelman and later to Plattsmouth for four years before returning to Benkelman. She was a homemaker.

She was a 4-H Leader and she was a member of the United Methodist Church of Benkelman and the United Methodist Women.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Della Stamm; husband, Joe Haley; brothers, Leon, Harry and Dwight Stamm.

Survivors include her daughter, Josephine Koch and husband, Bob of Denver, Colo.; brothers, Gerald Stamm of Englewood, Colo., and Cleo of Aurora, Ill.; sister, Evelyn Thakery of Canby, Ore.; and one grandson.

Funeral services are Friday, 10:30 a.m., in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment will be in Benkelman Cemetery

Memorials may be given in her name to the Benkelman United Methodist Women or to the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home.

BENKELMAN— Joseph Raymond Haley, the youngest son of the late Frank and Addie Dodson Haley, was born May 11, 1911, and passed away March 14, 1990, at the Dundy County Hospital at the age of 78 years and 10 months.

Joe lived with his father and mother, five sisters and two brothers on their farm in Phillipsburg, Kansas, where he was born, and grew up in Naponee, Nebraska. He came to Benkelman in 1929 where he lived with his sister Winnie and her husband, Fred Raines, north of Max, Nebraska.

He shucked lots of corn for his brother-in-law Fred Raines, John and Harvey Dunn and Art Little north of Benkelman.

On August 12, 1935, Joe married Marie Alma Stamm at Imperial, Nebraska. To this union one daughter, Josephine, was born on September 12, 1939. In 1947, Joe took his family from the farm north of Max to Parks and worked for the county as a road maintenance worker. Joe and his family moved to Benkelman in 1956 and he was the co-op manager at the elevator until February 16, 1964. At this time, Joe and Marie sold out in Benkelman and moved to Rock Bluff near Omaha, Nebraska, where he served as general manager for five years.

On December 10, 1969, they moved back to Benkelman for their health. Joe's health really began to fail in 1976.

Joe became a member of the United Methodist Church on February 24, 1957. He was also a member of Justice Lodge #180 A.F. & A.M. in Benkelman, joining in April of 1946, and received his third degree in June of 1946. He was installed as Master of the lodge in January of 1976. He loved his church, his lodge and his fellow man and was well-known for his story telling.

Joe leaves to mourn his wife Marie, his daughter Josephine Marie Koch, her husband Robert, one grandson Jeffrey Joseph Koch and his wife Regina of North Glenn, Colorado, and one great-granddaughter, little Haley Rebekah Koch (named in honor of her great grandfather), many nieces and nephews, cousins in eastern Nebraska and a host of friends and neighbors.

Services were held Tuesday, March 20, 1990, at 10:30 a.m. at the Benkelman United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

Organist Betty Erdman accompanied Samantha Howsden, soloist, who sang "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "He."

Bearers were Roger Shillington, Robert Hardwick, Marvin Edwards, Bob Thackery, Kenneth Gardner, Lance Antonson, Scott Hogeland and Tom Jones.

Honorary bearers were Francis Hardwick, Malvin Hendrickson, Eldon Hardwick, Doran Jessee, Stanley Ham, Cy Ketler, Bill Bradley, Lee Gallatin, Lester Donohue, Clyde Brown, Roy Rains and Byron Ham.

Committal services were performed by Justice Lodge #180 A.F.& A.M. of Benkelman. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Lucile M. Hall, the daughter of Emil and Margaret Hinrichsen, was born on December 16, 1917, in Clinton. Iowa. She passed away April 27, 1988, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman Nebraska. On December 16, 1938, she was united in marriage to Harold H. Hall. Together they were loving and devoted parents to two children, Cherry and Bill.

Lucile graduated from Clinton High School and attended Mount St. Clare Junior College and Scovill Schools where she studied music and piano. From 1940 to 1949 she traveled extensively with Harold while he worked for the DuPont Corporation. In 1949, they moved to Benkelman to enter the petroleum business with Harold's father. For years Lucile was the bookkeeper for Youngson Oil Company, while Harold managed the business. Lucile was an accomplished pianist who shared her gift of music with her church, her community, and the school system. She enjoyed accompanying high,

school groups at music contests, and for years she willingly volunteered her services for baccalaureates and graduations. Lucile was also an excellent bridge player and she enjoyed playing cards with several different clubs.

Lucile truly loved life and people. She had a keen interest in human nature, and she always enjoyed visiting with her friends and associates. Her love of life was most apparent, however, in the affection she held for her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and she cherished the time she was able to spend with her children and grandchildren.

Lucile was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harold, her brother, Donald, and one grandson, Wyley A. Hall.

Survivors include her daughter, Cherry, and husband Gary Schreiner: her son, Bill, and wife, Donna: six grandchildren: Kelly, Mitch and Kenton Schreiner and Wyatt, Abbie and Mackenzie Hall: her sister, Doris Mayer and husband, Dick: two brothers, Thomas and Keith Hinrichsen and their wives, Mardy and Margaret: and brothers-in-law Leona and Dale Osborn, Alberta and Harold Knoles and Merna and Larry Petersen: sister-in-law, Jean Hinrichsen and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were Saturday, April 30, 1988, at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, Nebraska. The Rev. Earl Martell officiated. The organist was Jackie Wilson and the pianist was Betty Erdman. Richard Bartholomew sang “Without Clouds," "On Eagle's Wings" and "Goin' Home"

Bearers were Merlyn Walter, Kent Nehrboss, Mason Jones, Bob Jones, Greg Ham and Rich Ham. Honorary bearers were Vince Novacek, M.D. Sailors, Neal Pursley, Willard Raile, Dale Bauer, Glen Ellis and Paul Ham.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cementery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Services were held Wed., Feb. 8, 1978 at 1:00 p.m. from the Jones Funeral Chapel in Stratton, Nebr. for Ida Mae Hall of Alhambra, Calif. Ida Mae Hall was born May 10, 1884 in Aurora, Nebr. and had been a long time Stratton resident. She passed away Sat,, Feb. 4, 1978 in Alhambra, Calif.

Bearers were Richard Stahly, Beryl Gummere, Gene Kleinschmidt, Earl Gummere, Wallace Gummere and LeRoy Barnett.

Interment was at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton with Jones Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

John Willis Hall, whose account of his youth appeared in "Down Thru the Years" in the Benkelman Post a number of years ago under the title, "What I Remember About 3-36," passed away in Hastings on December 4th at the age of 89 years. His cousin, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Harrison attended the funeral on Friday.

John Willis Hall was born in Stratton, Nebraska March 10, 1884 and passed away in the Mary Lanning Hospital at Hastings, Nebraska on December 4,1973 at the age of 89 years, eight months and 24 days. His youth was spent in Dundy County. Later he came to Clay County with his parents where he met Mabel Culver to whom he was married on March 29, 1911.

He was an active member of the United Methodist Church since 1915, having shared his life in Christ at Clay Center Emmanuel, Trumbull and at Grace Church in Hastings.

He was involved as Sunday School superintendent, teacher and in various offices.

He was active and involved in his community, serving on the school board near Clay Center for over 20 years. He was further involved as a local and state officer of the Farmers Union and agricultural organization.

His survivors include his wife, Mabel Hall; one son, Donald Hall; four daughters, Alda Felsing, Fern Buttel, Phyllis Milne and Genevieve Granger; 15 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and a sister, Lulu Mack.

Funeral services were held at the Grace United Methodist Church in Hastings with the Rev. Donald J. Nunnaly officiating assisted by the Rev. Milford Vance. Michael Anderson was the soloist and Mrs. John Kunkul, the organist. Pallbearers were Dennis Hall, Phil Mathies, Ray Gaymon, Tom Granger, Lonnie Granger and Raymond Anderson. Honorary bearers were Harold Whitesel, John Sullivan, Oliver Smith, Frank Tice, Gary Hansel and Leo Kelly. Interment was in the Clay Center Cemetery.

LOS MOLINOS, Cal.—A former employee of the Benkelman Post, Loyd Wilbur Hall, died March 18, 1990, at Los Molinos, California.

Mr. Hall worked at the Post when the newspaper was owned by the Ketler family. One of his coworkers in Benkelman was Ellis Gummere, who is still a member of the Post staff.

Funeral services were conducted at Hall Brothers Chapel in Los Molinos, California, on March 21, 1990. Private interment followed at the Los Molinos Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2008

Roy William "Bill" Hall

Roy William "Bill" Hall , of Benkelman , Nebraska , died Saturday, December 6, 2008 at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, at the age of 56.

He was born January 2, 1952 to Harold H. and Lucile M. (Hinrichsen) Hall and attended school in Benkelman. He graduated from Benkelman High School in 1970. Bill went on to attend Kearney State College for one year before going abroad where he backpacked through Europe for three months. He also spent time in Hawaii and Colorado before returning to Benkelman in 1977.

On August 27, 1977 Bill was united in marriage to Donna K. Ham at Grant , Nebraska . They made their home in Benkelman where Bill managed the 4 Circle CO-OP for several years. Bill's experience in business prompted he and Donna to open "The Hall Closet", a boot and shoe repair store where they sold quality footwear and repaired boots, shoes and other leather products. In 1996, Bill and Donna purchased "The Liquor Store" and remodeled the building to include their boot and shoe repair business.

Bill was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman. He was an active member of the Benkelman community, and was a 21-year member of the Benkelman Fire Department.

Bill will always be remembered for his warm smiles, his gentle spirit, and his eagerness to befriend a stranger. His kindness and sincere regard for the feelings of others endeared him to all who knew him. His circle of friends included not only his own peers, but his kid's friends and older folks alike. Bill had an innate charm that drew others to him and a warm spirit that kept them comfortable in his company. He was the epitome of kindness, sincerity and generosity. He was quick with a laugh, eager to please and always ready for a good time.

Throughout his life, Bill chose to lead the simple life - his family was his world.

He didn't need to travel any further than his kitchen table or the cabin at Enders to find adventure; fun times with family and friends were adventure enough. His home and his cabin were open to anyone who needed them, and they were always full.

In addition to his love of family, Bill had a passion for many activities, including Walleye fishing, ice fishing, hunting, water skiing, playing cards, swimming in the pond, and ping pong. He was a devoted husband and father; his family was his treasure.

It has been said that if Bill had a mantra, it surely must have been, "Live fully, laugh often, love a lot!" For he did just that. Without consciously trying, Bill left the world a better place just by living the way he did. His life was much shorter than anyone would have chosen, but there is no doubt that Bill's legacy is the love and kindness that he shared with so many.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Harold and Lucile Hall; a son, Wyley; and father-in-law, Paul Ham.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Hall of Benkelman, NE; his son, Wyatt Hall of Ashland, NE; daughters, Abbie Hall of Fort Collins, CO, and Mackensie Hall of San Diego, CA; sister Cherry Schreiner and husband, Gary of Ogallala, NE; mother-in-law, Kathleen Ham of Benkelman, NE; aunts, Alberta Knoles of Benkelman, NE, Merna Petersen of Santa Rosa, CA; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with Rev. George Matthews officiating. Services will conclude at the church. A private inurnment will take place at a later time.

There will be no viewing or visitation. A memorial has been established in his name. Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

McDONALD — Lula Mae Hallagin died Sunday (Jan. 15, 1989) at the College Hill Nursing Center in Mahnattan, Kan., at the age of 76. She was born Jan. 26, 1912 at Cook to Jesse A. and Elva May (Beaver) Stevens.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four brothers, Verrol, Vernon, Ivan and Kenneth; and one sister, Velma Mullanix.

Survivors include two daughters, Gloria Albright of Manhattan, Kan., and Janice Dunavan of Ft. Riley, Kan.; one son, Garry of Buffalo, Kan.; eight grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; one brother, Keith Stevens of Aumsville, Ore.; and three sisters, Essie Barnhart, Carrie Hillyer and Iris Bradley, all of Oregon.

Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Williams Funeral Chapel in Atwood with the Rev. Tom Albright officiating. Interment will be in the Grace Cemetery in McDonald. Memorials may be addressed in her name to the McDonald Senior Citizen's Center. Visitation will be today until time of service Wednesday. Williams Funeral Home of Atwood is in charge of the arrangements.

NORTH PLATTE– Debbie Sue Hallagin, 34, died Sunday, December 5, 1993, at her home in North Platte, Nebraska.

She was born April 14, 1959, at El Paso, Texas, to James Walter and Valta Mae (Little) Hallagin and grew up near McDonald, Kansas, and Benkelman, Nebraska.

A 1979 graduate of Wauneta, Nebraska, High School, she worked as a nurse's aide at Linden Manor in North Platte and Sunset Haven in Curtis, Nebraska, and as a dishwasher at Detco Truck Plaza Restaurant and Taco John's. She also baby-sat in her home. She attended Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall.

Survivors include her mother and stepfather, Valta and Philip Cruse of Maywood, Nebraska; a son, Stephen Ryan, and a daughter, Crystal Lynn, both of Maywood; two brothers, Daniel of Hawaii and Robert of Goshen, Indiana; three stepbrothers,

Philip Cruse Jr. of McCook, Nebraska, John Smith of Ravenna, Nebraska, and Leroy Cruse of Maywood; a sister, Betty Hartpence of Goshen, and a stepsister, Tamice Sayer, of Cambridge, Nebraska.

Memorial services were held Saturday, December 11, 1993, at 10 a.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte with Patrick Martin officiating. Odean Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Elmer Lee Hallagin, age 75, died Saturday, May 9, 1987, at his home in Goodland, Kansas.

Elmer was born May 30, 1911, in St. Francis, Kansas, the son of Henry Lee and Bertha May (Bannister) Hallagin. He attended grade school at the Adderson School near Beardsley, Kansas, and then graduated from McDonald High School in 1932.

In 1933 Elmer was married to Merle Anderson in Goodland. After their marriage they operated the Dew Drop Inn Restaurant in McDonald for four years. During World War II, he was a construction foreman in a defense plant in Denver, Colorado.

In 1943 the family moved back to McDonald where Elmer worked at different jobs until he started custom cutting with his brothers for the next 20 years. They operated their machines from Texas to Canada. Elmer also operated a Texaco station for about four years and worked at McDonald Grain for 19 years. He was a National Motor Club representative for 12 years.

Elmer was an avid gardener and enjoyed entertaining others with music and sleight-of-hand. He shared all his talents with anyone he met.

On March 16, 1977, Elmer was married to Martha Ryan. Martha died on September 3, 1981.

In January of 1983, Elmer traveled to the Holy Land with members of the area Lutheran churches. Elmer renewed his baptism at the River Jordan.

Elmer is survived by his three daughters and their husbands: Mr. and Mrs. Lynn (Sharon Beth) Jumper of Goodland, Mr. and Mrs. Les (Sonja Ione) Clarke of Loveland, Colorado, and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis (Sheila Gayle) Dietz of Ames, Iowa; grandchildren: Nira Jumper, Becky and Larry Jumper, Sheri Jamison, Robb Jamison, Annette Dietz, Michelle Dietz, Aaron Dietz and Suzanne Dietz; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Lee Jumper and Lori Beth Jumper; brothers and their wives: Clarence and Blanch of Goodland, Marion and Marie of McDonald and Chet and Mary of Denver; sisters, Mrs. Clay (Ruby) Waddill of Denver, Pearl Dempewolf of Sterling, Colorado, and Mrs. Goldie Nygaard of McDonald; sisters-in-law, Hope Anderson of Goodland, Ida Halligan of Cedaredge, Colorado, Edna Hallagin of Eastern Kansas and Lula Halligan of McDonald; numerous nieces and nephews; dearest friend, Irene Kehlbeck, and a host of friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his first wife, Merle; his second wife, Martha; his parents, Henry Lee and Bertha May; brothers, Walter, Roy and Everett, and a sister, Opal.

Elmer was buried in Grace Cemetery of McDonald, Kansas, beside his wife, Merle. The memorial service was conducted by Pastor Paul Erbes at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Brewster, Kansas.

A memorial has been established in his name to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Brewster, Kansas.

McCOOK--Paul Mark Haller, 82, died Wednesday, December 22, 1993, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Nebraska.

He was born March 18, 1911, at Beardsley, Kansas, the eldest son of Adam J. and Hester (Rooney) Haller.

He attended a country school near his home and St. John's Catholic Church near Beardsley.

On May 13, 1931, he was united in marriage to Leona Heilers at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stratton, Nebraska. To this union six children were born: Dolores, Marjorie, Pauline "Pat," Marguerite "Midge" and Frank Ervin.

He helped people with whatever he possibly could, and this brought him great joy.

He was preceded in death by one son, Frank; his parents; two sisters, Ruth Prettyman and Marie Eby, and a brother, Louie Haller.

Survivors include his wife, Leona, of the home; 4 daughters, Dolores and her husband, Lewis McKain, of Trenton, Nebraska, Marjorie and her husband, Bob Grimm, of Olathe, Kansas, Pauline and her husband, Vern Glebe, of Stratton and Marguerite and her husband, Larry Forbes, of McCook and a son, A. J. Haller, of Grand Island, Nebraska.

Also surviving are 35 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 8 brothers, Nick and his wife, Cecila, of Phoenix, Oregon, Andy and his wife, Connie, of Ft. Lupton, Colorado, Hubert and his wife, Dorothy, of Westminster, California, Jake and his wife, Jeanetta, of Richland, Missouri, John and his wife, Phyllis, of Alliance, Nebraska, Charlie of Ft. Lupton, Joe of Cedar City, Utah, and Pat and his wife, Elsie, of Hemingford, Nebraska; 3 sisters, Theresa Williams of Denver, Colorado, Ann Martin of Herndon, Kansas, and Monica and her husband, W. P. Adams, of Landers, California; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mass of The Resurrection was Monday, December 27, 1993, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stratton with the Rev. Mark Pfeiffer as celebrant. Lector was Larry Forbes, organist was Marjorie Redfield, song leader was Susan Ladenburger and servers were Alan McConnell, Dave McKain and Ryan Sramek.

Musical selections were "On Eagles Wings," "Be Not Afraid," "Only A Shadow" and “These Hands."

Bearers were Leo McKain, Phil Cahoj, Bruce McKain, Gary McKain, Eugene McKain, Roger McKain, Kenneth Cahoj, Eddy Cahoj, Albert Haller, John Cahoj, Patrick Huss, Steve Forbes, DeWayne McKain, Dale McKain, Joseph Cahoj, Jim Cahoj, Mike Huss, Brian Haller and Mark Forbes.

Honorary bearers were Fred Hanson, Fred Lorens, Frankie Vrbas, Ralph Jones, Stan Vrbas and Kenneth Reiman.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home, Inc. of Stratton.

Mrs. Mayme Ham, a pioneer resident of Dundy County, was laid at rest in the Benkelman Cemetery on Friday morning after funeral services at the Benkelman United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Allan Martin officiated at the services. Mrs. Betty Erdman was the organist and Mrs. Shirley Adkinson and Genereva Schrader the singers. Casket bearers were grandsons, Dana Ham, James Russell, Jay Dee Ham, Kenneth Russell, Larry Ham, Walter Russell, Eugene Ham and Fred Russell. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Mayme B. Ham passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Tuesday, July 3, 1973, after an illness of several weeks.

Mayme was born near Benkelman, May 12, 1890 and was the last member of the pioneer family of William and Sarah Bond. The Bond family came to Dundy county with the early settlers prior to 1880. She had eleven brothers and sisters. She was a sister of the late Josie Borchert, Lela Johnston, Herman Bond and John Bond.

Mayme was married to E. D. (Vic) Ham on February 23, 1911 in Benkelman. The first years of their married life were spent on a "tree claim" northwest of Benkelman. Later, when Vic's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. 0. Ham, moved to town, Vic and Mayme moved to the original homestead three miles north of town where they lived for 26 years. Here they raised their family of seven children.

Mrs. Ham's life was one of devotion and service to her family. She possessed a beautiful Christian character and was a most faithful wife and loving mother.

She was a member of the Methodist Church and as her family grew older, she found time to take an active part in church and Sunday school. She was a loyal charter member of the Methodist Women's Society of Christian Service and served as president for two terms.

In February, 1961, Vic and Mayme celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Methodist Church. On January 3, 1963 Vic passed away after suffering a severe heart attack.

Mayme spent the last ten years of her life living alone and the last seven months at the Hester Memorial Home where she resided at the time of her final illness. She was of a gentle, amiable nature and was greatly loved by her many friends. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor.

She is survived by three sons, Vaughn of Denver, Arden of Benkelman and Norlin of Winter Park, Florida; two daughters, Berniece Russell of Henry, Nebraska and Beulah Jean Culton of Tacoma, Washington; 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter Audra, and one son, Dale.

Laura F. Ham was born June 6, 1907 in Chase County, Nebraska and passed away October 18, 1980 at the Presbyterian Hospital in Denver, Colorado.

She was the daughter of William L. and Maude E. (Artist) Cooley. On March 20, 1934 she was married to Clifford Ham. She was a member of the Methodist Church, Sheba Rebekah Lodge No. 321 and Holly Chapter No. 233, Order of Eastern Star.

Survivors are one sister, Mrs. Merle (Eva) Ketler of Greeley, CO and one brother, Harry Cooley of Albany, OR. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, Edward and Wilbur, and one sister Hollis.

Funeral services were held Wed., Oct. 22, 1980 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman, NE with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Organist was Betty Erdman and singers were Melvin Sailors, Paul Erdman and Robert Andrews. Their selections were "Whispering Hope" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee".

Bearers were Tom Burrell, Roger Parker, Verle Raichart, Cecil Scarrow, Wayne Stroup and Boyd Stroup. Honorary bearers were Glenn Fish, Torsten Anderson, Ralph Stroup, Miles Jones, Richard Gardner, Howard Crow and True Howard.

Committal Service was held by the Holly Chapter, No. 233, O.E.S. with interment in the Benkelman Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were arranged by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Edna Latham Ham, wife of Byron Ham, passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Friday of a terminal illness of several years duration.. She was 44 years of age and the mother of three children.

Mrs. Ham suffered the misfortune of several serious afflictions which required extensive hospitalization, but she carried on hopefully and with faith in maintaining the family home and extending herself to community interests. She was active in church work, the affairs of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eastern Star, and was admired and highly respected by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Benkelman on Monday afternoon, with the Rev. William E. Whittaker officiating. Mrs. Dale Bauer was the organist and Mrs. Royce Anderson the soloist. Bearers were Sam Jones, Leon Pinkerton, Marvin Haines, Howard Crow, Leon Baney, Jr., and Mason Jones. Holly Chapter No. 233, Order of the Eastern Star, conducted graveside services at the Benkelman Cemetery. Jay's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Edna Latham Ham, daughter of Jennie and Joseph T. Dixon, Sr., was born August 28, 1922, at Pinetown, North Carolina, and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on July 14, 1967, at the age of 44 years, 10 months and 16 days.

She attended school in Washington, N. C., and was graduated from Washington High School. She worked in Washington, D. C. as a telephone operator and in the telephone business office for several years.

She was baptized into the Christian Church at Washington, North Carolina, as a young girl and transferred to the Methodist Church when she moved to Benkelman.

On March 26, 1949, she was united in marriage to Byron Ham. Three children were born to this union: Charline, Phyllis and Carla. She was a member of Holly Chapter No. 233, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary and the WSCS.

She is survived by her husband. Byron; three children, Mrs. Jerrell Gerdes, Phyllis and Carla; one grandson, Patrick Gerdes; two sisters, Mrs. Leona Boyd and husband Charles of Washington, N. C., and Mrs. Lotta Chrismon and husband Paul of Bath, N. C.; one brother, W. J. Dixon, and wife Betty of Mayo, Maryland: a sister-in-law, Mrs. Mildred Dixon of Grimesland, N. C.; a niece, who was reared by Edna's parents, Mrs. Jean Edwards, and husband Robert of West Lanham, Maryland; 15 other nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Nellie Josephine Foster Ham was born October 28, 1885 at Battle Creek, Iowa, to Charles and Josephine Chase Foster and passed away March 11, 1976 at the Dundy County Hospital at the age of 90 years, 4 months and 12 days of age. She was the last surviving member of her family.

The family moved to Decatur County, Iowa and lived there for several years. In 1906 they came to Dundy county and lived on a farm near Max, Nebraska. Nellie did not attend high school but continued her education and attended summer school at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln in 1912. She taught eight terms of school and was the only teacher in her family.

On June 25, 1913,she was married to Ray Ham at Wray, Colorado and they made their home on the farm northeast of Benkelman until 1972 when they both moved to Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman. There were eight children born to the Hams, two dying in infancy.

Nellie joined the United Methodist Church in July 1913 and was a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service, now called the United Methodist Women.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; two sons, Leon and Marvin; a daughter, Hazel; by her parents and five brothers, Ed, Steve, Chet, Ben and Aldie Foster; by two sisters, May Parsons and Fannie Fuehring. She leaves to mourn her passing her sons, Wayne of Benkelman, Ray J. and wife, Pat of Johnstown, Colorado; three daughters, Doris Hain of Anchorage, Alaska, Marjorie Ham of Benkelman, Melba Fries and husband Guy of Benkelman Nebraska; 19 grandchildren , eight great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, Grace Foster and Hazel Ham; one brother-in-law, Ed Fuehring and wife Irma, and many nieces and nephews.

BENKELMAN--Hazel Mae (Frank) Ham was born in rural Kearney County. Nebraska, October 1, 1901, and died Wednesday, February 3, 1993, at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 91 years. 3 months and 2 days.

Her parents, Charles Ewing and Anna Belle (Linson) Frank, were pioneer residents of Kearney County.

She was a graduate of Minden (Nebraska) High School with the Class of 1919 and received a teaching certificate from Hastings (Nebraska) College with supplemental summer school attendance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kearney (Nebraska) State College and the University of Colorado at Boulder. For a total of seven years, Hazel was a home economics teacher in the Stratton, Newcastle and Benkelman school systems.

A favorite story of Hazel's was her elopement with Eugene Frederick Ham, a Benkelman grain dealer, on December 30, 1926, to Kansas City, Missouri. The couple were secretly married until the completion of the school term the following spring. Gene, Hazel and Gene's son, John E., lived in Benkelman until 1935. At that time, Gene became a member of the Pikes Peak Grain Company of Denver. Following John's graduation from Denver University in 1940, the couple returned to Benkelman. A daughter, Jean Marie, was born in 1944.

Hazel was a charter member and first president of the Benkelman Woman's Club serving on the library board for many years. She was honored to serve as the first president of the Woman's Society of Christian Service in 1940. She was a 50-year member of Holly Chapter #233, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as worthy Matron in 1950: a 50- year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter ER, serving as president in 1953-54, and served on the board of the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman for several years. Although raised a Presbyterian, 50+ years ago Hazel transferred her faith to the Methodist-Episcopal Church.

"Frankie," as she was affectionally nicknamed by her friends, will most be remembered for her love of bridge and her wit.

She was preceded in death by her parents and stepmother, Winnie M. Frank, of Minden: three brothers: Dr. Charles Frank of Dallas, Texas, Henry Frank of Silverlake, Wisconsin, and Herbert Frank of Medford, Oregon: a stepbrother, Comdr. Ross Linson of Oakland, California; a stepsister, Luella Holthaus of Hastings, and her husband, Eugene F.

Survivors include her son, John E. Ham and his wife, Frances, and her daughter, Jean Marie and her husband, Ron L. Jones, all of Benkelman: stepsisters Doris Olsen of Minden and Mayme Frank of Medford; her grandchildren: Richard and Ronda Jones of Benkelman, Craig T. Ham of Ogallala, Nebraska, Greg Ham and his wife, Holly, of Holdrege, Nebraska, and Michelle and her husband, Jim Pursley, of Brighton. Colorado: eight great-grandchildren and a host of friends and relatives.

Services were held Saturday, February 6, 1993, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. Gwen Bauer was the organist and Betty Erdman the pianist. The congregation sang "God Of Our Fathers" and Wilbur Case, Gary Coates, Tony Ham, Urlin McCartney and Richard Bartholomew sang "Amazing Grace" and "Postlude."

Bearers were Tony Ham , Kenneth Ham, Tom D. Ham, Kenneth Fries, Jay D. Ham, Richard Ham, Jerry Fries, Richard Fries, Kenneth Foster, Gary Ham, Ron Ham, John Fries and Jim Russell.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with committal by Holly Chapter #233, O.E.S. and P.E.O. Chapter ER

BENKELMAN -- Edna Fern Ham was born Feb. 24, 1918, to Reece W. and Mayme E. (Morrison) Hardwick on a farm twelve miles north of Parks, in Dundy County. She attended grade school near her home in District 24 and graduated from Parks High School in 1934. Fern loved growing up on the farm and enjoyed taking piano lessons. Playing the piano was always a great source of enjoyment for her.

On March 15, 1939, Fern was united in marriage to Lyle Cecil Ham. This union was blessed with four children, Gloria Jean, Gary Lee, Linda Fern, and Sandra Kaye. On Dec. 27, 1970, Lyle was killed in a tragic accident at the train-crossing near their home, devastating Fern and changing her world.

Fern used her artistic talents to create many beautiful paintings for her family and friends. Her drawing of the Benkelman United Methodist Church graces the cover of the church's stationary. She was a talented bowler who enjoyed going to tournaments locally and at the state level. Fern also enjoyed playing bridge, especially with her marathon partner, Bula Adkinson. Her cooking talents drew rave reviews from family, friends, hired men, church members, and many others.

One of her greatest joys were visits from her grandchildren -- she was their "town mom". She was a very active member of Benkelman United Methodist Church, the Doane Extension Club, and was a 4-H Leader for many years. She also continued a family tradition with her lifetime membership in the Order of Easter Star -- Holly Chapter No. 233.

Fern passed away on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman at the age of 89.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Reece and Mayme Hardwick; her husband, Lyle Ham; brothers, Francis Hardwick and Bob Hardwick; sisters, Erma Dunn, Louise Stamm; and grandson, Daniel Jesse Jones.

Survivors include her son, Gary Ham and wife, Rita of Parks; daughters, Jean Krug and husband, Henry, Linda Cunningham and husband, Ron, all of Benkelman and Sandra Jones and husband, David of Osmond; sisters-in-law, Ruby Ham, Eula Ham, Kathleen Ham and Norma Hardwick; brothers-in-law, Everett Stamm and Lawrence Ham; eleven grandchildren, including, Brenda Lutz and husband, Scott; Steve Krug and wife, Lana; Karey Graves and husband, Todd, Michael Ham and wife, Erin, Mark Ham and wife, Julie, Natalie Campbell and husband, Chuck, Brett Cunningham and wife, Natalie, David Jones and wife, Lisa, Sara Reinoehl and husband, Jared, Darbi Eschmann and husband, Alan and Shauna Jones; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

Alzheimer's disease took Fern from her family twelve years ago. Her precious jewels were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love of life, family, music and art will live on in their hearts.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Friends may sign the guest book at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m.

GREELEY, Colo. -- Thelma Ann Ham, 81, of Benkelman, died Wednesday (Nov. 7, 2001) at the Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley.

She was born Feb. 8, 1910 in Rawlins County, Kan., to Oscar and Ida Belle (Burkey) Mann, and attended school in Beardsley, and McDonald, Kan. She went on to attend the Capital Beauty School in Omaha with her degree in Cosmetology in 1938.

On Nov. 2, 1941, she married Stanley A. Ham. They made Benkelman their home until 1942, then they moved to California for a short time. After returning to Benkelman, they farmed for a short time. In 1947 they established Stanley's Oil Co. in Benkelman, and in 1952 they acquired the John Deere dealership.

She was employed for several years as a beautician in Benkelman, and worked in the salon above Ireland's Department Store.

She was a member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, and a past member of the Benkelman Women's Club.

Survivors include her husband, Stanley Ham of Benkelman; one son, Tom Ham and wife, Marcy also of Benkelman; one daughter, Sherri Pattison and husband, John of Sioux Falls, S. D.; one sister, LaVerne Ham of McCook; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, and nephews.

Memorial services will be Monday, 10:30 a.m. (MST) at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Revs. Norman Prather and Douglas Dietrich officiating. A private family inurment will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be given in her name to the Dundy County Hospital Foundation, PO Box 85, Benkelman, NE 69021.

Jennie May Roberts Ham was born to William A. and Mary Roberts October 24, 1882, in Braizeville, Illinois, near Chicago. Both parents were immigrants from Wales. Her father was the oldest of the Williams family. The custom of his people was to change his name to William Roberts.

At the age of six years she accompanied her parents to a homestead in the Big Timber community in Cheyenne county, Kansas. As a girl she endured the rigors of pioneer life. She told of one winter when they had little more to eat than cornbread and a barrel of sorghum.

She and her brother George went to school in a rural school near their home. She spent six years in Holdrege, Nebraska, where she attended school staying with her grandmother. From here she finished the eighth grade.

She came back to Dundy county where she went to Normal School. She became one of the popular teachers of the county for seven years. She was a primary teacher in Benkelman for two and one-half years.

On June 17, 1908, she was united in marriage to Roy A. Ham at her parent's home northeast of Benkelman. They started their married life on a homestead southeast of Benkelman. To this union nine children, seven sons and two daughters were born. One daughter, Ernestine, preceded her in death on April 21. 1933.

She spent her life devoted to her family. They saw good and bad times during their life on the farm.

At an early age she united with the United Methodist Church and remained faithful throughout her lifetime. She received her 50-year membership pin several years ago. She enjoyed WSCS and her Sunday school work. She was faithful to attend as long as her health permitted.

Her husband, Roy, underwent surgery in 1942 and following this his health begin to fail. They bought a home in Benkelman and since then she had resided here. Roy sold Farmer's Mutual automobile and farm insurance. When his health was failing, she accompanied him on trips to the country and helped him with his business. She was faithful in caring for her invalid husband until h i s death on March 18, 1956.

So on atter her husband's death she had a bad sick spell, and this was the first she had ever been hospitalized.

Gardening became quite a hobby for her, and she enjoyed her flowers as well as raising vegetables for her own use.

On June 9, 1969, she had a severe heart attack. She was in the Dundy County Hospital in a serious condition for over five months. On June 15th she was released and went to the Hester Memorial Home to live. She became happy there.

On Wednesday; November 12th, she suffered a fatal heart attack. All that loving hands could do couldn't save her this time.

She influenced many lives for the good, not only her own family, but many people in the community.

She was preceded in death by her husband. Roy A. Ham, her daughter, Ernestine May, her only brother, George Roberts. of Mill Valley, California, her parents, her only son-in-law, Harry M. Mann, and one daughter-in-law, Edna Ham.

Survivors include her daughter, Vernelle Mann. of Brewster, Kansas, seven sons, Clifford, Lyle, Byron, Stanley. Lawrence and Paul of Benkelman and Donald of Wauneta, 26 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews and many friends. She will be sadly missed by her children who were faithful to visit her.

Funeral services were held at the United Methodist church at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 15, with the pastor Erwin E. Minds officiating. Mrs. Bill Latta was the soloist, accompanied by Mrs. Dale Bauer on the organ. Casket bearers were her grandsons. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery under the direction of Jay's Funeral Home.

THORNTON, Colo. -- Frances Marie (Vrbas) Ham, 82, formerly of Benkelman, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at the North Suburban Medical Center in Thornton, Colo.

She was born July 11, 1925, to Frank J. and Mary (Bartosovsky) Vrbas, in Rawlins County, Kan. She attended country school near Beardsley, Kan. She graduated from the Charles Beauty Academy in Denver, Colo., in 1946.

On June 18, 1951, she married John E. Ham at St. John's Catholic Church near Beardsley. They made their home in Benkelman, and adopted three children, Craig "Tom," Gregory, and Michelle.

She was an active member of St. Joseph's Altar Society and choir until her health failed.

Her husband, John, preceded her in death on May 9, 2007. Also preceding her in death were her parents; brothers Frank, William, Bernard, and Raymond Vrbas; sisters Helen Horinek, Alice Horinek, Gertrude Havel, Antoinette Horinek, and Martha Soucheck.

Survivors include her sons, Craig "Tom" and wife, Betty of Ogallala, and Greg and wife, Holly of Holdrege; daughter Michelle Pursley of Commerce City, Colo.; brother Charles and wife, Mary Vrbas of Palisade; two sisters, Marian Ruda of Atwood and Adella Harry of Colby, Kan.; in-laws, Edith Vrbas of Atwood, Carolyn Vrbas of Hays, Kan., Bud Souchek of Arvada, Colo., and Ron and Jean Marie Jones of Benkelman; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

She chose to donate her body to science. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Benkelman, officiated by the Rev. Sean Redmond. Inurnment at the Benkelman Cemetery for both Frances and John will follow the service.

Memorials are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the church, or donor's choice.

Byron Oliver Ham was born Feb. 28, 1914, on the family homestead in southeast Dundy County, Neb., to Roy A. and Jennie M. (Roberts) Ham. He died in Benkelman, Neb., on Nov. 13, 1997, at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 16 days.

Growing up with six brothers and two sisters. Byron was always a family-oriented man. He excelled academically and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1932. Being an avid sports fan, he followed all sports, especially football.

Byron joined his father and brother Clifford in farming for the next nine years.

On March 14, 1941, he married Bonnie Edwards. moving to Washington, D.C., in June of that year where Byron worked for the Veterans Administration. In May 1942, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the South Pacific for 15 months. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 20, 1945. and returned to employment with the Veterans Administration, and later worked as an electrician in the Washington area.

On March 26, 1949, Byron married Edna L. (Dixon) Willard and to this union three daughters were born: Charline Lou, Phyllis Ann and Carla Gay. Byron and Edna moved to Benkelman in 1958. Edna died on July 14, 1967. Byron farmed and was a mail carrier until his retirement in 1975.

On Feb. 6. 1972. Byron married Eula (Kirkman) Harrison at Benkelman and they resided in the family home. With this union, he acquired three additional daughters: Nancy, Susan and Linda, whom he loved as his own.

Byron was a quiet, unassuming man, loved by all who were privileged to know him. He was blessed with a wonderful memory and freely shared his knowledge with others.

Baptized at an early age in the Benkelman United Methodist Church, he faithfully served God in numerous capacities of stewardship for more than 70 years.

Byron was also active in the American Legion, having served as commander, and proudly served the honor guard for 50 years at Memorial Day services and interment of fellow veterans.

He was a member of Justice Lodge No. 180 for nearly 39 years, serving as Worshipful Master in 1977. He was a member of the I.0.0.F. Lodge No. 361 of Benkelman. He was also very active and supportive of the Dundy County Senior Center, serving on the board and delivering meals for more than 13 years.

The seven granddaughters lovingly called him "Dimples," and he even received mail addressed to "Dimples Ham." The six grandsons asked to carry their Grandpa to his final resting place as a tribute to the man they respected, loved and admired.

Byron is survived by his loving wife, Eula; his daughters and their spouses: Charline and Jerrell Gerdes, Phyllis and Ron Daugherty, and Carla and David Diedrich: stepdaughters: Nancy and her husband, Rich Pfeiffer, Susan and her husband, Kermit Hawley, and Linda Allen: and 13 grandchildren: Patrick and Christy Gerdes, Shelley and Toby Kahrs, Brian and Kerrie Gerdes, Terry and Melisa Stamm, Angie Stamm, Jody Stamm, Tyson Kier, Christina Hopp, David Widlund, Lesley and Kile Choate, Don and Shari Hawley, Amy Bryant and Shawna Allen.

Three brothers: Stanley and Thelma Ham, Paul and Kathleen Ham, and Lawrence Ham and two sisters-in-law: Ruby Ham and Fern Ham survive Byron as well as 10 great-grandchildren. nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Edna, the mother of his daughters: three brothers: Clifford, Lyle and Donald: two sisters: Vernelle Mann and Ernestine Ham, and two grandsons.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. "Barney" was notorious for bumming free coffee from friends for his frequent reoccurring birthdays.

Final rites for Byron Ham were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, 1997, at the Benkelman United Methodist Church with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Diana Ham was the organist, Betty Erdman the pianist, accompanied Richard Bartholomew as he sang “The Lord's My Shepherd." With his guitar accompaniment, Bartholomew sang "How Great Thou Art " The congregational hymn was “When We All Get To Heaven."

Bearers were his grandsons: Patrick and Brian Gerdes, Tyson Kier, Donnie Hawley, Terry Stamm and David Widlund. Honorary bearers were his granddaughters: Shelley Kahrs, Angie and Jody Stamm, Christina Hopp, Amy Bryant, Shawna Allen and Lesley Choate.

Masonic Lodge rites were by Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. and military rites were conducted by Martin F. Bowles American Legion Post No. 65 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Past No. 4178.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Clifford Robert Ham was the eldest son born to Roy A. and Jennie (Roberts) Ham on May 24, 1909 in Dundy County and passed away March 28, 1977 at the Dundy County Hospital after a lengthy illness at the age of 67.

He attended school in Dundy County and Benkelman where he graduated from high school in 1928. After graduation he embarked on his lifelong desire to become one of the most successful farmers and ranchers in the county.

On March 28, 1934 he was united in marriage to Laura Cooley at Imperial, Nebraska. They began their married life on a farm northwest of Benkelman. In 1941 they bought what was known as the Rosenfelt Ranch in Indian Creek precinct. They acquired more adjoining land until the ranch was one of the larger and better equipped ranches of the county.

Clifford was very much interested in youth and 4-H club work. One of his greatest joys was for a boy or girl to win ribbons and honors at the local fair with a calf that had been selected from his fine herd of cattle.

Due to his failing health they sold the ranch in 1972 and retired in Benkelman where his health continued to fail until his death.

He leaves to mourn his passing his devoted wife Laura, one sister Vernelle Mann of Brewster, Kansas, five brothers and their wives: Byron, Stanley, Paul and Lawrence of Benkelman and Donald of Wauneta; one sister-in-law, Fern Ham of Benkelman and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Benkelman; Justice Lodge #180 A.F. and A. M. of Benkelman and several farm organizations.

He was preceeded in death by his parents, one sister Earnestine in 1933 and one brother Lyle in 1970.

WAUNETA - Donald D. Ham was born March 13, 1919, at Benkelman, Neb., to Roy and Jennie (Roberts) Ham. After graduating in 1937 from Benkelman High School, he taught in a country school for several years. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy in August of 1944 and was honorably discharged in March of 1946.

He was united in marriage to Ruby Blosmo on Dec. 5, 1943, in California. To this union five children were born: William, Susan, Robert, Kenneth and Sylvia.

In 1954 they moved to the farm east of Wauneta, Neb. Mr. Ham had a great love for the cattle and corn. He took much pride in that farm, especially the view from a certain hill which he shared often with his family. He always had time to visit with his many friends.

He was a member of Benkelman Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. and Holly Chapter No. 233 Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Post No. 304 of Wauneta and the Wauneta United Methodist Church.

He died June 13, 1996, in the backyard of his home in Wauneta at the age of 77 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ernestine and Verrelle, and two brothers, Clifford and Lyle.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby, of 52 years; three sons, Bill and wife, Linda, of Lisbon, Iowa, Bob of Lincoln, Neb., and Kenny and wife, Diana, of Wauneta; two daughters, Susan and husband, Greg Dunn, of Malaysia and Sylvia and husband, Roger Hanousek, of Wood River, Neb.; his grandchildren, Barbara Hughes, Laura Ham, David Ham, Paula Gardner, Teresa Hall, James Melinger, Michael Dunn, Christopher Dunn, Jeri League, Erica League, Dan Hanousek and Ryan Hanousek; a great-grandchild, Bailey Hughes; four brothers, Stanley and wife, Thelma, Byron and wife, Eula, Paul and wife, Kathleen, and Lawrence; a sister-in-law, Fern Ham; and numerous other family members.

Services were held Monday, June 17, 1996, at 2 p.m. at United Methodist Church of Wauneta with the Rev. Marvin Coffey officiating. Sharon Walgren was the soloist and Lucille McBride the organist. Masonic rites were by Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. of Benkelman. Military rites were by American Legion Post No. 65 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4178 of Benkelman.

Bearers were Gary Ham, Tom Ham, Richard Ham, Ron Daugherty, Kenneth Foster and Mike Hanna. Honorary bearers were Boyd Blair Jr., Robert Hanna, Tony Cribelli, Rudy Evers, Bob Walgren, Charles Hanna and Don Myers.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Liewer Funeral Home of Wauneta in charge of arrangements.

HUMBLE, Texas -- Doris Marie Ham, 83, died Saturday (Sept. 28, 2002) at Rosemont Assisted Living in Humble, Texas.

She was born Aug. 31, 1919, in Dundy County to Ray O. and Nellie (Foster) Ham. She graduated from the 8th grade in District 28 and attended Benkelman High School where she was a member of the graduating class of 1937. After high school, she taught for three years in country schools in Dundy County. She attended Colorado State College of Education (now UNC) in Greeley, and graduated with an A.B. Degree in 1945 and also received a Life Certificate from the State of Colorado.

During her life, she taught in Nebraska, Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Texas and Alaska, where she taught in Juneau and Anchorage. She took early retirement in 1976 and moved to Deming, N. M. After her health began to fail, she moved to Humble to be near her brother.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister Hazel; and brothers, Leon, Marvin, and Wayne.

Survivors include her sisters, Marjorie Ham, Melba Fries and husband, Guy all of Benkelman; brother, Ray Ham and wife Patricia of Humble; and 19 nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be Saturday, 10 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Norman Prather officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later time. There will be no visitation.

E.D. (Vic) Ham succumbed to a heart attack early Sunday morning at the Pringle Methodist Hospital where he had been a patient for the affliction since the initial attack early Thursday morning at his home. He was 77 years of age.

"Vic," as he was commonly known, came to Dundy County with his parents in 1886 at the age of one year and grew to early manhood on his father's homestead about four miles northeast of Benkelman. He was married to Mayme Bond on February 23, 1911, at Benkelman. The first years of their married life were spent on a "tree claim" northwest of town. Later, when his father moved to Benkelman, Vic moved his family to the original homestead where they lived for 26 years. Here they raised their family.

He was a lover of the soil and practiced soil conservation long before that phrase was coined. In all his years of farming, his theme was "It's not what I get out of the soil, but what I leave for future generations."

E. F. Ham, dean of Benkelman business people, passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Wednesday, February 11, at the age of 83 years. He had been in failing health for several years with a respiratory problem. Mr. Ham had been in the grain business here since 1914 operating under the firm name Independent Elevators Inc.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel; son, John E. Ham and wife Frances; daughter, Jean Marie and husband Ron Jones; a sister, Grace Foster; sester-in-law, Nellie Ham; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at the Benkelman United Methodist Church on Saturday morning with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating assisted by the Rev. Delbert Callaway. Betty Erdman and Gwen Bauer were the pianist and organist and the singers were John Baer, Ross D. Druliner, Jr., Ray Balderson and Lee Gallatin. The casket bearers were nephews, Lawrence, Stanley, Arden, Donald, Byron, Paul and Wayne Ham and Leo Stafica. Honorary pallbearers were William Wooters, Joe Peirano, Richard Hiatt, Miles Jones, G. W. Jones, Roy Miller, Walter Fries, Edwin Stitt, Joseph Owens, Frank Weiss, Harold Barnes, A. G. Shafer, Frank Walsh, Wayne Ketler and Rex Roundtree. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Eugene Frederick Ham was born to Martha Emmeline Thompson and Joseph Oscar Ham at Benkelman, Nebraska on March 21, 1892 and passed away at the Dundy county Hospital in Benkelman on Wednesday, February 11, 1976 at the age of 83 years, ten months and twenty days.

He graduated from the Benkelman High School in 1912 with the first four-year high school class and in 1914 entered the grain business with 0. M. Kellogg and it was in this field that he was to distinguish himself.

He was married to Edna McEvoy at McCook, Nebraska on April 17, 1917 and to this union two children were born: a son, John, and a daughter who passed away in infancy. Edna McEvoy Ham passed away on January 15, 1920.

He was married to Hazel Frank on December 30, 1926 at Kansas City, Missouri and one daughter, Jean Marie, was born to them.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel; son, John Ham and wife Frances of Benkelman; daughter, Jean Marie Jones and husband Ron of Benkelman; a sister, Grace Foster, Benkelman; a sister-in-law, Nellie Ham, Benkelman; five grandchildren, Greg, Thomas, Michelle, Richard and Ronda; three great-grandchildren, John, Valerie and Robert Lee and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Edna and an infant daughter, sister Ada May and brothers, Roy, Ray, John and Earl D. Ham.

Gene Ham was devoted to the grain business for a lifetime and all of it except for a few years spent in that business in Denver was a lifelong resident of Benkelman. He was born of pioneer parents who had come to Benkelman in 1886 and he experienced and was a part of all the changes which have transpired over an 83 year span.

Researchers will find it difficult to find his footprints in the sands of time over which the progressive tread to develop the community because Gene Ham never functioned as the leader but as one who influenced the leaders and inspired them when they were losing confidence in their community ambitions:

It is now difficult to visualize the basic things which had to be done in the past to make the community as it is today. In all of these, Gene Ham had a part. He was a moving spirit in the development of our roads system—a problem of great magnitude in the early years. He helped in the legislature to create a tax system to help the counties to build roads and he was one of the prominent promoters of the development of what we know as U.S. Highway 34 which had previously been only a network of rural roads along the Republican Valley. He was also strongly involved in the creation of Highway 61 as a primary state north-south highway.

He worked to develop the first telephone system in the town and was influential in the development of the Benkelman Municipal Light Plant. He took his place among the people of vision who promoted the school system, the county fair, the Extension Service and the 4-H movement. He supported the church and youth activities and was always a ready contributor to any worthy cause.

He took pleasure in the out-of-doors and was pleased to see others so involved. He built the Twin Lakes fishing resort which still serves the Twin Lakes Club and he was a prime mover in the development of Rock Creek State Lake.

As the primary grain dealer in Dundy County, Mr. Ham earned the high regard of his customers for honorable dealings and he could always be counted upon to be of assistance to those who depended upon him for counsel and advise. His great understanding of the grain business was recognized statewide and he served for ten years as a director of the Nebraska Grain and Feed Dealers Association.

In later years when his son, John Ham, assumed greater responsibilities in the operation of the Independent Elevators, Mr. Ham purchased the Ketler Ranch south of Benkelman and entered into the livestock and farming business. This enterprise gave him great pleasure and in still later years he reaped further enjoyment when that operation involved his daughter, Jean Marie, and her husband Ron Jones.

Mr. Ham was a member of all the organizations over the years which functioned as the Chamber of Commerce or Commercial Club; he was a member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church; a charter member of the McCook Elks Lodge and Benkelman's first Lions Club; a past president of the Dundy County Red Cross, the Dundy County Fair Board, Benkelman Telephone Company and the Benkelman Board of Education. He was a past member of the Woodmen of the World Lodge.

Helen Mayme Ham, age 26, of Fort Collins, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins. She was born July 29, 1975, in Seoul, South Korea, to Gene and Candy Ham.

Helen was a resident of Fort Collins since 1978. She attended Poudre Valley High School.

She enjoyed collecting stuffed animals and reading. She loved spending time with her friends and with her two dogs, Lady and Sapphire.

Helen is survived by her parents, Gene and Candy Ham, of Fort Collins; grandparents

Arden and Joyce Ham of Benkelman, Neb.; an uncle, Jay Ham, and his wife, Karen, of Garden City, Kan., and a cousin, Quade Ham, also of Garden City.

Funeral services for Helen Ham were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, at Allnutt Funeral Service - Drake Road Chapel. Cremation followed the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Foundation in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Rd., Fort Collins, CO 80526.

BRIGHTON, Colo. -- John E. Ham 89, Wednesday (May 9, 2007) at Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton, Colo.

He was born to Eugene F. and Edna (McEvoy) Ham on March 7, 1918, in Benkelman. His mother died when he was 11/2 years old. He and his father lived with his grandparents, J.O. and Em Ham until his father married Hazel Frank. He attended Benkelman Public Schools until his senior year of high school, when the family moved to Denver, Colo. He graduated from Denver East High School in 1936, and Denver University in 1940.

He moved to Hollywood, Calif., after graduation, where he was an accountant for Paramount Studios until 1944. He then joined his father in the operation of the Independent Elevators of Benkelman, Doane, Parks and Max. He operated the Independent Elevators following the death of his father in 1976, until his retirement in 1989.

He was united in marriage to Frances Marie Vrbas at St. John's Catholic Church in Beardsley, Kan., on June 18, 1951. They adopted three children, Craig Thomas, Gregory Francis, and Michelle Marie.

He was on the Benkelman City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Dundy County Hospital Board, Hester Foundation Chairman, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and Knights of Columbus.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a nephew, Richard Jones; sisters-in-law, Helen Horinek, Alice Horinek, Gertrude Havel, Antoinette Horinek, and Martha Soucheck; brothers-in-law, Frank Vrbas, William Vrbas, Bernard Vrbas and Raymond Vrbas.

Survivors include his wife, Frances of Thornton, Colo.; sons, Craig "Tom"and wife, Betty of Ogallala, and Greg and wife, Holly of Holdrege; daughter, Michelle Pursley of Brighton, Colo.; sister, Jean Marie and husband, Ron Jones of Benkelman; brother-in-law, Charles Vrbas of Palisade; sisters-in-law, Marian Ruda of Atwood and Adella Harry of Colby, Kan; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Benkelman.

A heart attack claimed the life of Joseph Calvin Ham, 51, last Sunday evening, August 16. Joe, a native of Yuma, died within minutes following the attack in the Hotel Yuma.

He was born October 18, 1918. Two years earlier, his father, an early day doctor, Dr. John P. Ham and mother, Melva, moved to Yuma from Nebraska, maintaining a practice here for over 40 years.

Joe was engaged in farming in the nearby area most of his adult life. He graduated from the Yuma High School with the class of 1938.

Services were held August 21st at 2:00 p.m. at the Yuma Methodist Church. Interment was in the Yuma Cemetery.

His mother and father preceded him in death. Immediate survivors are his sister, Mrs., Mary Etta Stasica, and her husband, Leo Stasica, of Denver

He is also survived by two uncles, Ray 0. Ham and E. F. Ham, and one aunt, Mrs. Grace Foster, and several cousins in, Benkelman. He was a frequent Benkelman visitor in recent years.—Yuma (Colo.) Pioneer.

Joseph Dale Ham, son of Earl D. Ham and Mayme Bond Ham, was born on April 14, 1915, at Benkelman, Nebraska. He departed this life on February 17, 1965, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dale was raised on a farm in Dundy County, Nebraska, and received his elementary education in the rural schools. He was graduated from Benkelman High School in 1933, and taught in the rural schools of Dundy county for two terms.

On January 21, 1939, he was united in marriage to Eula Brunswig at Haigler, Nebraska. To this marriage were born three daughters, Beverly Jo, Gwenyth Jean and Cheryl Nadine, and one son, Charles Dana.

In January of 1950, Dale moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona, and resided there until his death.

He was employed by Airesearch Manufacturing Company for the past thirteen years. At one time, he served as athletic director for the Airesearch Employees Club.

He was a faithful member of Mount of Olives Lutheran Church and a member of the Ushering Society. He was affiliated with Elks Lodge No. 335 of Phoenix.

Dale was interested in the youth of today and assisted in many of their activities. Dale was a loving husband and devoted father and son. His outgoing personality made him many friends.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Eula; his mother, Mrs. Mayme Ham, of Benkelman; a son, Charles Dana; three daughters, Mrs. Gwenyth Bell and her husband Lynn and Cheryl Nadine of Phoenix and Mrs. Beverly Middleton and husband Duane of Lompoc, California; four grandchildren, Sharon Dee, , Steven Dale and Sheryl Diane Middleton and Melinda Jean Bell; three brothers, Vaughn of Denver, Arden of Benkelman, ; and Norlin of Huntsville, Alabama; two sisters, Mrs. Berniece Russell of Torrington, Wyoming, and Mrs. Beulah Culton of Tacoma, Washington; and many other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers were fellow workers from Airesearch. Honorary bearers were members of the Ushering Society. Interment was in Greenwood Memorial Park.

0ut-of-town friends and relatives in attendance were Norlin Ham of Huntsville. Ala.; Ralph Culton of Tacoma, Wash.; Mrs. Mayme Ham, Mr. and Mrs. Arden Ham, Stanley Ham, Mrs. Clifford Ham, Mrs. Gifford Baney and Howard Ochsner of Benkelman, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Borchert of Greeley. Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brunswig and Mr. and Mrs. Ted Brunswig of St. Francis. Kans.; Miles Brunswig of Ogallala, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Arlen Petty of Denver; Mrs. Eldred Johnson of Sutton, Nebr., and Mrs. Marilla B. Spears of Haigler, Nebr.; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Powell of Glendale, Arizona, and Mrs. Morris Olson and Miss Pauline Freehling of Wickinburg, Arizona.

Joseph 0. Ham, retired farmer and stock raiser, was born at Maquoketa, Iowa, April 19, 1854, son of John and Justina (Pool) Ham.

His father was born in Canterbury, New Hampshire, February 14, 1828, and died at Maryville, Missouri, March 1, 1920; his parents came from England. He was a farmer. His wife was born at Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, August 13, 1835, and died at Maryville, Missouri, October 28, 1925. Her father was born in Connecticut.

Mr. Ham attended the rural schools of Nodaway County, Missouri, and the city schools of Maryville. He is a Republican and has been county assessor of Dundy County from 1908 to 1912. Coming to Dundy County in a covered wagon with Mrs. Ham's brother, J. L. Thompson, in 1886, he located on a homestead about four miles northeast of Benkelman where he made his home until April, 1919.

Mr. and Mrs. Ham have spent all of their time in Benkelman and vicinity, with the exception of two months while visiting relatives in Missouri, since locating there. Mr. Ham started with three cows and a calf and in 1902 had increased his herd to more than 400 head. On March 20, 1901, a blizzard struck the country, lasting for three days and nights.

(Researcher note: Burial records of the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 4-19-1854 and a death date of 3-2-1944.)

Joseph Oscar Ham, son of John and Justina Ham, was born in Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa, April 19, 1854 and departed this life March 2, 1944, at Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 89 years, 10 months, 13 days.

At the age of 3 years he moved with his parents to Maryville, Missouri, where he was educated and grew to manhood. At the age of 18 years he received an appointment to enter the Annapolis Naval Academy, but gave it up because his mother could not bear to have him leave her. Later he entered a Normal College at Oregon, Missouri, which was conducted by Supt. Greenwood, a noted educator from Kansas City, Missouri.

He was married to Martha Emeline Thompson in Guilford, Missouri, on December 30, 1877, which marriage lasted past their 66th wedding anniversary. To this union were born fve sons and two daughters: Ada, who passed away at the age of two years; Roy A., Ray 0., Mrs. Grace Foster, Earl D., and Eugene F., all of Benkelman, and Dr. J. P. Ham of Yuma, Colorado. There are 30 grandcildren and 17 great grandchildren. Six grandsons are in the service of the country. One brother, Fred E. and two sisters, Mrs. Alice Frazier and Mrs. melia Miller, also mourn his passing.

In Missouri he taught school and farmed. On March 20, 1886, he filed on a homestead northeast of Benkelman, which land he still owns. After building a small house and other improvements, he was joined by his family on December 1, 1886. He then taught one term of school and engaged in general farming and stock raising until he was able to retire in Benkelman in 1920.

On January 8, 1944, his beloved wife and helpmate was called to the Great Beyond. He gradually became weaker until he passed peacefully away on last Thursday morning.

All the loving ministration of relatives, friends and medical science were given him, but to no avail.

Leon Foster Ham, eldest son of Ray 0. and Nellie Foster Ham, was born May 10, 1914, at Benkelman, Nebraska. He attended public school and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1933. He joined the Methodist Church in Benkelman in 1927 and remained a member until his death. He enrolled at Denver University and received. his degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce, December 8, 1939. On October 23, 1941, he entered the Army Service. He attended Officers Candidate School and was commissioned an officer on August 27, 1942. He entered foreign service with the Air Force on July 7, 1943, and was stationed in England where he received nine Bronze Stars for outstanding services.

Later he returned to Benkelman and was engaged in farming until his health failed. In July 1966, he entered the hospital at Fort Meade, South Dakota, and remained there until his death March 11, 1970.

He is survived by his parents, Ray 0. and Nellie F., two brothers, Wayne 0., and wife of Benkelman, Ray J., and wife of Johnstown, Colorado; three sisters, Doris M. Ham of Anchorage, Alaska: Marjorie N. Ham, and Melba Fries, and husband of Benkelman; nine nieces, ten nephews, one grandniece and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Marvin, and a sister, Hazel, both who died in infancy.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church Saturday afternoon with the pastor Rev. Erwin E. Mindt officiating. Mrs. Royce Anderson was the soloist and Mrs. Dale Bauer, .the organist. Casket bearers were nephews of Mr. Ham.

Graveside services were conducted by Martin F. Bowles, Post No. 65, Legion Post. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery under the direction of Jay's Funeral Home.

Lyle Cecil Ham, son of Roy A. and Jennie M. (Roberts) Ham, was born at the Ham homestead southeast of Benkelman on September 16, 1912. He passed away at the Dundy County Hospital as the result of a truck-train accident near his home on December 27, 1970, at the age of 58 years, three months and 11 days. He was graduated from the Benkelman High School in 1932 and then began his farming career.

On March 15, 1939, he was united in marriage to Edna Fern Hardwick at Wray, Colorado. For a period of 13 years they lived on a farm northeast of Benkelman. It was during this time their four children, Jean, Gary, Linda, and Sandra were born. In 1952 the family moved to a new home five miles west of Benkelman, Nebraska. Soon after the move the entire Ham family was confirmed in the United Methodist Church.

Lyle considered farming to be a great challenge and he never became discouraged. He was always willing to try new ideas, and he had one of the more progressive farms in Dundy County. In 1967 he received the Dundy County Soil and Water Conservation award. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and a 4-H Club booster. He served as a 4-H leader and school board member for several years. He was a man always interested in reading and learning and he made sure each of his children had an opportunity for a higher education. Although Lyle worked hard at farming, his greatest love was his family. He was a man of few words, but each family member knew of his deep affection.

He is survived by his loving wife, Fern; one son, Gary, of Benkelman; three daughters, Jean Krug of Benkelman, Linda Cunningham of Franklin, Nebr.; and Sandra Jones of Lincoln, Nebraska. He leaves to mourn his five loving grandchildren, Mike and Mark Ham, Brenda, Steven and Karey Krug. He also left six brothers, Clifford, Byron, Stanley, Paul, and Lawrence, all of Benkelman, and Donald of Wauneta, Nebraska, and one sister, Vernelle Mann of Brewster, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and an infant sister. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and always thoughtful of others.

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Allan W. Martin at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 1970, under the direction of Jay's Funeral Home. Dan Brown was the soloist and Mrs. Betty Erdman the organist. Honorary bearers were Frank Walsh, Martin Lutz, Harry Ough, Ward Felzien, Howard Morrison, Kenneth Brown, Glen Osborn, Ray Buffington, Joe Peirano and John Allen. Casket bearers were Harry Martin, Lee Gallatin, Jim Kier, Leon Preston, Marvin Steinbeck and Kenneth Frasier, Sr.

BENKELMAN -- Paul Edgar Ham, 84, died Monday (Feb. 13, 2006) at his home in Benkelman.

He was born Oct. 23, 1921, on the family farm in Dundy County to Roy A. and Jennie M. (Roberts) Ham. He graduated from Dundy County High School in 1939.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Sept. 29, 1942. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 19, 1945.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Jennie Ham; brothers, Lyle, Donald, Byron, Clifford and Stanley Ham; sisters, Vernell Mann and Ernestine Ham; and grandsons, Wyley Hall and Theron Kitt.

Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Ham of Benkelman; his children, Ellen Potthoff and husband, Kirk of Benkelman, Mary Kitt and husband, Kirby of Wauneta, Rich Ham and wife, Keri of Benkelman, Jenny Brandt of Windham, N.Y., Donna Hall and husband, Bill of Benkelman and Vera Robinson of Longmont, Colo.; his brother, Lawrence Ham; sisters-in-law, Fern Ham, Ruby Ham, Eula Ham, Joy Stevens, Agnes Ostdiek, Irma Johnson and Yvonne Eggers and husband, Johny; brothers-in-law, Louis Ostdiek and wife, Darlene, Bunt Reining and J.D. Ostdiek and wife, Marilyn; 17 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; and other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Services will be Thursday, 10 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment with military honors will follow the services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Memorials are being accepted in his name for the Building Fund at the Benkelman American Legion and VFW.

Roy A. Ham, eldest son of Joseph and Martha Emmeline Ham, was born on May 6, 1880, near Guilford. Missouri. He departed this life March 19, 1956, at Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 75 years, 10 months and 13 days.

Roy attended school in Missouri one year before coming to Benkelman with his parents, two brothers and one sister in 1886. Joseph Ham filed a homestead claim on land four miles northeast of Benkelman on March 20, 1886. The family moved to this new home in December of 1886. Upon the death of his father in 1944, the family homestead passed into Roy's possession and is now occupied by his son Lawrence and family.

Roy grew to manhood on the farm north of Benkelman, seeking, the best education available to him in the Benkelman schools at that time. He acquired a first grade teaching certificate, at one time holding the highest certificate in Dundy county. He became one of the county's earliest school teachers, having taught in this county and Colorado for six years. He held the position of superintendent of the Benkelman schools for one year.

Later he filed on a homestead southeast of Benkelman, making farming and raising of livestock his life-time occupation.

He was united in marriage to Jennie May Roberts on June 17, 1908. Nine children, seven sons and two daughters were born to this union. One daughter, Ernestine, preceded him in death in 1933.

While still a young man in 1897, Mr. Ham was baptized in the Christian faith. He united with the Methodist church at this time, remaining a faithful member throughout his life-time.

In 1928 he began selling insurance, first as an agent for the Modern Woodmen. Later he became an agent for the Farmers' Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. Recently he was awarded a 20-year pin for his service in the sale of State Farm insurance.

On December 28, 1906, Roy was initiated into the Masonic Lodge in Benkelman. He served his lodge faithfully until his death. In December of this year, he would have been eligible for the 50-year membership pin awarded by the Masonic fraternity.

Few men in Dundy county took a keener interest in the county's growth and development than did Mr. Ham. He was a good citizen, public spirited and greatly interested in all civic affairs.

His insurance business took him about the country at frequent intervals. Thus he became fully acquainted with the residents of each farm, dating his knowledge of each particular piece of land through the past fifty years.

He loved the land and rejoiced in the progress made in methods of cultivation through his life time.

In 1942 Mr. Ham underwent a serious surgical operation and since that time he had been an invalid. In that year he bought a home in Benkelman and he and Mrs. Ham have resided there for the past 14 years.

He was an affectionate husband, companionable father and devoted to his family. He derived great pleasure from his association with his seven sons and one daughter. During World War II he often said, “I want to live to see all the boys come home from the service.” Three sons, his son-in-law, and several nephews were in the service of their country at this time.

He also greatly enjoyed the companionship of his grandchildren of whom he has eighteen. Mr. Ham is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jennie; his seven sons, Clifford, Lyle, Stanley, Byron, Paul and Lawrence all of Benkelman and Donald of Wauneta, and his daughter, Vernelle, Mrs. Harry Mann, of Brewster, Kansas. Also surviving are seven daughters-in-law, eighteen grandchildren, four brothers, Ray, Earl D. and Eugene of Benkelman, Dr. John P. Ham of Yuma, Colo., and one sister, Mrs. C. C. Foster of Benkelman. Mr. Ham will be greatly missed by his many relatives and friends in this community.

Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist church on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. R. W. Sandsted, resident pastor, in charge. The quartet consisted of Mrs. Dale Bauer, Mrs. Paul Erdman, Miles Shurtleff and Ross D. Druliner, Jr., with Miss Arlyce Randolph at the organ. Casket bearers were James Sutton, Paul Morris, Robert Hardwick, Edwin Stitt, Charles Carpenter and Alvin Lorance. Honorary pallbearers were Guy Presson, J. B. Jackson, L. F. Blanchard, C. L. Ketler, Roy Lingo, Reece Hardwick, R. D. Druliner, Sr., Ward Artist and W. C. Hanson. Graveside services at the Benkelman cemetery were in charge of Justice Lodge No. 180, AF&AM, with WB W. C. Edwards as WM. Arrangements were by the Laughlin Funeral Home.

Ray 0. Ham, a resident of Dundy County for 88 years passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Thursday at the age of 92 years. In his long career he served as a rural school teacher, operated a drug store in Haigler and was one of Dandy County's progressive farmers for many years. He was a good citizen with a primary interest in good schools and a strong church and he served both interests with distinction.

He was a member of the pioneer Joseph Ham family who homesteaded north of Benkelman. Other members of that family were Eugene F. Ham and Grace Foster of Benkelman and those now deceased, Roy A. Ham, Earl D. (Vic) Ham and Dr. John P. Ham of Yuma and a sister, Ada.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman, of which he had been a member since 1897, on Monday with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Gwen Bauer was the organist and John Baer, Lee Gallatin, Wilber Case and Ray Balderson, members of the quartette. Casket bearers were James, Dennis, Ronald, Michael, Randall and Anthony Ham, Jerry, Kenneth, Richard and John Fries. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Ray 0. Ham, second son of Joseph 0. and Martha Thompson Ham, was born in Guilford, Missouri on March 20, 1882 and passed away July 11, 1974 in Dundy County Hospital at Benkelman, Nebraska at the age of 92 years, three months and 21 days of age.

When he was four years old, he and his family moved to a homestead north of Benkelman. He attended rural school and later taught three terms in the country.

He farmed awhile and then ran a drug store in Haigler, Nebraska for three years. He then returned to Benkelman to farm.

On June 25, 1913 he was united in marriage to Nellie J. Foster at Wray, Colorado. Eight children were born to this union.

Ray 0. Ham was a school board member many years. He belonged to the Farm Bureau. In 1897 he joined the United Methodist Church and served for many years on the Benkelman church board. He was a faithful member until his death.

In 1948 he retired from farming although he was still interested in it. His health started to fail in 1966 and he entered the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in April of 1972.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie of Benkelman; sons, Wayne of Benkelman and Ray J. of Johnstown, Colorado; daughters, Doris of Anchorage, Alaska, Marjorie Ham and Mrs. Melba Fries, Benkelman; 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; his sister, Grace Foster and a brother, Eugene F. Ham.

Those preceding him in death were two sons, Marvin and Leon and daughter Hazel, his parents, a sister Ada and three brothers, Roy A., Earl D., and John P.

BENKELMAN -- Stanley A. Ham, a lifelong resident of Benkelman, died Monday (Nov. 22, 2004) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman at the age of 88.

He was born March 30, 1916, on his family's farm in Dundy County to Roy A. and Jenny (Roberts) Ham and attended country school near his home. He went on to attend Benkelman High School where he was a member of the graduating class of 1934.

On Nov. 2, 1941, Stan was united in marriage to Thelma A. Mann at Benkelman. They made their home in Benkelman until 1942 when they moved to California for a short time. After returning to Benkelman, Stan farmed for several years, and in 1947 he purchased Four-Corners Super Service Station in Benkelman, which later became Stanley's Oil Company. In 1952, Stan acquired the John Deere dealership in Benkelman -- Valley Farm, Inc., a company that is still owned and operated by his family.

Stan was a member of the United Methodist Church in Benkelman and recently received his 75-year membership pin. He was a past member of the Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. of Benkelman.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Roy and Jenny Ham; his wife, Thelma A. Ham; sisters, Vernelle and Earnestine; and four brothers, Clifford, Lyle, Byron an Donald.

Survivors include his son, Tom Ham and wife, Marcy of Benkelman; daughter, Sherri Pattison and husband, John of Sioux City, S.D.; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; brothers, Paul Ham and wife, Kathleen and Lawrence Ham, all of Benkelman; and sisters-in-law, Eula Ham of Benkelman, Ruby Ham of Wauneta, LaVerne Ham of McCook.

Memorial services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m.(MST), at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Services will conclude at the church with a private inurnment at a later time.

DENVER--Vaughn Earl Ham was born May 20, 1912, in rural Dundy County, Nebraska, to Earl D. “Vic" and Mayme B. (Bond) Ham. He died at Porter Memorial Hospital in Denver, Colorado, on Monday, August 24, 1992, at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 4 days.

He was raised on a farm north of Benkelman, Nebraska, and graduated from Benkelman High School with the Class of 1930. After a couple of years of helping on the farm, he enrolled at Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating in 1937 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following Wesleyan, he attended Iliff School of Theology in Denver, graduating in 1940 with a Master of Theology degree. During his college years, he served as minister at Mount Zion Methodist Church on the Ough Divide (north of Benkelman), and later at the Max Methodist Church, Max, Nebraska.

Early in 1942, Vaughn enlisted in the U.S. Arrny Air Corps, with a rank of second lieutenant and title of chaplain. After a short training period in Michigan, he was sent to North Africa where he served until Africa was secured, and then on to Sicily and Italy. He served in Africa and Europe more than two years and then was returned to the United States and later discharged from the Air Corps with the rank of captain.

After his military service, he made his home in Denver and began employment at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. It was there that he met Virginia Ann Fitzsimmons. They were married in Denver on March 17, 1946. Son Laurence Vaughn was born February 23, 1951. Daughter Patricia Lore was born June 23, 1953.

Vaughn spent a number of years in the employ of the Denver Union Stockyards Company, located at the Denver stockyards. Later he was employed by the State of Colorado Revenue Department as an income tax examiner. He retired in 1977.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Virginia; his parents; a brother, Dale, and a sister, Audra.

Survivors include his son, Larry, his wife, Kathy, and their children, Tara and Drew, all of Denver; his daughter, Pat, of LaGrange, Wyoming; two brothers, Arden of Benkelman and Norlin of Winter Park. Florida; two sisters, Berniece Russell of Benkelman and Jean Edwards of Apache Junction, Arizona, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Thursday, August 27, 1992, at 2 p.m. in Denver at the Kirk of the Bonnie Brae Church.

Wayne Oliver Ham, third son of Ray 0. and Nellie Foster Ham, was born December 5, 1917, in Benkelman, Nebraska, and passed away December 29, 1986, in his home at the age of 69.

He attended public schools and graduated from Benkelman High School in 1935. After graduation, he moved to California and worked in the San Francisco area. He entered the service in March of 1942, during World War II, and served until July, 1945. He was stationed in Iran as a sergeant in Ordnance Battalion.

Wayne was united in marriage to Marjorie Edwards in July of 1942. To this union four children were born: James W., Dennis E., Bette E. and Ronald L.

Wayne returned from the war to Benkelman and farmed the home place until his retirement. He was very active in farming and was interested in soil conservation.

He was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W., United Methodist Church and the Elks.

He is survived by a brother, Ray J., and wife, Pat, of Denver; three sisters: Doris M. Ham of Deming, New Mexico, Marjorie N. Ham and N. Melba Fries and husband, Guy, of Benkelman; three sons: James W. of Greeley, Colorado, Dennis E. and wife,

Margaret, of Shawnee, Kansas, and Ronald L. and wife, Cindy, of Benkelman; one daughter, Bette E. Cline of Benkelman, eight grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Those preceding him in death were his parents, Ray and Nellie; infant brother and sister, Marvin and Hazel, and a brother, Leon (pronounced Lynn).

Services were held Wednesday, December 31, 1986, at the United Methodist Church In Benkelman, with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

Organist was Diana League. She accompanied soloist Kelly Hayward with the selections "Amazing Grace" and "In The Garden."

Bearers were Stanley Ham, Lawrence Ham, Don Ham, Byron Ham, John Ham, Arden Ham and Paul Ham.

Honorary bearers were Eddie Thompson, Franklin Bolio, Vernon Gunther, Delmer Hudson, Boyd Richards, Leo Williams and Charles Hazlett.

Committal service was by the American Legion Post No. 65 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4178.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman with the funeral conducted by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman, Nebraska.

Mrs. Alma Hamann of Fort Morgan, Colo., passed away at Colorado General Hospital in Denver on February 24th. She was 62 years of age.

Born at Wisch, Germany, Mrs. Hamann came to Kansas to her father the late William Flemming in 1929 and resided south of Benkelman. On January 2, 1930 she was married to William Hamann. They resided on the Pringle ranch from 1934 to 1942 when they moved to the Fort Morgan community.

She is survived by her husband, two sons, William Flemming and Ernest Hamann, both of Ft. Morgan; three sisters, Mrs. Clara Zeilke of Benkelman, Mrs. Olga Zeilke, Flagler, Colo., and Mrs . Hulda Peters of Bird City, Kansas. Also four brothers, Pete, John and Albert Flemming of Benkelman and Hans Flemming of St. Francis, Kansas.

Funeral services were held Friday at the Cutler-Jolliffe chapel with the Rev. R. P. Shultz officiating. Interment was in the Riverside cemetery at Ft. Morgan.

Funeral services for George Hamburg, Sr., were conducted at the Methodist church last Thursday afternoon by Rev. Paul E. Boyles, assisted by Rev. J. C. Foster. Singers were R. D. Druliner, John Baer, Harry Ough and Lloyd Boswell with Mrs. D. L. Ough at the piano. Pallbearers were Lee and Howard Hamilton, Fred Pringle, Paul Morris, Victor Westermark and Reece Hardwick and honorary pallbearers were C. E. Uphouse, J. A. McDonald, Dr. J. F. Premer, George W. Russell, C. A. Ratcliffe and D. L. Ough. Masonic burial rites were used, Mr. Hamburg having been a member of the organization for many years. Joe Laughlin was in charge as funeral director and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery. In honor of the memory of Mr. Hamburg, Benkelman business houses were closed during the funeral hour.

George Hamburg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Hamburg, was born in Walter, Russia, August 31, 1871, and passed away at his home in Benkelman, Nebraska, March 21, 1944. Age 72 years, 6 months and 20 days.

He came to this country from Russia, April 7, 1892, and came directly to Nebraska. He was employed by the Burlington Railroad for forty-four and one-half years, being retired in September of 1937.

He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Karl on December 27, 1889. To this union were born four children, George W. Hamburg, Kate M. Ralph, John C. Hamburg, and Lena Edwards. His wife, Elizabeth, passed away July 16, 1921.

He joined the Masonic Lodge in 1916. He was a faithful member to the end of his life. Mr. Hamburg was known to be very efficient in his work in the lodge and took great pride in doing it well. He had the rare privilege of giving the Master Mason degree to both of his sons and on the same night. This WAS indeed an honor to both he and the sons.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Mary; two sons, George W. Hamburg of Marysville, Kansas and John C. Hamburg, of Beloit, Kansas and two daughters, Kate M. Ralph of Lincoln, Nebraska and Lena E. Edwards of Benkelman, Nebraska; one step-son, Karlton Rowell of St. Louis, Missouri, one step-daughter, Mrs. Verna M. Anderson of Lynwood, California; nine grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Jake Walter of Haigler, Nebraska, and a host of friends.

Services were conducted at Hillcrest Mortuary Chapel, Wednesday, July 15, at 9 a.m. for John C. Hamburg, 75, of 3218 Purdue Drive, who died July 11 in a Bakersfield hospital. The Rev. Kenneth G. Cragg, Pastor of the Northminister Presbyterian Church, officiated at the chapel services.

Mr. Hamburg was born in Benkelman, Nebraska, and had resided in Bakersfield for the past 10 years. He was a member of the Northminister Presbyterian Church; a member of the Masonic Lodge of McPherson, Kansas; and a 50 year Charter Member of the American Legion of Marysville, Kansas.

Mr. Hamburg is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ethel Hamburg of Bakersfield; daughter, Mrs. Rita Moore of Bakersfield; sister, Mrs. Lena Edwards of Benkelman, Nebraska; two grandsons, James Moore of Bakersfield and John Moore of Hunting Beach, California; two granddaughters, Mrs. Holly Jamison of Niles, Illinois and and Mrs. Chris Nelson of Kokomo, Indiana; two great grandsons and one great granddaughter.

Pallbearers were: Berney Hoover, Charles Hall, Daryl Moore, Al Osborn, Timothy Hall, James Hamburg.

The community was greatly shocked and deeply grieved late Monday evening when it became known that the angel had claimed the earthly life of Mrs. Kate L. Hamilton. The public did not realize that her condition was so serious although physicians familiar with her physical state gravely feared the outcome as soon as it became evident that her illness was due to pneumonia. Mrs. Hamilton had just recovered from an illness with influenza a few days previously and had returned to her work as deputy county treasurer. She was apparently fully recovered and was in good spirits up until Wednesday night of last week. She was taken ill the same night and her condition gradually grew more serious until the end. For some time she had been troubled with leakage of the heart and complications arising as a result therefrom which greatly handicapped her in her battle against the disease.

The funeral services were held at the United Presbyterian church on Wednesday afternoon and were very largely attended. The large and beautiful floral display in a small way bespoke the high esteem in which this good woman was held by the people of Benkelman and surrounding community. W. L. Whaley, pastor of a Christian church in Denver and friend of the family, preached the funeral sermon, and the remains were interred in the Benkelman cemetery.

The community, as well as the family and ones near and dear to the deceased, have sustained a real loss in the passing of Mrs. Hamilton. She was a splendid woman and lived a clean, moral, uplifting life, true to lofty ideals, and true to everybody and everything with which she came in contact. All through life she was a student and sought knowledge to the end of greater and better attainment both in the performance of duty to her fellowman and in the service of her creator. Her faith was well founded and she kept it until the last. She was a dutiful daughter, a trusted friend, a faithful wife, a wonderful mother and a splendid woman, respected and admired by all who knew her or came in contact with her. She was devoted to her loved ones, her friends, her ideals, her home, her responsibilities and to the community, and all of these were devoted to her. It would be difficult indeed to pay her memory a great tribute, nor could one say less.

Katie Lee Coleman was born in Scott county, Kentucky, June 25th, 1880, and moved with her parents to Rawlins county, Kansas in 1885, where they resided until they moved to Benkelman, Nebraska in 1906, where she lived until her death, which occurred April 20th, 1925. She was united with the Church of Christ in her youth, and was a consistent member until death.

She was united in marriage to W. C. Hamilton of Benkelman, Nebraska, June 30th, 1909. To this union were born two children, Willard who survives his mother, and a little daughter who preceded her to the spirit world in October, 1918.

She leaves to mourn her loss, besides her son Willard, father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Coleman of Wichita, Kansas, two sisters, Sayde of Benkelman, and Margaret of Wichita, Kansas, also two step-sons Howard and Lee Hamilton of Benkelman, Nebraska, and a great many friends and relatives.

Her husband Judge Hamilton passed away March 31st, 1924, and the deceased finished out his term of office to the satisfaction of all. Following this she was appointed to the office of Deputy Treasurer of this county, which position she was filling at the time of her death.

(Researcher note: Burial records show a date of birth of 6-25-1880 and a date of death of 4-20-1925.)

Maude Lucille Hamilton passed away at her home on Wednesday at the age of 79 years. Her passing was discovered by Mr. and Mrs. Max Earnest at noon when they were delivering the "Meals on Wheels" dinners. Since the demise of her husband, Lee Hamilton, in April, 1972 Mrs. Hamilton had lived alone in the family residence.

She is survived by her daughter, Doris and husband, Henry and two grandsons, Jerry and Jim Johnson of Aurora, Colorado; sister-in-law, Mrs. Bernice Hamilton, Benkelman; brother-in-law, Willard Hamilton and wife, Lois of Wichita, Kansas; nieces and nephews: Irene Elliott and husband Wilbur of Benkelman, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith of Martell, Nebr., Mr. and Mrs. Willard Smith, Santa Clara, Calif., Mr. and Mrs. Everett Bundy, Lincoln, Nebr., Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Smith, California, Ben Smith of Sunnyvale, California and Bertha of San Francisco, California. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lee and two sisters, Daisy Hill and Ella Smith.

Funeral services were at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman on Saturday morning with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Gwen Bauer was the organist and LaNeta Anderson the soloist. Casket bearers were Howard Miller, Dale Bauer, Lee Gallatin, Frank Weiss, Bill Reade and Joe Peirano. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

Maude Lucille Davis was born near Haigler, Nebraska on January 10, 1894, the daughter of James H. and Margaret Davis. She lived in Nebraska most of her lifetime except for a short time spent in Iowa and Missouri while a small child. She graduated from the Benkelman High School in 1913 and taught school for one term in District 6 of Dundy County.

On April 10, 1915 she was married to Lee T. Hamilton in Sterling, Colorado and they resided in Venango, Nebraska where Lee was employed with a lumber company until 1920. At that time the Hamiltons returned to Benkelman where Lee joined his brother, Howard (Snap) Hamilton in a partnership firm known as the Hamilton Drug Store which enterprise was successfully operated for 42 years when it was sold and the two men entered retirement.

During her long residence in Benkelman Mrs. Hamilton was ambitious for her community and took part in all worthwhile activities in that direction. She was a charter member of the Benkelman Woman's Club and one of the determined members who originated the idea and brought to fruition the construction of the swimming pool in Benkelman which was built by that organization. She was also one of the people who originated and developed the idea of the Benkelman Municipal Building and Library. She was also a member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church and expended a great deal of effort in behalf of the affairs of the church. She was a devoted help-mate to her husband Lee and devoted much time and assistance in developing the fine reputation which the Hamilton Drug Co. enjoyed in the community. She was highly regarded by friends in the community for several generations.

Mrs. Margaret Hamilton passed to her reward at the home of her son Lamy P. Hamilton and wife in this city on Tuesday morning of this week after a long, useful Christian life. Funeral services were conducted at the home Wednesday afternoon and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery. Services were in charge of Rev. 0. 0. Wood of Haigler.

Mrs. Hamilton was a pioneer of Dundy county, coming here with her family in 1887. She was a woman of many splendid qualities and won a high place in the esteem of Benkelman people immediately following her removal here, which endured until the last.

During the past few years her health has gradually been declining until in the end she was compelled to remain in her bed practicaly all of the time. Failing eye sight and hearing developed several years ago which had intensified from month to month until she reached the point where she was practically blind. And in her declining days she suffered much from rheumatism but her kindly nature asserted itself continuously thruout this trying period of her life and the same sunny countenance that was as much a part of this godly woman during her lifetime, continued until the end, concluding her earthly existence and carrying her onward to the nobler and better life beyond.

Margaret Adeline Parks was born in Sparta, Illinois, December 15, 1844, and died in Benkelman, Nebraska, November 8, 1932.

She was married to Thomas Hamilton, February 13, 1862. They moved to Clay county, Illinois, where they farmed until 1887 when they came to Dundy county, Nebraska, and took a homestead north of Parks. After making proof on the homestead. they moved to Benkelman where her home has been ever since.

Seven children were born to them. The father and four of the children have passed on before, leaving Clyde C. Hamilton of Morrison, Colorado, Mrs. C. A. Specker and H. P. Hamilton of Benkelman, besides eight grand-children.

She has been a faithful member of the United Presbyterian church for almost as long as it has been a separate church organization.

She has lived a long and useful life and her children unite in paying her that one great tribute, "She hath done what she could."

Harry Hamilton, a pioneer Dundy county citizen, passed away at a Benkelman hospital late Saturday night from injuries sustained in a traffic accident at near eight o'clock on highway 61, when he was struck by an automobile while en route home. Death resulted from a brain concussion.

The accident occurred near the intersection of California Street and Highway 61, southwest of the Glenard Phelps residence and northeast from the C. E. Uphouse residence. Mr. Hamilton was en route to his home in Hiddleston Addition and had apparently been walking north on the highway on the left side, a practice advocated for pedestrians using the highway. As he crossed the highway to enter California street, east bound, he was struck by the right front fender of the Pete Knapp car and was carried a distance of some twenty-five feet on the fender and hood of the Knapp car before the vehicle could be stopped. When the Knapp car was stopped, Mr. Hamilton fell to the paving and it is thought that it was at this time that he sustained the fatal injury. Sheriff Glenard Phelps and Preston Stroup, who were driving] south on Highway 61, were the first to arrive at the scene. Mrs. Uphouse, who had heard the crash, was standing at her doorway and upon instructions from the sheriff summoned Dr.G. A. Morehouse and Mr. Hamilton was given almost immediate medical attention.

It was first thought that Mr. Hamilton had suffered only shock and a severe laceration of the calf of the left, leg. He later regained consciousness briefly before the injury to his brain resulted in his passing.

In recounting the particulars of the accident, Pete Knapp told the County Coroner, Daniel E. Owen, at the inquest on Monday that he was en route home on Highway 61 and had met several cars coming from the north. A few seconds before the accident he had dimmed his lights for a south-bound car and that just after. this car had passed he saw Mr. Hamilton in front of him. It occurred to Mr. Knapp that his best chance to miss him would he to pull to the center of the highway inasmuch as Mr. Hamilton was nearer the right side and he applied his brakes and turned left. He said that the situation was ill-timed and that if he had had another second's time his right fender would have cleared Mr. Hamilton, but such was not the case and Mr. Hamilton was struck by the right fender and was carried on the fender and the hood until the car stopped. In consideration of the evidence produced in the case the coroner's jury pronounced the accident to have been unavoidable.

The witnesses at the inquest were Dr. G. A. Morehouse, Sheriff Glenard Phelps, Preston Stroup and Pete Knapp. The coroner’s jury consisted of John E. Ham, W. G. Barger, A. J. Grimmeiss, H. G. Selby, W. C. Edwards and Floyd Rickard. The inquest was held at the Laughlin Funeral Home.

Funeral services were performed at the Methodist Church in Benkelman on Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Paul Boyles in charge. Singers were! Mrs. T. E. Maranville, M,. C. D. Mason, Lloyd Boswell and R. D. DrulIner, Sr., with Mrs. D. L. Ough at the piano. Pallbearers were W. C. Hanson, Reece Hardwick, Ray Ham, G. J. Owens, Sam Owens and Kenneth Oakley. The Laughlin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Harry Parks Hamilton was born January 30, 1874 at Xenia, Illinois, to Thomas and Adeline Hamilton, and met his death January 25, 1947 at Benkelman, Nebraska, lacking five days of reaching his 73rd birthday.

In 1887 the Hamilton family. which included five children, together with a dozen neighbor families, migrated to Nebraska in covered wagons and settled north of Parks in Dundy county.

With the exception of one year spent at Stafford. Kansas; two years at Ft. Morgan, Colorado and two years in Chicago attending school, he lived his entire life from the age of thirteen in Dundy county.

He was one of the early school teachers in the county and took a very active part in many of the social and business enterprises of Benkelman in his younger days. He had been active in church work since joining the old Parks Church at the age of fourteen, and had served in many capacities in the churches of Benkelman, his present membership being in the local Methodist church.

After serving as a rural mail carrier during the first World War and having suffered such loss of hearing as to prevent his former easy dealing with the public, he took up farming, which occupation he followed for the next twenty years.

Although isolated from the world of sound, he developed an exceptional ability as an observer and his enjoyment of sports and the out of doors seemed to grow rather than diminish with the passing years.

He was united in marriage to Rebecca M. Work on November 17, 1898 and to this marriage two sons were born, Cleland Parks Hamilton, who died in infancy, and Elbert Work Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca of the home in Benkelman: a son, Elbert. and daughter-in-law. Edna, of Iowa City, Iowa; a brother, Clyde Hamilton of Denver, Colorado; two granddaughters, Suzanne and Mary Margaret of Iowa City; four nephews: three nieces and many more distant relatives, as well as a host of friends. young and old.

Howard L. Hamilton, prominent Benkelman business man for forty years, expired at his home in Benkelman on Monday morning at the age of 67 years. He had been in failing health for several years. Funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Alvin Danielson officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery under the direction of Jay's Funeral Home.

Mr. Hamilton was one of the best known of the business people on Chief Street for many years and was highly regarded by the members of several generations of families who resided in Dundy county and adjacent territory. As a druggist, he had occasion to meet family members bringing prescriptions in the interest of persons in sickness and distress and he was always honest in his interest in their welfare. He was a man small in physical stature, but with a great heart and a warm and outgoing personality. Almost everyone knew him as "Snap," a lifelong nickname probably placed for his quickness of body and spirit. His passing is a great loss to thousands of persons whose lives had been touched by his friendship.

Mr. Hamilton is survived by his widow, Bernice (Morehouse) Hamilton; a brother, Willard, of Wichita, Kansas; and his faithful brother and business partner, Lee Hamilton, with whom he was associated in the long operation of the Hamilton Drug Co. Howard was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church, Justice Lodge No. 180, AF&AM, and the Tehama Shrine and affiliated Masonic bodies at Hastings, Nebraska.

He was born in Benkelman on August 22, 1901, the son of William C. Hamilton and Evelyn Logan. He was educated in the Benkelman schools and after his graduation from pharmacy college later entered the partnership with his brother in 1920.

Howard Logan Hamilton, son of William Ciemence and Evelyn Logan Hamilton, was born on a farm near Benkelman, Nebraska, on August 22, 1901. Death came at his home in Benkelman on January 27. 1969. Survivors include his wife, Bernice, an his brother, Lee, of Benkelman; half-brother, Willard, of Wichita, Kansas, and their families. His parents and his first wife preceded him in death.

Howard was left motherless at the age of three years. After that time he, with his father and brother Lee, made their home with his paternal grandparents.

Lee T. Hamilton, a Benkelman merchant for 41 years, passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on Saturday of a heart attack. He was 77 years of age and had been involved in his last illness for five days.

Survivors include his wife, Maude Lucille Hamilton. daughter, Doris Evelyn Johnson and husband, Henry of Aurora, Colorado, two grandsons, Jerry and Jim Johnson, half-brother, Willard Hamilton of Wichita, Kansas, sister-in-law. Bernice Hamilton, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman on Wednesday morning with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Mrs. Betty Erdman was the organist, and LaNeta Anderson, the soloist. Bearers were Howard Miller, Joe Peirano, Bill Reade, Frank Weiss, Lee Gallatin and Royce Anderson. Honorary bearers were Jacob Bauer, Tom, Ballard, Paul Morris, E. F. Ham. Elmer Barger and Dick Jourdan. Graveside services were performed by Justice Lodge No. 180, AF&AM. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Lee Thomas Hamilton was born to William Clemence and Evelyn Logan Hamilton at Burchard, Nebraska. on August 20, 1894. He came to Dundy county to live on a farm with his parents northwest of Benkelman and later resided in Benkelman where he attended the Benkelman schools and graduated with the class of 1914. He was employed by the Hastings & Thatcher Lumber Company at Venango, Nebraska from 1915-1920 and it was here that he and his bride, Maude Lucille Davis, began their wedded life. They were married on April 10th, 1915 and on the day that Mr. Hamilton fell ill they observed their 57th wedding anniversary.

It was in 1920 that Mr. Hamilton and his brother, the late Howard "Snap" Hamilton, began their 41-year partnership in the drug business in Benkelman. It was to continue until 1961 when retirement seemed the best course for the partners.

The 41 years of business experience in Benkelman came during the formative years of the character of Benkelman and Lee Hamilton was among those who developed the progressive nature of the town. Mr. Hamilton served his community in many ways. He was a member of the village board from 1924-32 and was in large part responsible for the promotion of the concrete paving on Benkelman's main street, a very ambitious project for those days, which gave Benkelman one of the best business districts in this end of the state. He helped develop the municipal light and water systems and was always a progressive booster of better schools. He was a man of judgment and could reach people by diplomatic conversation and when he was part of a movement, that effort merited the public respect. He was diligent in his work but he always had time to give thoughtful service to his community. He was the Red Cross county chairman for many years. served as secretary of the Dundy County Fair for many years and worked in all ways to advance the community he served. During World War II he was the Benkelman chairman for War Bond sales and devoted a great deal of effort for that worthy cause for which he received a fine letter of commendation.

For many years Mr. Hamilton was the secretary of the Benkelman Cemetery Association and he had a large part in the development of the cemetery to its present level of refinement. The cemetery was maintained for many years by public subscription and it was the faithful duty of Mr. Hamilton to see that funds were provided to keep the cemetery presentable. He was one of the organizers of the present financial system through a small tax levy. Bringing this about required enabling legislation at Lincoln and considerable promotion on the local level and was an accomplishment of considerable importance.

Mr. Hamilton was a member of the Benkelman United Methodist church and Justice Lodge 180 AF&AM of Benkelman. Lee Hamilton was one of the builders in Benkelman's history and certainly merited the high regard and affection which his and succeeding generations of citizens held for him.

(Researcher note: Burial records show a date of birth of 8-20-1894 and a date of death of 4-15-1972.)

Judge W. C. Hamilton passed away at the family home in Benkelman near four o'clock Monday morning, following his long and courageous battle against cancer. His death was not unexpected for it was known during the closing days of his life that the end could not be far off.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. C. Foster at the United Presbyterian church Tuesday forenoon and were very largely attended by friends and admirers who came from far and near to pay their last solemn respects to the deceased. Interment was made in the Benkelman cemetery.

The illness that finally led to the demise of Judge Hamilton developed almost a year ago. Mr. Hamilton took immediate steps in the direction of medical attention. First he visited Denver surgeons, then McCook, then Wichita, then Savannah, Missouri, and finally the radium treatment as given by Doctor Quigley at Omaha. This last treatment was the only one in which it is now felt might have been successful had not the progress of the disease been so advanced. For several weeks it seemed that the disease had been slowed down and at times there was ground for encouragement that it might eventually be cured. However, about thirty days ago Mr. Hamilton's condition continued worse and despite the faithful and never tiring efforts of the family, friends and physicians, could not be controlled. For the past few days it was known definitely that the sufferer could not much longer endure.

Judge Hamilton was a pioneer in Dundy county, coming here in early manhood and making this his home ever since. For a time he was engaged in farming and then moved to Benkelman where he engaged in business. In 1908 he was elected to the office of county judge in which position he served until his death. He was a man of natural judicial ability and of clerical attainment and his long service in the county judge's office stands as a monument to faithful, honest and untiring service. Judge Hamilton took a prominent part in the religious, social and political life of the community he loved so well and labored unceasingly for its upbuilding. He was a life member of the United Presbyterian church and worked untireing!v to make the influence of the church felt in the moral being of the community. He was ever opposed to evil and vice in all its forms and was constantly arrayed in the struggle against it. He had a very great part indeed in removing Benkelman in its earlier history from the cow camp status and tendencies of the day to a course lending to better and improved living conditions and an elevated moral atmosphere.

He was a man of very strong convistions and had the moral courage to sustain it, yet he was broad enough to understand the shortcomings and frailties of human kind and complained not of life or the conditions that surrounded it, making the struggle for better things discouraging and tediously slow in results at times. In the past year he recognized the serious threat brought to his life through disease, yet he accepted his lot uncomplainingly, underwent the constant and terrible suffering that it occasioned bravely and entered into the last lap of the earthly journey with a faith and confidence that was so abundantly his during his years of service and toil in life.

The sympathies of the entire community go out to the faithful wife, the sorrowing sons, the aged mother, the brothers and sisters and other relatives who have lost so much in his passing, but they indeed mourn not without hope for their beloved relative in the greater, broader life beyond where the reward for consistent stewardship, faith, hope and charity await the faithful at the end of life's sometimes rough and uncertain road.

William Clemence Hamilton was born in Clay county, Illinois, April 28th, 1871. He came with his parents to Nebraska in 1887. The family located at Parks.

On February 22nd, 1893 he was married to Evalyn Logan, the mother of Lee and Howard. Their mother passed away on February 11th, 1905,

On June 30th, 1909 he was rnarried to Katie Lee Coleman, and to this union were born two children, Willard and a daughter who lived but a very short time.

He became a member of the United Presbyterian church when a boy and has been a ruling elder of the church for 25 years.

He had been county judge of Dundy county for the past sixteen years. His heart was in his work, and his one ambition was to be a just judge. He was stricken early last year with the dread disease, cancer, and made a heroic fight for life, but passed peacefully away at 3:30 A. M. March 31st, 1924, at his home in Benkelman, Nebraska. He‘was 52 years, 11 months and 3 days of age.

Of his immediate family surviving, are his wife and three sons, Lee, Howard and Willard, who have remained always faithful to him in his struggle for life. Also his daughter in-law and granddaughter Doris; his aged mother, one sister, two brothers, three nieces, two nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Olio Edna Hampton, 90, of Imperial, died Tuesday, February 2nd at the Imperial Manor.

She is survived by one son, Wilfred E. Hampton of Imperial; two daughters, Mrs. Jack (Velma) Smith of Imperial and Mrs. Paul (Wilda) Stewart of Pueblo, Colorado; two brothers, Roy Mathews of El Paso, Texas, and Clifford Mathews of Imperial; two sisters, Mrs. Florence Strobridge of Torrance, California, and Mrs. Doris Williams of Benkelman; nine grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Services for Mrs. Hampton were held Thursday morning, February 24th at ten o'clock at the Westside Church of Christ, Imperial, with the Rev. Lloyd Overby officiating.

Interment was in the Mount Hope cemetery under the direction of Creveling Funeral Home of Imperial.

Mrs. Henry Hampton, mother of Mrs. L.E. Walker, of this city, died at her home at Long Beach, Calif., Thursday morning after a sicness covering several months.

Mrs. Walker had been at her bedside for several weeks previous but had only returned home a few days, believing conditions to be improved, when the sad news followed.

Mrs. Hampton was well known in Benkelman, having lived here for years with her family previous to their removal to Oregon and later to California some years ago.

IMPERIAL — Wilford Eugene Hampton, 67, died Sunday at the Chase County Hospital.

He is survived by his widow, Geneva; one son, William (Bill) Hampton of Dallas, Tex.; two daughters, Mrs. Raymond (Bernita) Greeley of Imperial and Mrs. Morris (Loretta) Jennings of Dallas; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Mrs. Jack (Velma) Smith of Imperial and Mrs. Paul (Wilda) Stewart of Pueblo, Colo.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. (MDT) Wednesday at the United Methodist Church. The Rev. Robert Call will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Creveling Funeral Home. A memorial fund has been established in Mr. Hampton's name.

Willard Hampton, pioneer resident of Dundy county, died at the General hospital at Buffalo, Wyoming, on August 13th following a stroke of paralysis. Funeral services were held at Buffalo on August 16th and interment was in the Willow Springs cemetery there.

It had been a long time since Mr. Hampton lived in this community where he was very active in its business field. He came to Dundy county as a boy with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Hampton, who filed on a homestead near the Kansas state line, and lived there for many years. The farm is now better known to Dundy county people as the Sam Hanson farm. Willard attended school here, engaged in the cattle business, learned the barber trade and operated a shop for some time and served as agent for the Northwestern Cattle Company interests in this county, etc., until his marriage to Miss Ida Jessee, following which he bought and operated a ranch south of town for a few years and then went to Kansas City where he studied to become a veterinary.

After completing his course he and Mrs. Hampton located at Buffalo where he not only became one of the leading veterinarians in that section but one of its foremost ranchers as well and he carried on in a manner befitting his marked energy and ambition until about six years ago when he was overtaken by the affliction that later claimed his life. He made a partial recovery and since then had continued in the practise of his profession and likewise continued the management of his ranch although he greatly reduced his operations in that line. During the years that Willard lived here, he built up a large circle of friends who will deeply regret to learn of his departure and who will unite in extending sympathies to his bereaved and sorrowing wife.

Willard Hampton, the only child of W. B. and Prudy Hampton. was born August 7, 1871, near Hamburg, Iowa, being six days over 73 years of age at the time of his death. He was educated near his birthplace in Iowa, and was married to Miss Ida Jessee in Dundy county, Nebraska, October 6, 1895. He later attended the Kansas City Veterinary college, graduating with the class of 1909. He came with his wife and mother to Buffalo in March, 1917, and has resided here continuously until the time of his death. He leaves no near relatives other than his widow, who resides in Buffalo.

For many years, until his health failed, Dr. and Mrs. Hampton lived on their ranch on Rock creek, looking after his profession in addition, and they had become one of the prominent and highly respected families of the county.

Dr. Hampton bad many friends in Johnson county, all of whom will regret his passing. He was a man of kindly disposition, honest, conscientious and cheerful. Every child in the community was a personal friend and every dog and cat was his especial worry, as he loved both children and pets and would spend hours visiting with them. He is going to be sadly missed in this community, and his place will be hard to fill.

TRENTON -- Carl Douglas Hanes, 79, died Wednesday (July 21, 2004) at his home in Trenton.

He was born April 10, 1925, to George M. and Mary Alice (Matney) Hanes in St. Francis. He grew up in the Parks and Haigler communities, where he received his education.

On May 23, 1949, he married Patricia Doak. The couple divorced and she preceded him in death in 1983.

On Nov. 14, 1963, he married Frances Maxine (Cemer) Hanes in McCook. The couple made their home on a farm in Stratton.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Doak in 1983; his second wife, Maxine on March 7, 1994; seven brothers, John, Elmer, Henry, Albert, Wayne, Jim and Alfred; three sisters, Anna Binkey, Susie Burr and Modesta Kuhns.

Survivors include one son, Wade Hanes of Blair; three daughters, Kathy McNerny and husband, Doug of Madison, Connie Meyer and Celia Trevino, both of Holdrege; step-children, DeWayne Hanes and wife, Sandra of Broken Bow, David Hanes and wife, Gail of Culbertson, Judy Brunk and husband, Earl of McCook, Carol Barber and husband, Gary of Culbertson, Beck Ebert and husband, Randy of Platteville, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; and 20 step-great-grandchildren.

Services are Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at the Herrmann Memorial Chapel in McCook with Jim Housh officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Elmer Earl Hanes, son of George N. and Mary Alice (Matney) Hanes, was born June 18, 1927, in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and died February 1, 1987, in the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 59 years, 7 months and 13 days. Elmer was the youngest of 12 children.

Elmer lived most of his life in Dundy County, moving with his family at the age of two to a farm north of Parks, Nebraska. He attended the McCallister School District No. 39.

On April 18, 1951, he was united in marriage to Barbara Kuhns in Benkelman. They were blessed with three sons, Dennis, Mark and Jerry.

Elmer worked on several ranches before moving his family to Benkelman. He was employed by the State of Nebraska Department of Roads in 1954 and worked there for 32 years until ill health forced him into retirement.

Elmer was a kind and loving husband and father. He was known for his unselfish life and concern for others. Even during his intense illness his greatest concern was for his family. His friendship touched many lives. His granddaughters, Jessica and Jackie, were his pride and joy.

Preceding Elmer in death were his parents; four brothers, Bert, Alfred, Jim and Henry, and two sisters, Anna and Margaret.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; three sons: Dennis and his wife, Joyce, of Max, Nebraska, Mark and his wife, Vickey, and daughters, Jessica and Jacqueline, of Benkelman, and Jerry of Benkelman; two sisters, Susie Burr of St. Francis, Kansas, and Modesta Scherbondy of Lincoln, Nebraska; three brothers; Wayne and his wife, Kathy, of Advance, North Carolina, John and his wife, Dollie, of Trenton, Nebraska, and Carl and his wife, Maxine, of Stratton, Nebraska; three step-grandchildren: Julie Carter and husband, Bob, stationed in Germany, Rick and Scott Keeten of Max; two step-great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Misty Carter, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services were held February 5, 1987, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman. The Rev. Robert Sander officiated.

Organist was Mary Baney. Carol and Robert Sander sang the selections "One Day At A Time" and "The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference."

Bearers were Jack Wilson, Larry Peterson, Sam Ellis, Bill Wiggins, Gary Miner and Robert Reichert.

Honorary bearers were Andy Anderson, Al Anderson, Jack Welch, Rex Roundtree, Randy Williams, David Merklin, Lawrence Richard, Douglas Dutton, Mark Rosenfelt, Mitch Case and Jim Needham.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman. The funeral was conducted by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

George M. Hanes, a resident of the Parks community for many years, passed away on Saturday after an illness of many months.

George Marvin Hanes departed this life June 13, 1959, at the Morehouse hospital in Benkelman, where he had been confined for four days. He had been in failing health for several months prior to his entry into the hospital fol medical care.

George Marvin Hanes, son of John and Hester Hanes, was born November 8, 1880, at Farmington, N. C., and passed away on June 13, 1959, at the age of 78 years, seven months and five days.

His early childhood was spent in North Carolina, then later went to Gilman, Iowa, where he met and married Mary Alice Matney on June 29, 1904.

In 1920 they moved to Cheyenne County, Kansas, and in 1930 moved to a farm north of Parks where they lived till 1944, at which time they moved to Parks.

He was a kind and loving father always thinking of others and was liked by all who knew him.

He will be remembered by his family and friends as a thoughtful man helping those in need. He will be sadly missed, but his mode of living will be treasured for years to come.

He leaves to mourn his passing eleven children, Annie, Susie, Margaret, Jim, Alfred, Wayne, Henry, John, Modesta, Carl and Elmer; thirty-seven grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren, two sisters, Lucy Hilsabeck of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Betty Hanes of Advance, N. C., and many other relatives and a host of friends.

Henry Hanes, a life-long resident of Cheyenne county, Kansas and Dundy County, Nebraska, passed away at the Dundy county hospital in Benkelman at the age of 52.

He was born to George M. and Mary Alice Hanes in Laurel, Iowa, on May 21, 1918, and accompanied his parents and family to a farm in Cheyenne county when he was eight years old. The family moved to Parks in 1930.

He was married to Nina Bell Kuhns on November 13, 1952, and to this union seven children were born, namely, James of Lincoln, Timothy in Vietnam, Jeanne, Thomas, Nina Louise and Lora Elaine, all at home; four sisters, Susie Burr of St. Francis, Anna Beiber of Benkelman, Modesta Sherbondy of Milford, and Margaret Kuhns of Joplin, Missouri; four brothers, Elmer of Benkelman, Carl of Stratton, John of Trenton, and Wayne of Advance, North Carolina.

Mr. Hanes was employed by the state highway department for 16 years. He and his wife and family had been Benkelman residents since 1952. He was stricken with emphysema ten years ago and had been incapicated and confined to his home for the last four years.

Funeral services were held at the Trinity South Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 31st, with the pastor, Rev. Bob Mustian officiating. The soloist was Donna Merklin, accompanied by Jeff Janousek at the piano. Casket bearers were Asa Brown, Lawrence and Vearl Richard, David Merklin, Lewis Gooder and Ellsworth Wilson.

Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery under the direction of Jay's Funeral Home.

Henry Tommy Hanes died June 6 at the Dundy County Hospital. He was born July 14, 1955 in St. Francis, Kan. to Henry Hanes and Nina Kuhns Hanes.

He is survived by his mother, Nina Kuhns Hanes McCullough and his step-father, Leo McCullough, Benkelman; four sisters, Mrs. Clyde (Jeanne) Draper, Benkelman; Mrs. Frank (Alice) Gutierrez, Max and Louise and Lora Hanes, Benkelman; one step-sister, Jennifer McCullough, Benkelman; two brothers, James, Imperial and Tim, Benkelman; grandfather, Sam Kuhns, Parks; and grandmother, Mildred Kephart, Fort Morgan, Colo.

He was preceeded in death by his father, Henry Hanes; grandparents, Alice and George Hanes; and step-grandfather, Ralph Kephart.

Services were Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. MDT at the Jones Funeral Chapel, Benkelman, with the Rev. Delbert Callaway officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery.

TRENTON--John Arnold Hanes died Saturday, January 16, 1993, at his home in Trenton, Nebraska, at the age of 72.

He was born August 7, 1920, in Cheyenne County, Kansas, the son of the late George and Alice (Matney) Hanes.

John grew up on a farm in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and attended Parks (Nebraska) High School.

On May 1, 1942, he entered the United States Army Air Corps serving during World War II.

Following his discharge on October 19, 1945, they returned to Southwest Nebraska and have spent most of their married life in the Trenton community where he farmed and was engaged in auto repair before Joining Amen Construction where he was employed for 15 years until retiring in 1979.

He was a member of the Massacre Canyon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10561 at Trenton.

Preceding him death were two infant sons and a son, Robert L. Hanes, in 1972; one granddaughter, Audria Voeller, on June 16, 1973; one grandson, Heath Todd, in 1992; five brothers, Bert, Jim, Henry, Elmer and Alfred Hanes, and two sisters, Anna Binkey and Margaret Kuhns.

John is survived by his wife, Dolly; 4 sons, John Michael Hanes, Charles "Ed" Hanes, Nolan Hanes and Kenneth Hanes, all of Trenton; 2 daughters, Patti and her husband, Don Voeller, of St. Francis, and Lana and her husband, Bill Keller, of Sidney, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Carl Hanes of Stratton, Nebraska, and Wayne Hanes of Advance, North Carolina, and 2 sisters, Susie Burr of St. Francis and Modesta Sherbondy of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 19, 1993, at 2 p.m. at the Church of God in Trenton with the Rev. Sandy Evans officiating. Interment was in the Trenton Cemetery.

Pearle D. Hanes Rook was born Jan. 5, 1912, the oldest child of 10 children born to Benjamin Franklin and Cora Belle (Anders) Nunn. She was born in Solomon, Kan., and attended school at Niles, Kan. A longtime resident of Dundy County, she died Monday, March 11, 1996. She had spent the last several years at Heritage Home in Wauneta, Neb.

During the summer of 1928, a young man by the name of Bert Leroy Hanes was working the wheat harvest in Kansas when he saw Pearle on the street in Niles. He immediately told a friend that she was the girl he was going to marry. They did fall in love and married on Oct. 13, 1928, in Minneapolis, Kan., and returned to Nebraska. Two children, Bert Jr. and Gloria Kay, were born to this union.

She worked as a housekeeper for many families in the area, was an assistant postmistress, a CB&Q Railway Express agent, a store clerk and a nurse aide at Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb.

She was active with school, church and county extension activities. She was always quick and more than willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. She will be remembered for her love of music and her natural ability to play the piano and accordion. She had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. More importantly, she embraced life and gave back so much of herself. She received baptism and joined the Methodist Church in Parks, Neb., in 1959.

She was preceded in death by her husband. Bert Sr., their son, Bert Jr., a half-sister, Eunice Hornback, and two brothers, Jim and George.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Miyoka Hanes of Killeen, Texas; a daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Harry McClain of Park Hill, Okla.; seven grandchildren, Nancy Finchum of Wisconsin, Rose Ann and husband, Richard Lemmon, of Hawaii, Richard Emmett Hanes of Dallas, Texas, Mitchell Douglas Hanes of Killeen, Maria Faye and husband, Ricky Lee, of Arizona, Gloria Dawn and husband, John Ward, of Wisconsin and Shaun Harrison McClain and wife, Franci, of Corpus Christi, Texas; her great-grandchildren, Lisa Finchum, Rachel and Sherl Ward, Jason and Ricky Lee, Traci, Amber and Vanessa Lemmon and Jessica and Jonah Hanes; her brothers and sisters, Mary Toothman of Salina, Kan., Benjamin Franklin Nunn and wife, Darlene, of Wichita, Kan., Cora B. Herrington of Minneapolis, Charles Leroy Nunn of Salina, Evelyne Merilida and husband, Clifford Allison, of Niles, Raymond Patterson Nunn and wife, Millie, of Minneapolis and Lavina Amelia Dailey of Salina; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Susie Burr of St. Francis, Kan., Wayne Hanes and wife, Katherine, of Advance, N.C., Alice Modesta Sherbondy of Lincoln, Neb., Carl Douglas Hanes of Stratton, Neb., Barbara Hanes of Benkelman and Nina Bell Oakley of Max, Neb., and numerous nieces and nephews with families.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 14, 1996, at 10:30 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Matt Fowler officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist and Marilyn Zarkowski the soloist. Selections included "Beautiful' Isle Of Somewhere" and "Beyond The Sunset."

Bearers were Dennis Hanes, Nason Wilson, Tom Ellis, Doyle Criger, Hal Tecker and Tim Hanes. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman in charge of arrangements.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 1-5-1912 and a death date of 3-11-1996. Records also show that she was married to Bert Hanes and Basil Rook. Pearle is buried with her first husband, Bert Hanes. Basil Rook is buried in the Haigler cemetery and those records show that he was married to Pearle Hanes.)