H - Page 2 - Obits

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.)

KEARNEY—Terrence James “TJ" Hanlin died Tuesday, December 4, 1990, at a rural location south of Kearney, Nebraska, at the age of 31.

He was born May 18, 1959, in Hebron, Nebraska, to James and Pauline (Rudiger) Hanlin. He grew up in Fairbury and graduated from high school there in 1977. He attended Kearney State College.

TJ was employed by Yanda's Music of Kearney as a salesman. He also was a self-employed musician playing with several bands. He owned and operated 7 Hills Recording Studio of Kearney.

On August 9, 1980, he married Rhonda Wood at Imperial. They had made their home in Kearney since that time.

He attended First Baptist Church of Kearney and was a member of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his wife; his parents, Pauline of Kearney and James of Fairbury; maternal grandmother, Rose Rudiger of Grand Island, and sisters, Jayne Wiese of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, and Judy Gifford of Kearney.

Services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 7, 1990, at the First Baptist Church of Kearney with the Rev. Stan Murdoch officiating.

Interment was in Kearney Cemetery with Godberson Mortuary of Kearney in charge of arrangements.

McCOOK--Margaret Elizabeth Hannah was born Jan. 13, 1907, at Stratton, Neb., to Alvin P. Earnest and Mary (Holmes) Campbell. She died Tuesday, April 23, 1996, in McCook, Neb.

In 1910 she moved with her family to a homestead in eastern Colorado near Eckley where they lived until 1923, then moved to Boulder, Colo.

She graduated from the state preparatory school in 1924. The following year she entered the teaching profession, continuing for 42 years until her retirement in 1967. During those years she obtained a life certificate from what was then the State Teacher's College in Greeley, Colo., in 1930. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western State College in Silver City, N.M.

She and Charles Errol Hannah were married on Sept. 6, 1956. Most of her life was spent in Boulder. She moved to El Dorado Manor in Trenton, Neb., in February 1995.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1967, her parents and two sisters, Helen Mallory and Irene Earnest.

She is survived by her stepson, Richard Hannah and his wife, Lorraine; two granddaughters, Diana Lynn and husband, Jerry Latta, and Sue and husband, Tom Cassen, and their children, Tommy and Eric; a great-grandson, Clint Latta, his wife, Jody, and their children, Troy and Ariel, and by four great-granddaughters, Shari and husband, Chad Rooney, Joni Latta, Heather Dye and son, Emory, and Heidi and husband, Dean Markland, and sons, Tyler, Todd and Jonathan.

Services were held Friday. April 26, 1996, at 10:30 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Katherine Bullard officiating. Marjorie Redfield was the organist and Wallace Gummere the soloist. Selections were "Going Home," "God Be With You" and "The Lord's Prayer." Interment was at the Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder with the Rev. Terry Zimmerman officiating. Jones Funeral Home, Inc. of Stratton was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Lynn "Dick" Hannah died Tuesday, May 23, 2006, at his rural home south of Stratton, Neb. He was 76 years old.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1930, in Stratton to Charles Errol and Selma Pearl (Evans) Hannah. He grew up in rural Stratton on the family farm and graduated from Stratton High School in 1947.

On Dec. 22, 1950, he married Lorraine Maddux in Stratton. They made their home on the Hannah family farm where they grew wheat and raised livestock.

Dick joined the U.S. Air Force in August 1951 and was stationed in Tripoli, Africa, during the Korean conflict.

He was an active member of the Stratton United Methodist Church for 54 years, serving in many capacities including Sunday school, MYF sponsor and lay leader. Dick served on the Selective Service Board for 13 years. He also served on the Hitchcock County Farm Bureau Board, School Board, Cemetery Board and Pork Producers Board, was vice president of the ASCS and was a 4-H leader for any years. S.

He was among the first in the county to practice ecofallow farming. Farming was Dick's life and love until a disabling stroke Feb. 12, 1996.

Dick enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed teaching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all aspects of the farm life. Even after his debilitating stroke, watching the antics of his grandchildren always brought a raised eyebrow, smile or a chuckle. In his later years Dick was an avid miniature tractor collector and his extensive display was admired by friends and family.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine, of Stratton; daughters Diana Lynn and husband. Jerry Latta, of Stratton and Sue and husband, Tom Cassen, of Berryton, Kan.; grandchildren Clint Latta and wife, Jody, of Stratton, Shari Rooney and husband, Chad, of Lincoln, Neb., Joni Ernst and husband, Ryan, of Lincoln, Heather Dye and husband, Don, of Gering, Neb., Heidi Hueftle of McCook, Neb., Eric Cassen and wife, Shawna, of Topeka, Kan., and Tommie Cassen of Topeka; 16 great-grandchildren, and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2006, at the Stratton Community United Methodist Church with the Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Burial was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton. Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton was in charge of the arrangements.

She was born May 13, 1913, to Elmer and Pearl (Paul) Edwards in Benkelman. She was a graduate of Benkelman High School.

On March 22, 1936, she married Thomas J. Hansen at the Willard Croft residence in Benkelman. The couple made their home on a farm northwest of Benkelman. In 1990, after suffering from the effects of a stroke, she moved to Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home.

She was a member of the Friends Church in Benkelman and the Benkelman Garden Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Pearl Edwards; her husband, Thomas J. Hansen; one son, Marlin Val Gene Hansen; her sister, Ida Carlon; and one brother, Everett "Pete" Edwards.

Survivors include two sons, Stan Hansen and wife, Judy of Benkelman, and Tom D. Hansen of Fremont; her brother, Jim Edwards and wife, Donna of Deming, N.M.; and four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Funeral services are Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., at Forch Funeral Home with Dr. Daniel Marshall officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Mavis Joleen (Fagan) Hansen was born August 11, 1937, the youngest of three children, to Harold and Avis Fagan near Solomon, Kansas, and died January 26, 1995, in her home in Dundy County, Nebraska. at the age of 57 years. 6 months and 14 days.

Her health had been a major problem for several years, but of noticeable decline in the last few months. The cause of death was attributable to heart failure.

She spent her childhood and young years in Quenemo. Kansas, and attended the elementary schools there. She received her high school education in Wichita, Kansas, and graduated from the Friends University there with the Class of 1958, attaining a degree in education.

On June 5, 1959, she was united in marriage to Stanley James Hansen of Benkelman. Nebraska. This union was blessed with two sons. Keith Edward, January 31, 1961, and Guy Alan, November 21, 1962.

Stan and Joleen met at the Friends Quaker Ridge Youth Camp near Woodland Park, Colorado. Their early years of marriage were spent in Dundy County and Mrs. Hansen taught in the elementary school system of Max and Parks, Nebraska.

The Hansens spent some years in Houston, Texas, and Sacramento, California, where Stan was employed as a gunsmith. In 1974 they returned to Dundy County and made their home in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood, their home being the former Pleasant Valley parsonage.

Mrs. Hansen possessed many talents and abilities, was a certified librarian and worked at The Benkelman Post & News-Chronicle newspaper office.

She was a devoted, kind and caring wife, mother and friend. She was diligent in expressing her concern and love to others by cards, notes and words and wrote many notes of appreciation and encouragement.

She was active in the Friends Church having served in many capacities such as Sunday school teacher, spiritual life chairman, chorister and vacation Bible school and on many committees.

Mrs. Hansen was also active in community affairs, helping at the library. with extension club work and with the Women's Club.

At a young age. she became a Christian accepting Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, and remained a dedicated Christian, willing to serve in many areas. Her utmost desire was to be in the center of God's Will.

Some of her special interests and hobbies were gourmet cooking and attending yard and antique sales where she delighted in finding different salt and pepper shakers.

Survivors include her husband; her son. Keith, and grandson, Christopher James, of Tulsa, Oklahoma: her son, Guy, and his wife, Kenetha, of York, Pennsylvania, a sister, Clarene Dehn of Topeka. Kansas: a brother, Veryl Fagan. of LaJunta. Colorado: her mother-in-law, Mabel J. Hansen, who resides at the Hester Home in Benkelman: several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Interment was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Dundy County, Nebraska, on January 30, 1995, at 9:30 am. A memorial service was held at the Friends Church in Benkelman at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Keith Haisch officiating. Ernestine Hendrickson was the organist and Gloria Marshall the pianist. The Rev. Daniel and Gloria Marshall sang “All Because Of God's Amazing Grace" and "It Is Well With My Soul." "Faith Is A Victory" was sung by the congregation.

Bearers were Marty Lutz, Macey Hansen. Mikey Lutz, Scott Shillington. Denny Vrbas and Brian Haisch. Honorary bearers were Gary Stamm, Bud Parman, Roger Shillington, Wilfred Hansen. Gene Hansen, Johnny Mays and Jim Baney.

OMAHA--Bernice F. (Jetter) Hansen of Omaha, Nebraska, and a former Parks, Nebraska, resident, died November 2, 1994, at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha at the age of 77 years, 10 months and 27 days.

On December 25, 1963, she married Albert G. Hansen at Omaha and they operated the Crescent Bar Ranch for several years in Dundy County near Parks.

Survivors include two sisters: Ellouise Ziegler and Dorothy and her husband, Robert Pfister Sr.; a brother, Bernard Jetter, and two sisters-in-law: Alice Jetter and Kathryn Jetter, all of0maha.

A funeral service was held Friday, November 4, 1994, at 8:30 a. m. in the West Center Chapel at Omaha with the Rev. John Pettit of the Lowe Avenue Presbyterian Church officiating. Organist was Alice Gerard and Jerry Brabec sang "How Great Thou Art" and “The Church Is One Foundation."

The graveside service was held Saturday. November 5, at 10:30 a. m. at the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman, Nebraska, with the Rev. Douglas Allen, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman officiating.

Pallbearers were John Jetter, Bud Habenicht, Robert Pfister Jr., Robert Pfister Sr., Donald Jetter and Bernard Jetter. Honorary bearers were Wilfred Hansen, Otto W. Nilsson, Charles McDonald, LeRoy Kuck, Robert E. Roh, Peter M. Graff, Vinton Jones and Hugh Eisenhart.

BENKELMAN -- Mabel N. Hansen, 85, died Thursday (August 14, 2003) at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

She was born Jan. 28, 1918, to Frank and Gladys (Williamson) Little on their farm north of Doane. She attended school at District 36 near her home. She graduated from Benkelman High School in 1937.

In December of 1939, she married Eugene A. Hansen, and they moved to a farm north of Benkelman. The couple retired and moved to a home in Benkelman in 1980.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Gladys Little; her husband, Eugene Hansen in 1999; two sons, Maurice Hansen and Frankie Hansen; one sister, Leta Henderson; and one brother, Francis Little.

Survivors include two sisters, Deloris Connley of Many, La., and Wilda Alsbury of Benkelman; one brother, Charlie Little and wife, Ingrid of Aurora, Colo.; and one grandson, Frank Hansen, Jr., and his wife, Trista of McCook.

Services were today at Forch Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Robert Sander officiating. Interment was at Benkelman Cemetery.

BENKELMAN -- Velma Mabel Hansen, 92, died Tuesday (Dec. 28, 2004) at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

She was born Nov. 10, 1912, in Dundy County to Emery and Bertha (Rickard) Miller. She attended schools in Dundy County and was the salutatorian of the 1932 graduating class of Benkelman High School. After high school, she was an elementary teacher for one year at District No. 21 in Dundy County.

On Nov. 27, 1932, she married Marvin M. Hansen. To this union five children were born: Wilfred, Ellen, Lyle, Elaine and Duane. She taught school for one year, before becoming a homemaker. The couple farmed and ranched until her husband's death in 1980.

She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Friends Church. After the church closed, she became a member of the Benkelman United Methodist Church. She volunteered with the Pleasant Valley Missionary Society.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Leonard; sister, Blanche; husband, Marvin; son, Lyle; and grandson, Donnie Hansen.

Survivors include her children, Wilfred and wife, Helen Hansen, Ellen and husband, Gene Teeter, Elaine and husband, Clifford Damrow and Duane and wife, Pattie Hansen; daughter-in-law, Barbara Hansen Pursley; 16 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Services are Friday, 11 a.m. (MST) at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with her son, Duane Hansen officiating. Interment will be in Benkelman Cemetery.

Luella A. Hansen, daughter of John and Maggie Stamm, was born on the family farm north of Benkelman, Nebr. on May 24, 1889, and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital of a heart attack on Sept. 15,1978, at the age of 89 years, 3 months, and 22 days.

She was united in marriage to Albert J. Hansen Dec. 18, 1910 at Benk.elman, Nebr. and she and her husband established their home on the homestead in Yuma County, Colo., 11 miles southeast of Yuma. To this happy union five children were born: Thomas, Marvin, Eugene, Velma, and Margie.

The family attended the Bethel Nazarene Church near Yuma, Colo. and she was converted into the Christian Faith at the age of 31 years.

In March of 1926, the family moved to Dundy County and continued their occupation of farming in the Pleasant Valley community, transferring their membership to the Pleasant Valley Friends Church where they worshiped together and Luella continued to be a loyal and faithful member as long as her health permitted, continuing her membership with the Benkelman Friends Church until her death.

She used her God-given talents to the Glory of her Master, teaching Sunday School, helping with music, and giving unselfishly of her time and efforts to promote the missionary program of her church.

Ella, as she was personally known by those who knew her, was a kind and loving person. She was an efficient homemaker, a devoted wife and loving mother and was always ready to respond to the needs of her family and neighbors.

In the fall of 1947, she and her husband retired from the farm and moved to Benkelman. They enjoyed their retirement home, but never lost touch with the farm.

After her husband passed away on April 5, 1955, she continued to live alone until Sept. 1973 and was then a resident of the Hester Home until her final illness.

Memories of her will always include seeing her busy working in her garden and yard and using her skills of needlework. The articles of crocheting, tatting, and quilting created by her nimble fingers will be fondly cherished by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert J.; her parents; three brothers, Frank, Ernest, and William; four sisters, Delia and Lucy, (Mary and Elizabeth died in infancy) three grandsons, Val Gene Hansen, Maurice Hansen, and Frankie Hansen, and one great-grandson, Donnie Gene Hansen.

The family members surviving her include three sons: Thomas J. and wife Mabel, Marvin M. and wife Velma, Eugene A. and wife Mable of Benkelman; and two daughters, Velma Case and husband Wilbur of Benkelman, and Margie Bartels and husband Gustav of Wauneta; twelve grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roy Stamm and wife Erma, Forrest Stamm and wife Martha., two sisters-in-law, Zella Stamm and Della Stamm all of Benkelman;: and a number of nephews and nieces.

Albert George Hansen, son of William T. and Lucy Belle Stamm Hansen, was born February 18, 1904, in a soddy on his father's homestead northwest of Benkelman, and passed away at his own Crescent Bar Ranch on July 25, 1985.

Young Albert attended local country school until the family moved to California. There he also attended school and upon moving back to Nebraska, he went to business school in Lincoln.

Albert was united in marriage in 1963 to "Bea," Bernice Jetter Pease. His brother, Alvin, his stillborn brother William, and his parents preceded him in death.

Albert spent his lifetime as a farmer, rancher, raising registered Hampshire hogs, first Hereford cattle and then going into the Angus cattle business. He was an excellent judge of livestock. In previous years, he showed cattle at many shows throughout the country and won many awards. His cattle are working in every state in the union and in three foreign countries. He was a member of the National Cattlemen's Association, the American Angus Association, Kansas Association, the Nebraska Cattlemen's Association and the Stock Growers. He was also a member of Justice Lodge 180.

To mourn his passing, Albert leaves his beloved wife Bea (Bernice); two uncles, Forrest Stamm of Goodland, Kansas, and Roy Stamm of the Hester Home; three aunts, Zella, Della and Martha Stamm; many cousins and lots of friends.

Albert and his father employed Kermit Wilson about 39 years ago. Kermit and Martha, along with their four small children, moved on to the ranch with him. The sons, Nason and Duane, started working as soon as they were old enough, and Jason joined the work force as he got older. The girls, Sharlane and Bonny, were the beauties, and Albert's father, the grandfather they didn't have. The Wilson family is very special to the Hansen.

Albert and his brother Alvin, along with their parents, were brought forward in the Friends Church in 1915. On April 23, 1976, Albert re-affirmed his faith in Christ, was baptized and joined the Lutheran Church.

There were four loves in Albert's life: His faith, his wife, the home in which he had lived since birth, and the Angus cattle business. Albert thoroughly enjoyed life to the fullest, believing in being honest, just and sincere, though firm and always fair. His friends were his customers and business people.

Services were held Monday, July 29, at Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman. Pastors Earl Martell and Otto Zeilinger officiated.

Tally Case accompanied Elmer Case with the selections "The Lord's Prayer" and "Amazing Grace." Jackie Wilson accompanied the congregational singing of "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Gary Stamm, Russell Stamm, Stuart Bartels, Monty Hansen, Tony Lutz and Bob Stamm.

Honorary bearers were Dr. Tom Keller, Ned Tecker, Larry Raile, Martin Lutz, Dr. Kenneth Stout, LeRoy Kuck, Othelle Reed, Dr. Lee Mills, Peter M. Graff, Martin Leibbrandt, Willard Croft, Hugh Eisenhart, Robert E. Roh and Otto W. Nilsson.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Committal Service by Justice Lodge 180 A.F. & A.M. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

Albert J. Hansen was laid at rest in the Benkelman cemetery Saturday afternoon following funeral services at the Methodist church at which Rev. Glen Morford officiated, assisted by Rev. Joe Hodges. The singers were Mrs.Dorothea Hodges, Dewey Gerdes, Edward Masters and Mrs. Ernestine Hendrickson, accompanied by Mrs. Ruby Holliman.

Pallbearers were Tom Humphrey, Ray Brayard, Sherman Phifer, Frank Little, Albert Dyke and Fred Turman. Funeral arrangements were in charge of the Laughlin Funeral Home.

Albert J. Hansen, son of George and Christine Hansen, was born February 13, 1885, at Omaha, Nebraska, and passed away very suddenly at Benkelman, Nebraska, on April 5, 1955, at the age of 70 years, one month and 22 days.

When two years old he moved with his parents to their homestead twelve miles northeast of Parks, Nebraska. In the spring of 1908 he went to Yuma county Colo., and filed on a homestead, improving it a year later. Thus he experienced the hardships of pioneer life in both Dundy county, Nebraska, and Yuma county, Colorado.

Eugene Albert "Gene" Hansen, 84, died Saturday, Aug. 28, 1999, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb.

He was born Dec. 19, 1914, at Yuma County, Colo., to A.J. and Luella (Stamm) Hansen. He received his education in country schools in Yuma and Dundy counties.

On Jan. 18, 1938, he was united in marriage with Mabel Nellie Little at the family farm north of Parks, Neb. He farmed and raised Black Angus cattle and retired in 1980 due to declining health.

Survivors include his wife, Mabel, of Benkelman; two sisters: Velma Case of Benkelman and Margie and husband, Gus Bartels, of Wauneta, Neb.; two sisters-in-law: Wilda Alsbury and Delores Conley; a brother-in-law, Charles Little and his wife, Ingred; a grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 1999, at the Friends Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Robert Sander officiating. Mary Baney was the organist and Robert and Carol Sander sang "How Great Thou Art," "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and "Beyond The Sunset."

Bearers were Mikey, Jamey, Monte and Dorey Hansen, Clifford Damrow and Elmer Case. Honorary bearers were Wilfred and Stan Hansen, Lyle Wiese, Gus Bartels, Duane Wilson and Jim Baney.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Arrangements were by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

BENKELMAN--Lyle E. Hansen, son of Marvin and Velma Hansen, was born July 19, 1936, in Benkelman, Nebraska, and died at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman June 24, 1993, at the age of 56 years.

On September 30, 1956, Lyle was united in marriage to Barbara Lea Baney. To this union four sons were born: Mikey, Landy, Jamey and Dorey.

Lyle enjoyed working outdoors and farmed the land he had grown up on for many years along with his sons. In recent years, Lyle worked for the Tom Roundtree family. He also had a good many friends in the Haigler area and enjoyed his visits over coffee at the D&E Cafe with the gang.

Lyle's life was centered around his family. As the kids were growing up, they enjoyed going to the lake in the summer to camp, fish and water-ski.

Lyle and Barbara enjoyed attending their sons' football and basketball games and took pride in their accomplishments. In recent years, his greatest joy was his grandkids.

His hobbies included attending toy tractor shows and adding toy tractors to the impressive collection he had built throughout the years.

Lyle had a strong belief in the Christian faith and was an active member of the Benkelman Friends Church.

He served as chairman of the building committee as they built the current site of the Friends Church. He was involved with the youth group.

Lyle was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Lea; his mother, Velma: his sons, Mikey of Benkelman, Landy and wife, Martha, of Colgate, Wisconsin, Jamey and wife, Christine, of Ceresco, Nebraska, and Dorey and wife, Jennifer, of Marsland, Nebraska: five grandchildren, Alan, Amanda, Ethan, Jared and Natalie; two brothers, Duane and Wilfred, and two sisters, Elaine and Ellen.

A private family service was held at Jones Funeral Home in Benkelman Monday, June 28, 1993, at 11 a.m. with the Revs. Keith Haisch and Bob Sander officiating, followed by a memorial service at the Benkelman Friends Church at 1:30 p.m. with the Revs. Bob Sander and Keith Haisch officiating.

Organist was Mary Baney and soloist was Kelly Hayward. Selections included "Walk With Me" and "Beyond The Sunset."

Honorary bearers were David and Arlene Merklin, Tom and Julie Roundtree, Johnny and Sallie Mays, Ronald and Lois Janicke, Robert and Alonna Thackery, Rocky and Teresa Sander, Sherman and Barbara Phifer, Lonnie and Harvella Johnson and Darrell and Carol Oakley.

Marvin Merle (M.M.) Hansen was born Nov. 17, 1912 in Yuma County, Colorado. He departed this life on October 25, 1980 at the age of 67 years 11 months and 8 days. He was the second of five children born to A.J. and Luella (Stamm) Hansen.

Marvin received his formal education in country schools in Yuma County, CO and Dundy County, NE. He continued his education as a skilled learner in the school of experience and human relationships. Learning was meaningful to him when it was practical and enforcing moral and spiritual integrity.

Marvin was married to Velma Miller on Nov. 27,. 1932 at Benkelman, NE. To this union were born five children: Wilfred Marvin, Margie Ellen, Lyle Emery, Elaine Grace and Duane Merle.

Marvin and Velma were lifelong companions in their chosen vocation of agriculture. Dundy County was their chosen locale for the practice of their vocation. The vision of utilizing his talent and experience by tilling the soil and caring for livestock was the dream that occupied him until his death.

Marvin committed his life to Jesus Christ at about age 13 years and lived out that commitment throughout his life. Marvin was a loyal supporter of the churches he joined as a member. He was involved in the vibrant ministries of the Pleasant Valley Friends Church. When the church was closed, he became a member of the United Methodist Church in Benkelman where he was active until his death. He was loyal and committed to his Lord, a willing worker in the church as well as in numerous other religious and community organizations.

Marvin was well known as a stalwart and stable community leader. He was most widely known in the community when he was engaged in custom corn shelling for his farmer friends who called him "Marv" and Marv never knew a stranger. His business integrity, his moral uprightencss, church leadership, and the twinkle in his eye when he told his latest joke, endeared him to family, friends and acquaintances alike.

He was preceded in death by his parents and first grandchild, Donnie Gene Hansen.

He is survived by his wife, Velma; his children Wilfred and wife Helen, Ellen and husband Gene Teeter, Lyle and wife Barbara, Elaine and husband Clifford Damrow, Duane and wife Pattie; eight grandsons; eight granddaughters; his brothers Tom and Gene of Benkelman; his sisters Velma Case of Benkelman and Margie Bartels of Wauneta; and by numerous other relatives and friends. His absence will be keenly felt by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held Wed., Oct. 29, 1980 at 10:30 at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Allan Martin and Rev. Robert Sander officiating.

Mrs. Gwen Bauer accompanied Tally and Elmer Case with the selections "How Great Thou Art" and "We Have An Anchor".

Bearers were Mikey Hansen, Landy Hansen, Jamey Hansen, Jimmie Hansen, Monty Hansen, Rodney Damrow, Dan Watson, Wendell Hansen, Leon Nix, Dave Whisenhunt, Rick Gentry and Dorey Hansen.

Honorary bearers were Dan Ellis, Glen Osborn, Lee Gallatin, Harold Hall, Stanley Ham, Glen Ellis, Hubert Dyke, Johnny Mays, Wesley Wheeler and Junior Andres.

Patricia Jo Anne (Taber) Hansen was born September 5, 1944, in Joplin, MO, to Burgis and Rosa Mae Taber and passed on to the more abundant life on October 9, 2008.

She attended school at Riverton, Kansas, USD #404 from kindergarten through her sophomore year of high school. She completed high school at the Friends Academy and then attended Friends Bible College (now Barclay College) for one year, both in Haviland, Kansas. Pattie met Duane Hansen while attending school at Haviland. They were married at her home church, the Lowell Friends Church in Lowell, Kansas, on July 26, 1963. The first year of their marriage they lived on a farm northwest of Benkelman.

In 1964 Duane and Pattie entered the pastoral ministry in the Friends Church. They were in the pastoral ministry for 25 years, serving churches in Colorado, Kansas, Indiana, and California. Their first pastorate was at Chivington, Colorado, where the parsonage was a small, primitive adobe house, and their two sons Jimmie Duane and Wendell Dean were born. After three years at Chivington they moved to Hugoton, Kansas to pastor the Bethel Friends Church where daugthers, Brenda Joanna and Linda Diane were born. In 1970 they moved to Wichita where Duane attended Friends University and they commuted to Atlanta, Kansas, on weekends to provide pastoral leadership to the Timbercreek Friends Church. They pastored the Lynn Friends Church in Indiana from 1972-76 and the East Whittier Friends Church in California from 1976 to 1984. Their last pastorate, from 1984 until 1989, was at the Northridge Friends Church in Wichita.

Pattie's first job outside the home was at Ruthies' Hallmark. Later, in 1989 Pattie began working at Dillard's Towne East in the watches and costume jewelry departments. She befriended many who valued her product knowledge and appreciated her eagerness to service what she sold.

Pat was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 1999. Her cancer appeared to be in remission for several years, but returned in 2005. She fought a vigilant battle against the various manifestations of the disease and cherished every day she lived as a cancer survivor. She championed the concept of quality over quantity of life. She was committed to mental, emotional, and spiritual vitality over various medical options to prolong her life. She was selfless in her love and regard for others, so much so that even during her most difficult days, she continued to send cards and made phone calls to encourage others.

Pattie's vocational goal was to be a good wife, mother, and grandmother. She most certainly excelled in these cherished ambitions. As a marriage partner she kept her vow "to be a loving and faithful wife as long as she lived." As a mother, she nurtured her children with love, sacrifice, and loyalty in both word and deed. She had the unique ability to balance discipline with guidance.

Those who survive her include her father, Burgis Tabor; brother Dennis (Kay); husband, Duane; children Jim (LeAnn), Wendell (Amy), Linda (Brendan Steinacher), Brenda (Wakon Fowler); grandchildren, Amanda (Quincy Hands) and Joe Hansen; Grant, Britt & Chandler Hansen; Evan, Emma & Elly Fowler; Gavin, Colton & Dawson Steinacher. Also surviving Pattie are her aunts Hap Eignus (Linn), Doris Brown (Glenn), Mary Winfrey, Rebecca (Taber) Chambers, Bill Taber and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces from her large extended family.

Patti’s death leaves a void in the lives of those who knew her, but she also leaves a shining example of how to live joyfully, to serve meaningfully, and how to die with dignity and grave.

A memorial service was held at the Northridge Friends Church in Wichita, KS on October 13, 2008.

Robert Hansen, who lives about 18 miles northwest of Benkelman, died Monday afternoon at 5:00 from the effect of injuries sustained by falling from a windmill tower.

Last Friday evening, Mr. Hansen got upon the tower, which is about 25 feet high, to fix the windmill, and in some unaccountable manner, lost his balance and was precipitated to the ground with great force, breaking his right leg in such a manner that the bone protruded through the skin, besides receiving internal injuries. Dr. Pickens was hastily summoned from town, who did everything possible to relieve the injured man.

The following morning Dr. Fuqua of Benkelman and Dr. Stewart of Stratton were also summoned, but the patient was laboring under such a severe shock that amputation was deemed inadvisable; and he steadily grew worse until Monday evening about 5:00, when he breathed his last.

Deceased was one of Dundy County's hardworking, prosperous young farmers and enjoyed the universal esteem of all who knew him. He leaves to mourn his loss a wife and two small children, mother, two sisters and three brothers.

(Researcher note: There is a Robert C. Hansen buried in the Pleasant Valley cemetery in Dundy county, NE. Burial records there show a date of birth as 2-13-1888 and a date of death as 7-15-1913. Records also show that he was the husband of Nellie Crookshank. I cannot absolutely say that this was the same Robert Hansen in the obituary above, but it probably is.|)

BENKELMAN--Thomas John Hansen, oldest child of Albert James "Bib" and Luella A. (Stamm) Hansen, was born in Yuma, Colorado, May 14, 1911. He died October 12, 1994, at Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska.

He was raised on a homestead claim 10 miles south and 2 miles east of Yuma. He attended school at White Eagle District 84 and attended the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Nazarene Church in that area.

In 1926 he moved to Dundy County, Nebraska, when his family returned to farm. Hansen began working for Elmer and Pearl Edwards on their farm and thus met Mabel. They were married March 22, 1936. Three sons were born into the family--Val Gene. Stanley and Tom D.

The Hansens lived on her father's place 4 years after they were married, then moved to the Balderson place 5 1/2 miles north of Benkelman on the west side of Highway 61. In 1943 they moved to the farm purchased from W.C. "Doc" Edwards, located 11 1/2 miles northwest of Benkelman. They resided on this property until ill health prompted them to move into town and into the Hester Memorial Home.

Through the years, Hansen picked much corn by hand and, along with his brothers, did well in corn-picking contests. He had been a member of the Belgian Draft Horse Association and enjoyed raising and working with these horses for many years. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing baseball and kept a keen interest in the game throughout his life.

He became a Christian early in life and lived a consistent Christian witness until his death. After moving to Dundy County, he attended the Pleasant Valley Friends Church located in the country. When that church was closed, he moved his membership into the Benkelman Friends Church.

He held the position of adult Sunday school teacher, starting as a young man and continuing until very late in life. He was an elder in the Friends Church, serving as a church trustee and was willing to work on any committee or at any assignment where he was needed. His greatest joy was in singing and playing his guitar for his Lord.

Tom was preceded in death by his son, Val Gene, his parents and a brother, Marvin.

In addition to his wife and two sons, he is survived by his daughter-in-law, Joleen: two grandsons, Keith Hansen of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Guy and wife, Kenetha Hansen, of York. Pennsylvania; two granddaughters. Jennifer and Leah Hansen of Fremont, Nebraska: one great-grandson, Christopher James Hansen of Tulsa: two sisters. Velma and husband, Wilbur Case of Benkelman and Margie and husband. Gus Bartels of Wauneta, Nebraska: one brother, Eugene and wife, Mabel N. Hansen of Benkelman: one sister-in-law, Velma Hansen of Benkelman: other relatives, and friends.

The family flower service was held at 9 a.m. Saturday, October 15, at the Benkelman Friends Church, followed by interment in the Benkelman Cemetery with Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman in charge of arrangements.

A memorial service was then held at 10:30 a.m. at the Benkelman Friends Church with the Rev. Keith Haisch officiating. The pianist was Betty Erdman and Kelly Hayward was the soloist. Selections were "Saved By Grace" and "I Am Happy In Him" with "How Great Thou Art" sung as a congregational song.

Bearers were Junior Andres, Billy Baney, Dennis McCarville. Roger Shillington, Duane Wilson and Nason Wilson. Honorary bearers were H.L. "Andy" Anderson, Jim Baney, Gerald Hayward, Malvin Hendrickson. Archie Jones, Johnny Mays and Glen Osborn.

Gladys P. Hanshaw, 97, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2000, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman. Neb. She was born Feb. 14, 1902, in Richland, Mo., to James and Elizabeth (Ledbetter) Lovell.

On March 14, 1918, she was united in marriage to Arthur Hanshaw in Richland, and to this union, five daughters were born: Mary Louise, Arrina, Hazel, Velda and Betty.

Gladys and Arthur started their married life in Missouri and in 1920 they moved to Yuma County, Colo., where they lived until 1927 when they moved to Dundy County, Neb., and spent the remainder of their years.

Gladys made a lasting commitment to Christianity many years ago, giving herself in service to the Church of God Mission in Parks, Web. Unwavering in her faith, she saw it as her responsibility to keep the church doors open. She said that some Sundays, she and the Lord were the only ones there. She believed in and practiced the Golden Rule and always stated, "Be honest, be compassionate, do for others and always love the Lord."

Gladys knew the importance of family, love, laughter and her faith in the Lord. In 1982, Gladys was chosen as The Benkelman Post newspaper's first annual "Mother of the Year." She was known for her sense of humor and playing, laughing, singing and dancing with the kids. Her home was always a gathering place for children. Her laughter and bubbly personality will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Arthur, in 1982; their daughter, Betty Brunswick, in 1980; six sisters, and four brothers.

She leaves to mourn her passing, daughters Mary Louise Robens of Albuquerque, N.M., Arrina and husband, Ernest Roose, of Benkelman, Hazel and husband, Carl Reining, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Velda Steele of Benkelman; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 34 great-greatgrandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Gladys Hanshaw were held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2000, at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Robert Sander officiating. Brent Burton was the pianist and Martin Plucker the trumpeter. Selections were "Beulah Land," "Sheltered In The Arms of God" and "Amazing Grace." The Rev. Robert and Carol Sander sang "How Great Thou Art."

Casket bearers were Carl and Al Reining, Dennis Pinkerton, Randy Bartlett, Hal Tecker and Dick Davis. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

The family requests memorial contributions be made in her name to the Dundy County Hospital Foundation.

Fishing, hunting, trapping and photography were among the many interests of Arthur Hanshaw.

Arthur Alvin Hanshaw was born at Edison, to William H. Hanshaw and Arrina P. Kennedy, June 24, 1900. He expired April 1, 1982, at his home in Parks, Neb.

He was married March 14, 1918, to Gladys P. Lovell at Richland, Mo. To this union were born five daughters: Mary Louise Robens of Albuquerque, N.M., Arrina Roose of Trenton, Nebraska, Hazel Reining of Colorado Springs, Colo., Velda Steele of Benkelman, Neb., and the late Betty Lou Brunswick.

He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife, Gladys; four daughters: Mary Louise Robens, and husband, Bill, Arrina Roose, and jusband, Ernest, Hazel Reining, and husband, Carl, and Velda Steele, and husband, Lawrence; two brothers: Andrew and William; five sisters: Pearl, Josephine, Gertrude, Mary Ann and Sue; 17 grandchildren ; 27 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents: William Hanshaw and Arrina Cruts; step-mother, Florence Hanshaw; one daughter: Betty Brunswick; one brother: Ralph, and four sisters: Verna Mae, Ruth, Hazel and Dorothy.

He was a great man for outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing, trapping and photography. He took great pride in his flowers, orchard and garden, giving most of produce away.

He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and neighbors.

He shall be greatly missed by everyone. He never met a stranger, he enjoyed life and had a smile for everyone.

He was married 64 years this past March 14, 1982. Several articles were printed in the papers along with pictures about his hunting and fishing trophies and his gardening.

Art was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 180, A.F. & A.M. He worked for the CB&Q Railroad for 45 years retiring in 1967.

He spent his early childhood years at Laird, Colo., attending school there. Later, living with an uncle, Jim Hanshaw, in Michigan, he graduated from school.

He and Mrs. Hanshaw moved to Yuma County, Colo., in 1920 and to Dundy County, Neb., in 1927 where he spent his final years.

Services were held Tuesday, April 6, 1982, at 10:30 a.m. in Jones Funeral Chapel at Benkelman, Neb., with Rev. Robert Sander in charge. Organist was Mary Baney. She accompanied Carol Sander, Ruth Ann Wilson and Gerald Hayward with the selections : "Amazing Grace" and "Lily Of The Valley."

Bearers were Jerry Plucker, Joe Reining, Alvin Plucker, Dale Brunswick, Kurt Munden, Kenneth Filsenger, Randy Bartlett, Van Munden and Freddie Munden.

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

William A. Hanshaw, 102, Phoenix, Ariz., a former Sioux Cityan, died Friday, August 11 at a Phoenix hospital after a short illness.

Mr. Hanshaw was born October 27, 1869 in Starke County, Indiana. He came to Nebraska by covered wagon and homesteaded north of Haigler. He lived in Sioux City for 37 years before moving to Phoenix in 1954.

He was a farmer for many years and also worked at the Sioux City Brickyard for several years. While in Sioux City, he appeared at the World Theatre. 915 Fourth St., in the 1920's as a vaudeville ventriloquist.

Mr. Hanshaw was married to Arrena Kennedy in 1898 and to this marriage five children were born. Mr. Hanshaw married the former Florence Hicks November 11, 1912 in Sioux City. The centenarian wrote more than 150 poems, mostly about his family. The family had his poems published.

Survivors include the widow; three sons, Andrew of Phoenix, Arthur of Parks, Nebr., and William of Panama; nine daughters, Mrs. Verna May Leviteri of Phoenix, Mrs. Ruth Engstrom of Denver, Mrs. Hazel Lindsey of Council Bluffs, Mrs. Frances Clinkenbeard of Battle Lake, Minn., Mrs. Pearl Bowman and Mrs. Gertrude Pranke, both of Sioux City, Mrs. Josephine Greer of Tappahannack, Va., Mrs. Mary Ann Palmer of Seattle, Wash. and Mrs. Susan Pruden, of Albuquerque, N. M.; 41 grandchildren; 75 great grandchildren; and 143 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Anderson Perasso Funeral Home. The Rev. Jerald Hurst, pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, officiated. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Francis and Roger Bowman, LeRoy and Edwin Pranke, Bob Paul and Richard Derochie.

Leota Lucille "Lucy" Harris Hanson, was born on April 4, 1915, at Lamar, Colo., to Jesse Forrest and Caroline (Neu) Baker.

She attended school in Lamar and was a member of the graduating class of Lamar High School in 1933. She attended Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., and graduated from Marinello Beauty School in 1935.

On Dec. 31, 1936, Lucy was united in marriage to Jack T. Harris at Lamar and they moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and started their family. She also worked as a beauty operator and helped Jack at medical school.

In 1957, Lucy and her family moved to Stratton, Neb., where she graciously embraced the duties of being a homemaker, a mother and the wife of a small-town doctor. She continued to make Stratton her home after the passing of her husband, Jack, and on May 14, 1982, she was united in marriage to Fred E. Hanson at Benkelman, Neb., who became a friend and companion for more than 13 years. She moved to Lincoln, Neb., in the summer of 2002 when her health began to fail.

She entered into the presence of her Lord on Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, surrounded by family and friends, at her daughter's home in Lincoln, at the age of 87 years, eight months and two days.

Lucy was a member of Community United Methodist Church, and was active in the United Methodist Women, the girls youth group and Community Club. She also volunteered for many years at Grandview Retirement Center in Stratton. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Throughout her life, and even through her illness, she maintained her faith in the Lord and held on to His glory and promise. She will truly be missed by all those whose lives were touched by her charm, her grace and her faith.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husbands Dr. Jack T. Harris in 1980 and Fred E. Hanson in 1995, an infant son and three brothers.

Those left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life include her daughters Patti Odbert and husband. Mike, of Lincoln and Mona Faimon and husband, Leonard, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 10 grandchildren: Josh Odbert, Elisha Odbert and Micheala Arbuck and husband, Brent, all of Lincoln, Molly Bunker and husband, Chris, Brendon Faimon and wife, Elizabeth, and Luke Faimon, all of Colorado Springs, Jason Faimon and wife, Emily, of Lakewood, Colo., and Lisa McMahan and husband, Mike, of Detroit, Mich.; three great-grandchildren: Landon Faimon and Shayne and Justin McMahan; sisters Jo Baker of Delta, Colo., and Barb Baker of Lamar; stepdaughter Geraldine Sutton and husband, Morrison, of Stratton; step-grandsons Terry Sutton and Lynn Sutton; five step-great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

A private burial was held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, 2002, at Fairmount Cemetery in Lamar, where Lucy was laid to rest next to her husband, Jack T. "Doc" Harris.

Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Norman Prather and Richard Stahly officiating. Marjorie Redfield was the organist and Wallace Gummere the song leader. Congregational hymns were "In The Garden," "The Old Rugged Cross," "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus," "It Is Well With My Soul" and “Victory in Jesus." Arrangements were under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

STRATTON--LaVera L. (Lammel) Wright Hanson was born Aug. 22, 1912, at Ohiowa, Neb., the only child of William Leonard and Estella Eldora (Bramblette) Lammel, and died June 1, 1996, at the Willow Ridge in McCook, Neb.

After graduating from Stratton (Neb.) High School and from nursing school, she practiced as a Registered Nurse at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colo. She married Orville Wright and they lived in Grover, Colo., until his death.

She moved to Stratton to be near her parents. While living in Stratton, she married Clark M. Hanson. She enjoyed being a stepmother to Clark's children, Joan and Gene, and in time was to become their "mom."

She attended the United Methodist Church. She moved to Cambridge, Neb., to the retirement home, then to McCook to Willow Ridge.

Survivors include her stepchildren Joan Hartman of Denver and Gene Hanson of Orange, Texas, their children and many friends.

Final rites for LaVera Hanson were held Monday, June 3, 1996, at 10 a.m. at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Katherine Bullard officiating. Organist was Marjorie Redfield and Wallace Gummere sang "How Great Thou Art" and “The Lord's Prayer." The congregation sang "Precious Lord Take My Hand" and "Standing On The Promises."

Bearers were Richard Stahly, Lynn Sutton, Dan Rife, Gene Kleinschmidt, Seth Ragan and Ron Hardy. Honorary bearers were Charlie Carlson, Earl Bailey, Clyde Hardy, Webb Wyss, Paul Clark, Howard Wyss, Roy League and Roy Rains.

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

Clark M. Hanson died May 15, 1987, at the Great Plains Medical Center at North Platte, Nebraska.

He was born at Hiawatha, Kansas, on October 5, 1901. As a young man he moved to Western Kansas and Southwest Nebraska and engaged in farming until his retirement.

He was a member of the Methodist Church, Robert Burns Lodge No. 173 of Stratton, Nebraska, Shrine Tehama Temple of Hastings, Nebraska, York Rite of Freemasonry of McCook, Nebraska, and the Eastern Star No. 317 of Stratton, Nebraska.

He was married to Edna Cantin November 19, 1930, and she preceded him in death on May 14, 1939. To this union two children, Eugene and Joan, were born.

He was married to Irene Harper on March 5, 1945, and she preceded him in death in March of 1969.

He was married to LaVera Wright on December 15, 1973, at Stratton, Nebraska, where they resided until the time of his death.

He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, LaVera; one son, Eugene of Orange, Texas; one daughter, Joan Hartman of Aurora, Colorado; one brother, Fred of Stratton; three sisters, Vella of Kingman, Arizona, Lucille of Birnardsville, New Jersey, and Thelma of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren; three stepchildren, Bill of Wichita, Kansas, Verna of Liberal, Kansas, and Donna Jean of Stratton.

Services were held May 19, 1987, at 10:30 a.m. at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton, Nebraska, with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

Marie Kleinschmidt was the organist. Larry Forch Jr. sang the selections "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Beyond The Sunset."

Bearers were Roy Rains, Gene Kleinschmidt, Reginald Stahly, Charlie Carlson, Fred Lorens and Richard Stahly.

Honorary bearers were Willard Richards, John Diehl, LeRoy Barnett, Paul Clark, Roy League, Paul Haller and Earl Bailey.

Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton. Jones Funeral Home Inc. of Stratton was in charge of arrangements.

Cleda B. Hanson, 72, of Holly Road, Washington, died Saturday, October 18, 1986, at her home.

She was born in Illinois and came to the Washington area following World War II.

Cleda is the daughter of the late Rev. John R. Bowen, who was pastor of the Pleasant Valley Church in Dundy County for many years.

Cleda worked as a beautician for several years in the Bremerton, Washington, area. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bremerton, where she served as secretary and treasurer of her Sunday school class.

She is survived by her husband; two stepchildren, Cheryl Young of Port Orchard, Washington, and Greg Hanson of Bremerton; a brother, John R. Bowen of Long Beach, California, and five grandchildren.

Services were held Wednesday, October 22, at the First Baptist Church in Bremerton.

STRATTON--Fred E. Hanson died Wednesday, June 7, 1995, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 91 years. He was born on April 16, 1904, in Brown County, Kansas, to Franklin Pratt and Grace Bell (Barnum) Hanson.

He grew up on the family farm and got his education in the Carson Country School. After a brief time in the Kansas National Guard, he came to Rawlins County, Kansas, in the early '20s, where he spent his life farming, becoming an accomplished carpenter, building his own house on the farm and later moving it into Stratton, Nebraska, at the time of his retirement in 1970.

On August 15, 1925, he married Zelma Irene Kessler at Hamlin, Kansas. To this union, two children were born: Geraldine and Harley Laverne. Zelma died February 14, 1975.

Hanson was a member of the Community United Methodist Church of Stratton, Past Master of Robert Burns Lodge No. 173 of Stratton, a member of all York Rite bodies in McCook, Tehama Shrine of Hastings, Ola Chapter No. 317. Order of Eastern Star of Stratton, Benkelman Golf Club, McCook Elks Lodge No. 1434 and a life member of the Hitchcock County Historical Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife; an infant son, Harley, and three brothers: Carl Leland, Clark Milton and Raymond Laverne.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille, of Stratton; daughter Geraldine and her husband, Morry Sutton, of Stratton; two grandsons: Terry Sutton and his wife, Linda, of Columbus, Nebraska, and Lynn Sutton and his wife, Ann, of Stratton; five great-grandchildren: Jason, Ivy, Abby, Jacob and Kyle; two stepdaughters: Patty and her husband, Mike Odbert, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Mona and her husband, Leonard Faimon, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; seven stepgrandchildren: Lisa and husband, Mike McMahan, of Naples, Italy, Naval Base, Molly, Jason and Luke Faimon and Joshua, Elisha and Michaela Odbert; three sisters, Lucille Lyman and Thelma Lyman, both of Denver, Colorado, and Vella Gasper of Long Beach, California; a sister-in-law, Lavera Hanson, of McCook; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services for Fred Hanson were held Saturday, June 10, 1995, at 1:30 p.m. at the Community United Methodist I Church in Stratton with the Rev. Katherine Bullard officiating. Marjorie Redfield was the organist. Beth Kollmorgen the pianist, and Wallace Gummere sang “The t Lord's Prayer" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Kerry Krutsinger, Roy League, Bill Zahl, Kurt Dailey, Jerry McDonald and Gene Kleinschmidt. Honorary bearers were Earl Bailey, Russ Walter, Lester Spears, Lee Carter. Clyde Daniels, Dan Rife. Ross Wingfield, Charlie Carlson, Roy Rains, Bert Latta, Orville Fritsch and Paul Burks.

Committal was offered by the Robert Burns Lodge No. 173 A.F.& A.M. with interment in Grace Cemetery at McDonald, Kansas. Jones Funeral Home Inc. of Stratton, was in charge of arrangements.

When Charley Wyss made his usual visit to the Sam Hanson home Thursday morning to exchange daily greetings and to check up on the old gentleman's physical condition, he found him dead in bed. His clothes were arranged as usual around his bed, with no indication of anything being out of the ordinary.

Mr. Wyss reported immediately to Sheriff Woodworth and County Attorney Victor Westermark who investigated and found every indication that the old gentleman had died from natural causes and decided that no coroner's inquest would be necessary.

Mr. Wyss had visited Mr. Hanson the evening before and said that he seemed to be. feeling as well as usual and that he was in apparently good spirits. Mr. Hanson must have been close to eighty years of age and had lived in Dundy county for near a half a century.

He was a native of Denmark and worked for the father of Axel Jorgensen when a boy in his native land. So far as Mr. Jorgensen knows, he is survived by only two relatives, a niece and nephew in Denmark.

(Researcher note: Burial records of the Benkelman cemetery show a Sam Hanson with a date of birth of 7-6-1859 and a date of death of 9-23-1936.)

William C. Hanson passed away at his home on Tuesday morning after an illness of many months. He had been bedfast since a stroke in December. He was 83 years of age.

Funeral services are planned for Friday afternoon at two o'clock at the Methodist Church. Graveside rites will be by Justice Lodge No. 180, AF&AM.

Mr. Hanson was well known in Benkelman for many years as the Burlington depot agent, a position he held from 1906 until his retirement. He began his career with the Burlington in 1898 as a telegrapher at Arapahoe and served as a Burlington station agent at Bartley from 1899 to 1905 when he was transferred to Benkelman. During his lifetime of service to the community he served for many terms on the school and town boards.

In his lifetime Mr. Hanson was closely identified with the Masonic lodge. He was a member of Bartley lodge where he took his degrees in 1901 and became affiliated with Justice Lodge No. 180, AF&AM at Benkelman in 1911. He was a past master of Justice Lodge and distinguished himself as secretary of the lodge in a tour of duty extending for 25 years to his retirement from the position upon his own election in 1954. On September 28, 1949, he was awarded the Jourdan metal for Justice Lodge, an honor going to the member with the longest affiliation with Masonry in the lodge. He held the honor at the time of his demise.

He is survived by his wife, Minnie M., and six daughters: Mrs. Hope Rhinehart of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Helen Bratt and Mrs. Doris Miller, of Gunnison, Colorado; Mrs. Virginia Heck, Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Wilma Grace Powell, Calgary, Canada; Lt. Carol Hanson, Germany.

He was born at Bloomington, Nebraska, on April 10, 1877, the son of William K. and Martha! Holverson Hanson.

(Researcher note: Benkelman cemetery burial records show a date of birth as 4-10-1877 and a date of death as 4-26-1960.)

He was born Oct. 2, 1920, in Denver, Colo., to George J. and Emma (Honstien) Harder. He attended several schools in Colorado and Nebraska. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1938 and attended Grand Island School of Business. He was employed by the CB&Q Railroad and Burlington Northern Railroad for almost 47 years. He retired as a conductor in August of 1985.

He entered the U.S. Army June 23, 1942, serving in Company "M" 7th Reg. 3rd Infantry Division. He was later transferred to the 534th APU in Africa, Sicily and Italy. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 29, 1945.

Albert was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, U.T.U. Retirees, the McCook Elk's Lodge and the McCook Masonic Lodge No. 135.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Emma Harder; daughter, Lynn Kay Harder; two brothers, Elmer and Wilbert Harder; and two sisters, Elma McDonald and Dorothy O'Brien.

Survivors include his wife, Erma Harder of McCook; two sons, Wilbert Harder and wife, Carol, of Aberdeen, S.D., and Gale Harder and wife, Shirley, of Marshall, Wis.; sister, Lucille Harley of Salem, Ore.; one brother, George Harder of Americus, Kan.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are Wednesday,10:30 a.m., at the First Congregational Church with Steve King officiating. Burial will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell at 2 p.m.

There will be no public visitation. Friends may sign the book at the funeral home or go online at www.carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to the First Congregational Church.

LEXINGTON -- Delores "Dee" Harder, 78, of Lexington, died Saturday (Jan. 1, 2005) at Cozad Community Hospital in Cozad.

She was born June 3, 1926, in Oak Creek, Colo., to Hartley and Blanche McKenzie. She grew up in Benkelman, Nebraska where she graduated high school.

In 1945, she married Stanley Shurtleff. To this union one son, John Stanley was born. After Stan's death she ran a restaurant in Benkelman.

In 1955, she married George E. Harder. To this union one daughter, Ellen Jean was born. The family moved to various places including McCook, Holdrege, Grand Island, Lincoln and St. Louis. In 1970, the family settled in Lexington where George and Delores built Harder's Lakeview Marina at Johnson Lake.

After selling the marina, George and Delores moved to Las Vegas but returned to Lexington in 1978, when they opened Harder's Adams Street Market.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Stanley ;and stepmother, Gwen McKenzie.

Survivors include her daughter, Ellen and husband Doug Cunningham of Lexington; son, John and wife, Cathy Shurtleff of Grand Island; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services are Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with the Revs. Todd Karges and John Craig officiating. Burial will be in the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman at 2:30 p.m. (MST).

COLUMBUS, Wis. — Erma L. Harder, 82, died Saturday (Nov. 25, 2006), at Columbus Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Columbus, Wis.

She was a longtime McCook resident and a member of the First Congregational Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert in 2004; parents, Louis and Emma Damrow; daughter, Lynn Karon Harder; brothers: Louis Damrow, Bill Damrow, Henry Damrow, Raymond Damrow and Edward Damrow; and sisters: Francie Damrow, Helen Damrow, Fern Keiser, and Anna Brunkhorst.

Survivors include two sons, Wilbert Harder and wife, Carol, of Aberdeen, S.D., and Gale Harder and wife, Shirley, of Marshall, Wis.; sister, Ida Bartels of Wauneta; sister-in-law Lucille Harley of Salem, Ore.; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be Friday, 10 a.m., at the First Congregational Church in McCook, the Rev. Steve Bales officiating. Interment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell at 2 p.m.

Visitation is Thursday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home. Condolences may also be shared on line at www.carpenterbreland.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Erma's name to the First Congregational Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Emma Harder, daughter of George Honstein and Margaret Treber Honstein was born in Denver, Colorado, on March 11, 1896 and passed away in Benkelman on Saturday, December 5, 1970 at the age of 74 years, eight months and 24 days.

She was united in marriage with George J. Harder on May 21, 1915. Seven children were born to this union, two of which preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by one grandchild.

Mr. and Mrs. Harder came to Benkelman in 1938 and had made their home here since that time. They observed their Golden Wedding anniversary on May 21, 1965.

She was a member of the Eastern Star, the United Methodist Church, the WSCS and the American Legion Auxilliary. She took a great interest in the lodge work, the activities of her church organizations as well as the civic activities of the community and took part in many of them.

Survivors are her husband, George J. Harder; two sons, Albert G. of McCook and George E. of St. Louis, Missouri; three daughters, Mrs. Lucille Harley of Coatsville, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Elena McDonald of Benkelman, and Mrs. Dorothy O'Brien of Long Beach. California, 21 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; three brothers. Louis Honstein of California, Henry Honstein of New Mexico and Johnnie Honstein of Denver. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother.

Funeral services were held in the United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 1970, with the pastor Rev. Allan W. Martin officiating. Mrs. Densel O'Dea and Mrs. Alvin Danielson were the singers accompanied by Mrs. Paul Erdman on the organ. Her grandsons were the casket bearers. Holly Chapter No. 233, Order of Eastern Star held the graveside services. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery under the direction of Jay's Funeral Home.

George John Harder passed away at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook on Friday at the age of 76 years. He had been in ill health for several years. He was laid at rest in the Benkelman Cemetery on Monday.

Mr. Harder was born in Russia and had been a longtime employee of the Burlington Railroad. He came to Benkelman in 1938 and served as a section boss until his retirement. He was highly regarded by the Burlington maintenance department as a knowledgeable workman and a leader, a point of respect that was earned by diligence and devotion to duty. In Benkelman Mr. Harder had many friends who valued his good judgment and friendly spirit. The members of Justice Lodge No. 183. AF&AM, were especially fond of him for the fellowship they enjoyed with him at Masonic functions. For many years he served as tyler of the lodge. It was fitting that the lodge paid their respects for the departed brother in the interment ceremony.

His last great sorrow came to Mr. Harder on December 5th, last year, when his wife and helpmate of 55 years, Emma Honstein Harder, passed away. Her passing occurred when Mr. Harder was ill and he never recovered from that illness and shock. Together they were devoted members of the United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star.

He is survived by two sons, Albert H. of McCook and George E. of Elwood; three daughters, Mrs. Lucille Harley of Coatsville, Pa., Elma McDonald of Benkelman and Dorothy O'Brien of Long Beach, California; 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, an infant son, son Wilbert, one brother and two sisters.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman on Monday with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Mrs. Betty Erdman was the organist and Mrs. Velma Case and Mrs. Barbara 0'Dea, the singers. Casket bearers were grandsons. Graveside services were conducted by Justice Lodge No. 188 AF&AM.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 5-1-1895 and a death date of 11-25-1971.)

Mrs. Rachel Hardwick passed away on Friday in Denver after a lingering illness. Services were held Friday at the Highland Memorial Chapel in Northglen, Colorado. She was 74 years of age.

She is survived by her husband, Waldo; daughter, Mrs. Peggy O'Brien and husband Leo and son Tom and wife Marie; and sister, Ruby Sawick, all of whom reside in Denver.

R. E. Baney, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Spears, Manley Baney, Gerald Baney, Verle Behlke, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Hansen and Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Hansen were in Denver Monday to attend the services.

Margaret E. Dorsey was born in McMinn Co., Tenn., Aug. 26, 1852. When about six years of age her parents and family moved to Missouri. Here she became acquainted with Mr. W. P. Hardwick, whom she married at Albany March 4, 1875. To this union nine children were born, two of whom died and are buried in Missouri, while John, their first born, lies in Parks cemetery, having died while attending the Grand Island Business College.

On Nov. 23, while driving one of their family horses, which suddenly shied, she was thrown from the buggy receiving both external and internal injuries from which, after one week of acute suffering, she passed over to her future reward Nov. 30th, and was buried in the U.P. cemetery at the Parks church, Dec. 2, 1906, Rev. E. E. Crippen of this city conducting the services and preaching a most fitting sermon, full of tender comfort, assurance of the happy state of the departed, and earnest appeal to all those present to follow closer the Savior that had made triumphant the warfare of the mother, sister or friend gone in, and for others to rise up to take the place once so faithfully filled by her.

When about 16 years of age Mrs. Hardwick experienced religion at the old Busby Chapel, in Gentry County., Missouri, joining the class there which was of the C. P. Faith. Coming to Dundy county in 1888, she joined by letter the Parks U. P. Class and lived a most worthy member up till the time of her death. One of the truest of neighbors, tenderest of mothers and most devoted of wives, she leaves besides a host of friends, her sister, Mrs. Reese Williams of this county, brothers, six children and her lonely, bereaved companion, to all of whom we extend our sympathy.

Hardwick, Nancy Laurette, was born April 18, 1923 to Luther & Laura Goode in Lawn, TX and passed from this life in Bethany, OK after a long illness of kidney failure & dialysis. She married Bill Hardwick in Dec. 1942. He was in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years of this marriage and they lived in many different areas in the U.S. as well as Hawaii and Germany. They moved to Burns Flat, OK, March 1979 to make their home, then in April 1996 moved to Bethany. She is preceded in death by her parents & one brother, Rex Goode. She is survived by her husband, Bill of the home; daughter, Judy Hamilton; son, Tom Hardwick & wife, Debra, and child, Anna Marie, all of OKC; 2 brothers, Dub Goode, Sayre, OK and Dale Goode, Victorville, CA. Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 2, at Maranatha Church, with burial in Bethany Cemetery.

"Cathern Medora Merklin was born in Benkelman, Nebraska, on October 20, 1922, the daughter of Robert Henry Merklin and Rowena Cathern Jane Allen Merklin. After a short illness she died on February 20, 1987, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa, Florida. She was graduated from the public schools in Benkelman where she was noted as a fine scholar with a talent for singing. On February 17, 1943, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving proudly in the uniform of the country she loved. She was honorably discharged at San Francisco, California, on November 8, 1945, with the rank of Aviation machinists Mate, Second Class.

After returning to Benkelman she worked for several years as a legal secretary to Mr. Daniel Owens. She later moved to Florida where she and Percy Hardwick were married on December 23, 1955. They moved to Auburndale, Florida, where she lived the remaining years of her life and where she and Percy celebrated their 31st anniversary just two months before her death. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Mrs. Opal Foster.

Family members remaining to mourn her death include her husband, Percy Hardwick of Auburndale, Florida; Mrs. Pearl Buffington of Imperial, Nebraska; Mrs. Donavine Catron of Fort Collins, Colorado; Mr. Eugene Merklin of Pomona, California; Mrs. DeLoris Spears of Peoria, Illinois; Mrs. Roberta Bischoff of Peoria, Illinois; Mrs. Norida Zink of Dallas, Oregon; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Cathy loved the outdoor life and fishing, and had an equally great love for bluegrass music. Many of her friends were bluegrass musicians. During the past several years she showed her creative talents through ceramics, and many of her friends and relatives received lovely ceramic works of love. In keeping with her wishes of several years ago, she was cremated and on March 12, 1987, the urn was placed in the Columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., a place she loved to visit. Chaplain S. W. DeLong, CDR, CHC, USN, conducted the services. The Navy Color Guard provided the military honors. The flag used during the final services went to her devoted husband, Percy.

As the familiar and final sounds of taps echoed across the headstone-dotted hillsides of Northern Virginia and floated across the Potomac, Cathy was at rest, in peace.

Mayme E. (Morrison) Hardwick was a pioneer lifetime resident of Dundy County, Nebraska. She was born to John and Anna (Kinney) Morrison at Ives, Nebraska, now known as Parks, on September 10, 1891, and passed away March 29, 1983, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, at the age of 91 years, six months and 18 days.

She lived with her parents and endured in many of the hardships on the virgin prairies where land had never been touched or turned by a plow. Life was not easy on this homestead which still remains in the family. She was baptized in early life in the United Presbyterian Church of Parks, Nebraska.

She was united in marriage to Reece W. Hardwick on April 12, 1911, at the home of her parents of the Allston Precinct, by the Rev. J. F. Hageman, pastor of the Benkelman Methodist Church. To this union two sons and three daughters were born. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reece W. Hardwick, September 10, 1971; two brothers, William J. and George A. Morrison, one granddaughter and five great grandchildren. She is survived by her two sons, Robert, Francis and wife, Norma; three daughters, Erma Fuehring, Fern Ham and Louise Stamm and husband Everett, all of Benkelman; one sister, Grace Roberts, of Mill Valley, California; 16 grandchildren, and 37 greatgrandchildren.

She was a member of Holly Chapter No. 233, Order of the Eastern Star. She joined an extension in 1929 and wrote notes for the Benkelman Chronicle for nine years.

She and her husband retired from the farm in 1952 and celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary April 12, 1971. In July of 1981 Mayme was honored for being the oldest living pioneer who had lived her entire life in Dundy County, Nebraska She leaves to bear the cross of sorrow, her families, other relatives and many friends.

Services were held March 31, 1983, at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Rev. Everett Erickson and Rev. John Lover officiating. Anna Benge accompanied Steve Stroup as he sang "Beyond the Sunset: and "How Great Thou Art." Bearers were Eldon Hardwick, Ron Cunningham, Jim Hardwick, Gary Ham, Richard Hardwick, Bill Veal, Russell Hoover, Laddie Wilson, Gary Bloomgren, Gary DeWester, Dick Brasel and Dr. David Jones. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

BENKELMAN -- Izetta P. Hardwick, 82, died Sunday (Oct. 8, 2006), at the Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport.

She was born Nov. 30, 1923, to Henry and Louise (Swanson) Pickrel at Moorefield. Her father traveled for the Standard Oil Co. and therefore she grew up and attended many schools in the towns in western Nebraska. Wauneta was a particular favorite.

She was married to Bernard Teeple. They moved to Benkelman in 1947. They later divorced and she was employed by her father at the original Valley Farm Supply. She also worked at the County Extension Office.

In 1952, she married Robert Hardwick. She was active in the Women's club, Eastern Star, serving as secretary during her daughters' terms in Job's Daughters, and the American Legion for many years. She and Robert served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of Eastern Star.

She worked at the Benkelman Library for several years and was an active member in the Lutheran church. She also served a term on the City Council.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Bernard and Robert; and one son-in-law, Dick Brasel.

Survivors include her daughters; Beverly Brasel of Ogallala and Mary Lou and husband, Gary Bloomgren of Bayard; son Jim and wife, Janet Hardwick of Norfolk; a sister, Irene and husband, Red Traphagan, of McCook; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Thursday, 11 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. George Matthews officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

"Mrs. Myrtle R. Hardwick, a pioneer resident of Dundy county, was laid at rest in the Benkelman cemetery on Friday afternoon after services at the Methodist Church. Mrs. Hardwick passed away at the Pringle Memorial Hospital on December 18th, where she had been under treatment for a heart attack on December 14th. The Rev. W. T. Israel was in charge of the services at which Mrs. Gwen Bauer was the organist and Mrs. LaNeta Anderson the soloist. Casket bearers were Tommy Dale Hardwick, Robert Hardwick, Glen Foster, Leonard Brown, Manley Baney and Gerald Baney. Services were arranged by the Laughlin Funeral Home.

Myrtle Rowena Quimby, the eldest of three daughters, was born on December 25, 1884, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Amelia and Omar Quimby and came to Dundy County at the age of four years. The family settled on a homestead north of Haigler, where they lived until moving into Haigler, where she finished her education. She received her teacher's certificate at the age of sixteen and taught for nine years in Dundy and Cheyenne County schools.

On January 22, 1907, she was united in marriage to Thomas Mandeville Hardwick. They lived in Sheridan, Wyoming, for two years, then homesteaded twelve miles northwest of Benkelman. To this union were born ten children: Opal (Perkins), Percy, Omar, Wilford, Marcella (Samler), Wade, Fairy (Schrader), Betty (Schrader), William and Merle. There were 26 grandchildren, three of whom preceded her in death, and 10 living great-grandchildren. Her sister Pearl still resides in Cheyenne County, Kansas.

On September 16, 1945, her husband Tom preceded her in death. Five years later, she moved to Benkelman where she resided for the last eleven years. She departed this life on December 18, 1961, at the age of 76 years, 11 months, and 23 days, at the Pringle Memorial Hospital in Benkelman after suffering a heart attack on December 14.

She will long be remembered as a loving and faithful wife, a devoted and wonderful mother, and a friend to all. Her passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew her, a void never to be filled as she always thought of others first, always considering herself last. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her, and her memory will live forever."

Francis Leon Hardwick was born Dec. 18, 1915, at the family homestead north of Parks in Dundy County, Neb., to Reece W. And Mayme (Morrison) Hardwick. He died at the age of 81 years and 10 months on Wednesday, Oct., 22, 1997, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb. He attended country school District No. 24 through the eighth grade and graduated from Parks High School in 1934. He was a gifted athlete and set a Nebraska State High School record in the discus competition which holds to this day. Francis was selected as an All-American to the 1935 AAU Track and Field Team and participated in the 1936 Olympic Trials in Milwaukee, Wisc.

Francis was married on Nov. 25, 1937, to Norma Ilene Crook, daughter of Roy and Pearl (Huffman) Crook. To this union two daughters and three sons were born. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1987. The Hardwicks lived north of Parks on the Morrison homestead where they farmed before moving to Benkelman in 1963. He was a man who loved the soil, working with the land and raising of crops. He became a sale representative for a seed corn company in 1966, retiring from this career in 1978. He enjoyed this very much, visiting with the farmers and helping them with their farming needs. Francis was baptized in the United Presbyterian Church north of Parks and was raised by a Christian family. He served on the Parks School board and was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge.

He was a devoted family man who enjoyed his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Jerilynn. Survivors include his wife, Norma, of Benkelman; their daughter, Charlene, and her husband, Russell Hoover, of Vacaville, Calif; their sons: Eldon and wife, Elsie, of Benkelman, John and wife, Karen, of Roseville, Calif., and Richard and wife, Judith, of San Anselmo, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert, and three sisters: Erma and husband, Gaile Dunn; Fern Ham and Louise and husband, Everett Stamm, all of Benkelman; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Final rites were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, 1997, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Organist was Betty Erdman and Steven Stroup sang "The Old Rugged Cross," and "How Great Thou Art." Taped selections of Tennessee Ernie Ford were also played. Bearers were Ron Ham, Marty Lutz, Glen Osborn, Jim Osborn, Tom Richard, and James Owens. Honorary bearers were John Phifer, Dean Topliff, Gene Hansen, Max Cline, Lawrence Campbell, Charley Morrison, Rex Daniels, Dale Bauer, Marlin Phifer, Boyd Adkinson, Leon Schrader, Leo Richard and friends.

Committal was offered by Justice Lodge No 180 A.F.&A.M. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

The following article was printed in November, 1898, I believe in the school newsletter of the Grand Island Business College, Grand Island, NE.

A gloom was cast over the school by the death of Mr. John Hardwick, one of the students, last Sunday morning. Mr. Hardwick had been sick for nearly a month at the hospital and although he was considered very ill his friends had hoped that he would come out all right. His father arrived Monday morning from Dundy County and returned in the evening with the body. About seventy-five students accompanied him to the train. As a token of the high esteem in which Mr. Hardwick was held by his fellow students a beautiful design of cut flowers in the form of a large shield containing the letters "G.I.B.C." was ordered by them from the florist and sent with the casket.

Mr. Hardwick was a young man of excellent habits and made many friends during the time he attended the college.

HARDWICK. -- The members of O.Y.P.C.U. of Parks, Nebraska, would pay a loving tribute of respect to the memory of Mr. John Hardwick, whom our Father called home Nov. 17, 1895.

Whereas: God in His all wise providence has removed by death one of our members;

Resolved: That we bow in humble submission to Him, who doeth all things well, and recognize in this first summons from our ranks a call to our own preparation for death; Resolved: That we extend to the bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy and commend them to Him who is able to comfort the sorrowing; Resolved: That a copy of these resolutions be placed upon our minutes and also published in the local and church papers.

"The remains of Mark M. Hardwick, who was killed in Wyoming on Tuesday, May 31, arrived in Benkelman on No. 14 last Friday evening and was met by a delegation from the local lodge, K. of P., and taken to the lodge hall, where they were viewed by the many friends of the deceased. The arrangements for holding the funeral Sunday had to be abandoned owing to the fact that mortification had set in and it was decided to hold the funeral Saturday afternoon. A committee of K. of P.'s and the two brothers [Thomas M. And Reece W.] of the deceased, who arrived with the remains, escorted the body to the home of W. P. Hardwick, his father, 12 miles northwest of Benkelman, where services were held by Rev. W. R. McKnight at 2 o'clock, after which the remains were taken to the U. P. cemetery, north of Parks, for interment. The beautiful burial service of the Knights of Pythias order was read at the grave.

Deceased, at the time of his death, was employed as a brakeman on the Union Pacific railroad between Rawlins and Green River, Wyo. It appears that on the fatal evening the train on which Mr. Hardwick was braking had a hot box on one of the cars, and he got down on the ladder to examine it while the train was running at a high rate of speed, and was struck by one of the narrow bridges which are said to be numerous on that division. The conductor, who was standing on the car above at the time, stopped the train and ran back, but on reaching the body life was extinct. The accident happened at a small station called Black Butte, between Rawlins and Rock Springs.

Mark M. Hardwick was almost 33 years of age, having been born September 23, 1877, in Gentry county, Mo. He was the son of W. P. Hardwick, of Allston precinct, and had spent his boyhood and most of the years since attaining his majority in Dundy county. He came here with his parents about 25 years ago. He was a popular, generous young man, having many friends and knowing how to esteem them. His sudden taking away is deeply deplored and the family's grief is shared by many."

"Percy Roy Hardwick was born in Dundy County, Nebraska, on November 6, 1910. He was the second child and the oldest son of Thomas M. and Myrtle R. Hardwick. After a brief period of hospitalization, he died on October 4, 1988, at the Winter Haven Hospital in Winter Haven, Florida. As a young man, he was fond of the outdoors and sports. He loved to hunt and fish, to play baseball and softball, and was well-known for his skill and competitiveness in these activities. However, he never lost sight of the need for conservation, for fairness and honesty and for law and order.

When his country was threatened, Percy enlisted in the Unites States Army on September, 23, 1940, where his leadership skills were quickly recognized and rewarded. He was shot in the left foot in Tunisia, North Africa, on May 14, 1943, a wound that eventually led to his being discharged for disability on June 21, 1944, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was proud that he was a veteran of the country that he loved and carried that pride with dignity and honor. He was a lifetime member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Disabled Veterans of America.

After his discharge, he returned to the farm where he grew up and later farmed and raised cattle with three of his brothers for several years. He eventually took on the task of transporting mobile homes to every part of this country, working first out of Omaha, Nebraska, later moving to Tampa, Florida, and eventually to Auburndale, Florida, where he later retired and spent the remaining years of his life. He was rightfully proud of his driving record, and his employers recognized and rewarded him for his dependability and reliability. They knew that Percy would never take advantage of them.

He was married to Cathern Merklin on December 23, 1955. They both shared a love of sports and the life outdoors, enjoying numerous camping and fishing trips and weekend camp-ins. They shared, too, a deep love for bluegrass music and clogging, two activities rooted in country tradition and reflecting the values and types of relationships they so much enjoyed and cherished.

Percy and Cathy believed just as strongly in the work of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and donated materials and possessions to help struggling boys and girls. They specified in their wills that the proceeds from their estate were to be shared equally with the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch and the Florida Sheriffs Girls Villa. Just a few months before his death, Percy was awarded a lifetime membership in that organization.

Percy was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy, his parents, two sisters, Opal and Betty; and two brothers, Omar and Merle (Pete). He leaves to mourn his passing two sisters, Marcella Samler of Haigler, Nebraska, and Fairy Schrader of Benkelman, Nebraska; three brothers, Wilford G. of Burns Flat, Oklahoma, Wade D. of St. Francis, Kansas, and William P. of Auburndale, Florida; plus a host of other relatives and many, many friends.

In keeping with his wishes, he was cremated, and the urn was placed in the Columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery in the same crypt holding the urn of his beloved wife. Colonel John W. Morrison, Chaplain, U.S. Army, conducted the services and the Army Color Guard provided the military honors -- the flag, the firing squad, and the playing of taps. Percy's inurnment took place on October 20, 1988, Cathy's birthday.

Reece W. Hardwick, a resident of Dundy county for 83 years, expired at the Dundy County Hospital on Friday at the age of 88 years. He has been in failing health for a year.

Mr. Hardwick was a member of the family of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hardwick who came to Dundy County as homesteaders from Missouri in 1888. Of the nine children in that family, Waldo Hardwick of Denver is the surviving member. The Hardwick homestead was five miles north of Parks and it remained the home of Mr. Hardwick until 1952 when he retired and moved to Benkelman.

In his long and useful lifetime, Mr. Hardwick was not only devoted to his family but also to the community. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Parks and of Justice Lodge No. 180, AF&AM of which he was a Past Master and highly regarded by his brethren. He was also a force for better education and was chosen by his neighbors to serve 18 years on the Board of Education of Districts 39 and 24.

Reece and Mayme E. Morrison celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary with family members last spring. The family is composed of Mrs. Hardwick and five children: Erma Fuehring, Francis Hardwick, Fern Ham, Louise Stamm and Robert Hardwick; 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman on Monday morning with the Rev. Allan Martin officiating. Mrs. Gwen Bauer was the organist and the quartet was composed of Robert Andrews, Harry Ough, Ray Balderson and John Baer. Casket bearers were Bill Veal, Gary Ham, Laddie Wilson, Eldon Hardwick, John Hardwick and Henry Krug Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Frank Weiss, Paul Wilkens, George Johnson, Adolph Kutz, Kenneth Brown, John Dunn, H. L. Anderson, Gene Ham, Lee Balderson, Frank Walsh and Ross D. Druliner, Sr. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery where graveside services were in charge of Justice Lodge No. 180, AF&AM. The Jones

Reece W. Hardwick was born May 18, 1883 at Albany, Missouri to William Pinkney and Margaret E. Dorsey Hardwick and passed away at the Dundy County hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska September 10, 1971, at 88 years, three months and 23 days of age. There were nine children born to the William P. Hardwicks: Dora, Emerson, John, Mark, Thomas, Waldo, Mrs. Verda Baney (Lois) and Mrs. Stephen Foster (Fannie). Waldo Hardwick of Denver, Colorado, is the only surviving member of Reece's family.

Reece Hardwick came with his parents from Albany, Missouri in 1888 at five years of age. His parents homesteaded five miles north of Parks, Nebraska. Reece took two years of special Math under Miss Anna McGlashan after completing grade school and then took two years of Veterinary School in Kansas City, Missouri.

He farmed the home place until his retirement in 1952. He had served 18 years on the School board in District 39 and 24. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Parks, Nebraska, and of Justice Lodge No. 180 AF&AM of Benkelman. He had been Past Master of the Lodge and received his 50-year pin one year ago in May.

Reece was married to Mayme E. Morrison on April 12, 1911, at the Morrison family home seven miles north of Parks. Reece Hardwick is survived by his wife Mayme; his five children: Mrs. Erma Fuehring, Francis L. Hardwick, Mrs. Fern Ham, Mrs. Louise Stamm and Robert Hardwick all of Benkelman, Nebraska; by 16 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren, and by his brother Waldo of Denver, Colorado, and by a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by sons-in-law, Carl Veal and Lyle Ham, one granddaughter and three great granddaughters.

Last rites were held for Ricky Lee, 11-day-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Merle Hardwick at the Laughlin Funeral Home last Saturday morning. The commital service was held at the Benkelman cemetery. Both services were in charge of Rev. Father Frank Sherman.

Ricky Lee was born at St. Catherine's hospital in McCook on April 30th. Shortly after his arrival, organic trouble developed and he was taken to the Children's Hospital in Omaha for surgery. Surviving surgery, he was thought to be recovering when he passed away on Thursday afternoon. Immediate survivors are his parents and one brother.

BENKELMAN -- Robert Wayne "Bob" Hardwick, 81, died Thursday (Feb. 9, 2006) at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

Bob was born on March 17, 1924, to Reece and Mayme Edith (Morrison) Hardwick. He graduated from Parks High School in 1942.

He was a member of the Parks United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, the McCook Elks Lodge and the Imperial Eagle's Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reece and Mayme Hardwick; one brother, Francis Hardwick; two sisters, Erma Dunn and Louise Stamm; and a son-in-law, Dick Brasel.

Survivors include his son, Jim Hardwick and wife, Janet of Parks; two daughters, Beverly Brasel of Ogallala and Mary Lou and husband, Gary Bloomgren of Bayard; one sister, Fern Ham of Benkelman; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services will be Monday, 2 p.m., at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. George Matthews officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday, 4-7 p.m. Condolences can be left at www.forch.com.

Thomas Dale Hardwick, only son of Waldo and Rachel Hardwick, was born in Benkelman, Nebraska, on December 22, 1928. He passed away from cancer in a hospice in Tempe, Arizona, on April 25, 1997.

He was graduated from the Parks, Nebraska, High School in 1947, and his class will be celebrating their 50th class reunion this year at the Dundy County Alumni Banquet. In early 1949 he joined the United States Air Force, but for only a short time, being granted a hardship discharge so he could return home and help his parents on the farm.

He was married to Marie J. Wilkens, the daughter of Tony and Katherine Wilkens, on July 28, 1953. They have five children: Ann Marie, Mary Rachelle (deceased), Gregory Thomas, Stanley Alan, and Susan Diane. Tom and Marie also have seven grandchildren.

Tom and Marie made their home in the Denver, Colorado, area starting in 1954. Tom was engaged in carpentry work for many years and earned the reputation, not only of doing excellent work, but also of being honest, reliable and dependable. He cared about the quality of his work just as he cared deeply about the welfare of his wife and children and grandchildren. He took seriously his role of being the head of the family and an excellent provider.

Tom suffered a heart attack in the Denver area in 1978. He recovered from that but could no longer stand the cold winters so he and Marie moved their family to Arizona where they resided until his death at the age of 68.

He was preceeded in death by his mother, Rachel, in 1975, by his father, Waldo, in 1977; and by his older sister Peggy in 1996. His daughter, Mary, died in 1983. His survivors include his wife Marie; daughter Ann; son-in-law Ali Izadian; son Greg; son Stanley and wife Charlotte, and daughter Susan and James Sweeney. All seven of his grandchildren are left without their grandfather.

Rosary was held Monday, April 28, 1997, at the Carr Tenney Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at the Church of the Resurrection on Tuesday, April 29, 1997. Interment was in the Queen of Heaven cemetery.

"It was with deep sorrow that the sad news was received Sunday morning of the passing of T. M. Hardwick at Mercy Hospital in Denver where he had been taken several days before for treatment of a heart and kidney involvement which had threatened his life for more than two weeks to the point where physicians in charge could hold out but little hope for his recovery and his death was not unexpected, especially during the last few days when his condition grew so serious that he was kept under oxygen continuously.

His wife and all the children save Omar and Master Sgt. Wilford Hardwick were at his bedside when the death angel beckoned him across. The body was returned to Benkelman Monday morning by Joe Laughlin and was at the Laughlin Funeral Home until funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Methodist Church, with Rev. Paul E. Boyles officiating. Funeral direction was by Mr. Laughlin and members of the A.F. & A.M. Lodge were in charge of the services at the grave. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

The life story of Tommie Hardwick and the history of Dundy county follow each other to a very marked degree since he was but seven years old when he came here with his parents 57 years ago to locate in the section which has since been his home. What school privileges that were here then provided the limit of his educational opportunities, but these, along with the school of experience, broadened his young mind and he continued a student until the day of his death and became well informed and broadminded to a remarkable degree and his thoughts and talents were given freely to the community he loved and the community that so appreciated and esteemed him.

Mr. Hardwick's boyhood days were largely given to the cattle business, and for many years, outside of such times as he was in school, he rode the range. Regardless of his youth he soon established himself as conscientious and trustworthy and different cattlemen who annually grazed large herds in the northwest part of the county entrusted him to the duty of looking after their herds during the grazing season here.

Later, as he grew older he interested himself in farming to whatever extent possible and eventually became one of the foremost corn farmers of his region. Then he purchased land south of Haigler in Cheyenne county and his success as a wheat grower equaled that of his corn and cattle successes but when the war broke out and the labor shortage gradually became more acute, he gave more and more of his own energies to his farming projects, reaching the peak the past summer when he labored almost night and day to keep things going, and this, along with the fact that he worried terribly over the fate of his country and that of the millions of boys that were so abruptly drawn into the hurricane of destruction in World War II.

Two of his own sons were in the armed services, one having been wounded in combat and others of his sons were engaged in different types of work essential to the war effort, and there were times when he was all alone in carrying on at his farms and all of these things no doubt contributed in bringing about the illness that eventually claimed his life. Aside from the work and effort involved in the management of his personal enterprises, he likewise spent much time during his life in public service in whatever way he could.

He felt a keen interest in schools and did everything he could in bringing a better school system to Dundy county. He served as county commissioner from the Second District from January, 1935 to January 1939, years that will long be remembered in our county's history for they were years when we were in the depth of the depression, years of delinquent taxes and of deficits in practically every fund in the court house. It was likewise years when the finances of some of our people had been reduced to the point where help was imperative. In fact never before had our board of county commissioners faced more complex problems than did the Commissioner Board with which Tommie served. But in these problems, as in everything else, he gave the very best he had, worked faithfully in whatever way he could to make the load a trifle lighter for those who were so sorely burdened by the depression and the difficulties that it had brought them.

Then, when in the early days of 1934 there appeared in the distance a small but hopeful light on the horizon of the farmers who so much needed to see a ray of hope, he gave freely of his time and talents in helping to organize the county for such government projects as the Triple A, hog-corn programs and the various other agencies that were whipped into shape in a short period of time. And he stayed on the job there too until the success of each undertaking with which he was associated had proven a success.

At the time of his death he was a member of the Dundy County Selective Service Board. He was a man of high purposes, determined courage, with a burning desire looking to the ever increased up-building of his community and county, and was one of the finest citizens having to do with its development and he was likewise a devoted and loving husband, kind and considerate, and the community extends its tenderest sympathies to them now in the sudden bereavement and great sorrow and loss.

T. M. Hardwick, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Hardwick, was born July 29, 1882, at Greenwood county, Kansas, and passed away at Mercy hospital in Denver on September 16 at the age of 63 years, 1 month and 19 days. He moved to Dundy county with his parents in 1888 when he was 7 years old and remained a resident until his death. There were nine children in the family. One daughter and one son died in infancy and John died in 1895 and Mark, who was employed in Wyoming as a railroad brakeman, was killed in an accident in 1917. Those surviving are Waldo, Reese, Mrs. Fannie Foster and Mrs. Verde Baney. The mother passed away in 1906 and the father in 1923.

Besides his wife, Mr. Hardwick is survived by ten children as follows: Mrs. Opal Perkins, Yoncalla, Oregon; Percy of Benkelman, Omar of Hastings, Master Sgt. Wilford of the armed services, Mrs. Oscar Samler of Haigler, and Wade, Mrs. Howard Schrader, Mrs. Alvin Schrader, Billie and Merle of the immediate section, and he will be missed far beyond the family circle for his was a useful and helpful life to his county and local community."

Thomas Merle (Pete) Hardwick was born on April 11, 1931, the youngest child of Tom and Myrtle Hardwick. He died in Loveland, Colorado, at the age of 53 years. He received his education in Dundy County, graduating from Parks High School in 1948.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Bates and to this union were born three sons, one of whom died in infancy. Gary and Dan and his wife, Becky, and son, Justin, survive.

During his young adult years he was well-known in the Tri-State area for his baseball pitching ability. Several years later this was brought to an end when he had back surgery due to an injury.

Preceding him in death were his parents, two sisters, Betty and Opal, and a brother. Surviving are two sisters, Fairy Schrader and husband, Howard, and Marcella Samler and husband, Oscar; brothers, Percy and wife, Cathy, Wilford and wife, Laurette, Wade and wife, Eleanor, and Bill and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Graveside services were held at the Benkelman cemetery on Monday, October 1, at 10 a.m. with Rev. John Kilgore officiating.

Word was received in Benkelman of the sudden death of Waldo Hardwick of Northglenn, Colo. He passed away on Nov. 18, 1977, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leo O'Brien with whom he had been living for the past several months. He was 82 years of age.

Funeral services were held at the Highland Memorial Chapel Nov. 21, 1977 with the Reverend Roland Taylor of the Crossroads Baptist Church officiating. Burial was in the Highland Memory Gardens of Northglenn, Colo.

He is survived by his daughter Peggy and husband Leo O'Brien, Northglenn, Colo. and son Tom and wife Marie, Arvada, Colo., several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Waldo spent most of his life in Dundy County as a farmer. He sold his farm and with his wife retired to Northglenn, Colo. to be near children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his many relatives and friends of Northglenn and the Parks and Benkelman communities.

Those attending the funeral services from Benkelman were Verdie Baney, Gerald Baney, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Spears and Mrs. Verle Behlke.

Wilford George Hardwick was born May 22, 1915, in Dundy County. He was the fourth child of Thomas and Myrtle Hardwick.

He died peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 23, 2004, in Bethany, Okla., at the age of 89.

He joined the Army Air Force (which later became the United States Air Force) in September of 1941. He retired after 22 plus years of service with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank possible, on May 31, 1964. He was involved in many memorable experiences while in the Air Force, most notable of which was his instrumental involvement in the Berlin Air Lift after the end of World War II. After his retirement from the Air Force, he went to work for the Department of Defense of Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Okla., retiring from there in June 1978.

He was united in marriage to Laurette Goode of Seminole, Texas on Dec. 12, 1942. During World War II and after, they lived in Hawaii, Germany and several areas of the United States. After his retirement from Tinker Air Force Base, they moved first to Benkelman for a short time and then settled in Burns Flat, Okla., until 1996 when they moved to Bethany, Okla.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laurette. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Hamilton of Oklahoma City, Okla.; his son, Thomas Hardwick and his wife, Debra of Bethany; a granddaughter, Anna Marie Hobbs and her husband, Zane; one great-grandson, Zane Hobbs of Yukon, Okla.; one sister, Marcella Samler of St. Francis; and two brothers, Wade Hardwick and wife, Eleanor of St. Francis and William P. Hardwick of Benkelman.

As he wished, he will be cremated with a private inurnment beside his wife in Bethany at a later date.

The community was grieved Sunday to learn of the passing of W. P. Hardwick at the home of his daughter Mrs. Fannie Foster near Max. Mr. Hardwick was quite aged and the illness of declining years were largely responsible for his death. He had not been well for a long time but during the past few months he failed very rapidly. Services were conducted at the Foster home by Rev. L. S. Terry of Wauneta and the remains were laid to rest in the family burial ground at Parks.

Deceased was a pioneer settler of the Parks section and was a highly honored man, always gaining new friendships and retaining old ones as he passed down through the years. He was honorable and upright in his business dealings, and filled the important place in the home and community as only a thoughtful and good man could and the large attendance at the funeral attested the deep esteem in which he was held by all who knew him.

W. P. Hardwick was born in Louisville, Kentucky, April 10, 1835, and died October 21, 1923, aged 88 years, 6 months, and 11 days. He lived in Kentucky until 19 years of age when he went to Illinois and then to Missouri, moving to Nebraska in 1888. In 1875 he married Margaret Dorsey. To this union nine children were born, five of whom survive him. The mother died in 1906; Dora died in 1885; Emerson died in 1888; John died in 1898 and Mark passed away in 1910. The five children surviving him are Thomas M., Reece W., Waldo P., Mrs. Verda Baney and Mrs. Stephen Foster. Twenty-three grandchildren also survive him.

When a young man he united with the Christian church and always lived true to that faith.

Dec. 17, 1918 - Sept. 14, 2008

BENKELMAN -- Norma Ilene Hardwick, 89, of Benkelman, died Sunday (Sept. 14, 2008) at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

She was born Dec. 17, 1918, in Cheyenne County, Kan., to Roy and Pearl (Huffman) Crook. She lived her entire life in Dundy County, Neb., and was a graduate of Benkelman High School in 1936. After graduation, she taught school for two years at Rural District No. 66.

She married Francis L. Hardwick on Nov. 15, 1937. They lived and farmed north of Parks, Neb., on the old Morrison homestead. She was a farm wife.

In the early 1960s the family moved to Benkelman. She worked in the Dundy County Extension office, and the Dundy County Treasurers office for a total of 19 years.

She was very active in the community and was involved in the Order of Eastern Star Holly Chapter No. 233, the Red Hat Coffee Cuppers, and various other organizations. She was a member of the Parks and Benkelman Methodist Churches for more than 75 years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Pearl Crook; husband, Francis Hardwick; daughter, Jerilynn; brothers, Basil and Alvin; and sisters, Verna and Hazel.

Survivors include her daughter, Charlene Hoover and husband, Russell of Chiliquin, Ore; her sons, Eldon Hardwick and wife, Elsie of Benkelman, John Hardwick and wife, Karen of Roseville, Calif., Richard Hardwick of Vallejo, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Virginia Crook of Englewood, Colo., and Bernice Crook of Shelby, Neb.; brothers-in-law, Alan Boyd of Santa Clara, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 10 step-great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

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

The family will receive friends today from 4-6 p.m. (MDT) at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman. There will be no viewing.

Memorials may be given to the Francis Hardwick Track Scholarship Fund at Dundy County-Stratton High School.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 2008

Norma Ilene (Crook) Hardwick

Norma I. Hardwick, of Benkelman , Nebraska , died Sunday, September 14, 2008 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, at the age of 89.

She was born December 17, 1918 in Cheyenne County , Kansas to Roy and Pearl (Huffman) Crook. She lived her entire life in Dundy County, Nebraska, and was a graduate of Benkelman High School in 1936. After graduation, Norma taught school for two years at Rural District #66.

Norma was united in marriage to Francis L. Hardwick on November 15, 1937. This union was blessed with two daughters, Charlene and Jerilynn, and three sons, Eldon, John, and Richard.

The Hardwicks lived and farmed north of Parks, Nebraska on the old Morrison homestead. Norma was a hardworking farm wife, raising her garden and always had entries in the county fair be it fresh or canned.

In the early 60's the family moved to Benkelman so the two youngest sons could finish high school. Norma worked in the Dundy County Extension office and the Dundy County Treasurers office for a total of 19 years. She was very active in the community and was involved in the Order of Eastern Star Holly Chapter No. 233, the Red Hat Coffee Cuppers, and various other organizations. She was a proud member of the Parks and Benkelman Methodist Churches for more than 75 years.

In addition to her community involvement, Norma enjoyed numerous recreational activities, including bowling, playing cards and bingo. She loved to travel and always looked forward to trips to California to visit her children and their families. Norma's last visit to California was in June to celebrate an early 90th birthday.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Pearl Crook; husband, Francis Hardwick; daughter, Jerilynn; brothers, Basil and Alvin; and sisters, Verna and Hazel.

Survivors include her daughter, Charlene Hoover and husband, Russell of Chilaquin, OR; her sons, Eldon Hardwick and wife, Elsie of Benkelman, NE, John Hardwick and wife, Karen of Roseville, CA, Richard Hardwick of Vallejo, CA; eleven grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Virginia Crook of Englewood, CO, and Bernice Crook of Shelby, NE; brothers-in-law, Alan Boyd of Santa Clara, CA; and numerous other family members and friends.

The family received friends on Thursday, September 18, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (MDT) at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman. There was no viewing.

Funeral services were held Friday, September 19, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (MDT) at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman , Nebraska , with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment followed services at the Benkelman Cemetery .

Memorials may be given to the Francis Hardwick Track Scholarship Fund at Dundy County-Stratton High School.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 21, 2009

Wade Donald Hardwick

Wade Donald Hardwick was born on the farm in Dundy county, NE on April 2, 1920 to Thomas Mandeville Hardwick and Myrtle Rowena (Quimby) Hardwick. He passed on to his Eternal reward on January 13, 2009 at his home in Benkelman, NE. Wade was the sixth child born to his parents and one of six boys. He would have reached his 89^th birthday on April 2 of this year.

Wade grew to manhood on the farm in Dundy county and retained his love of animals and the soil all his life. He went to Los Angeles in 1940 where his brother Wilford was and worked as a welder during World War II in the shipyards at Los Angeles. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Susan Eleanor Ravenhill, and they were married in the Methodist Episcopal Church in Eugene, Oregon on November 26, 1940, with Wade’s oldest sister, Opal, and her husband, Charles (Red) Perkins, as their attendants.

After they were married, Wade and Eleanor moved back to the Benkelman area where they lived on different farms. Wade did the chores the "old-fashioned" way, by hand. During this time, their four children were born at the Morehouse hospital, April (who died in infancy), Mark, Randy, and Robyn.

Wade at one time owned and operated Barger’s Hardware, and also was part-owner and manager of Knoly’s Café, both in Benkelman. He left the café to pursue a career in radio and television.

After schooling in Dallas, Texas, and Louisville, Kentucky, in the latter ‘50's, Wade pioneered the TV show in Goodland, KS he called "Uncle Wade’s Back Porch." On his early-morning radio program, he was known as "The Old Sandhiller". That is where he first heard the Johnny Mathis song "The Twelfth Of Never" which he asked his nephew, Steve Stroup, to sing at his service.

In 1960 Wade left the radio and television station in Goodland, KS and moved his family to the San Fernando valley area of Los Angeles. He went to work for Litton Industries, a company which built a lot of electronic equipment for the government. The family resided in Granada Hills, CA, area until 1971 and lived through a large earthquake. It was during this time that the children grew up and left home.

Wade’s father-in-law, Harry Duker, who resided in Vancouver, British Columbia, asked Wade and Eleanor to come and live with him after Mrs. Duker had suddenly passed away. They agreed and moved to Vancouver in the early ‘70's. They purchased a flower store and built it into a successful business in the ten years they operated it. Eleanor had begun her career as a flower designer in Goodland, KS and continued while living in CA. Wade kept the books and delivered all of Eleanor’s flower arrangements.

When Mr. Duker died, they sold the store and wintered in Mesa, AZ and spent the summers in St. Francis, KS. They eventually bought and remodeled an older home in St. Francis and lived there until moving to Benkelman in 2008.

In the late ‘90's Wade underwent quadruple bypass surgery and was given seven years to live.

Playing baseball and softball was something he loved and participated in as long as he was able. And of course he was a big fan of the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Broncos.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter April Marie, brothers Percy, Omar, Wilford, Merle (Pete), and four sisters, Opal, Marcella, Fairy, and Betty and their respective spouses, and grandsons Brian Bower and Ty Hardwick. Wade’s younger brother, Bill, is the only surviving member of the Thomas Hardwick family.

Survivors include Eleanor, his loving wife of 68 years, two sons, Mark in Santa Rosa, California and Randy and fiancee Linda in Linn Valley, Kansas, daughter Robyn of Benkelman, and Randy’s former wife, Paula Lieker. Other survivors are granddaughter Lisa Michelle Bower and husband John of Quartz Hill, CA and their children, Christopher and Brittany; grandson Donald Hardwick and wife Donna of Littleton, CO and their children, Maggie and Donald, Jr.; grandson Ellison Weeks of Sherman Oaks, CA, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Wade was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Larry Forch, Jr., Celebrant, officiating. Steve Stroup sang "Amazing Grace" and "The Twelfth of Never." Escorts were Zach, JC, Nate, and Jordan Stroup, Dave Samler, Ellison Weeks, Doug Schrader, and Don and Eldon Hardwick. Interment followed at the Benkelman cemetery. Nickole Sis sang "Wings of a Dove" and led the group in singing "Beautiful River."

Memorials may be given in Wade’s name to the Dundy County Museum, PO Box 634, Benkelman, NE 69021.

Forch Funeral Chapel, Inc., Benkelman, NE handled all the arrangements.

STRATTON--Lola Almira (Henderson) Hardy was born June 11, 1908, at Haigler, Neb., and died Dec. 27, 1996, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb., at the age of 88 years, 6 months and 16 days.

After residing in Haigler, she moved with her family to Hitchcock County, Neb., where they lived northeast of Stratton and where she attended Dry Canyon School. They moved into Stratton and she attended Stratton Public School, graduating in 1926.

On Oct. 10, 1926, she married Frank Kenneth Hardy at Oberlin, Kan. They began housekeeping in Stratton, and in 1928 they moved to Frank's home place in the Eden precinct where they raised four children. Besides being a housewife, she cooked for the Eden School for four years. In 1959, they moved to Stratton and in 1960 they moved to the Starkey precinct on the Busboom farm, where they resided until on their 50th anniversary, they moved into Stratton where she resided until her death.

Her favorite hobby was quilting. While she was still able to, she quilted a quilt for each of the children and grandchildren.

She was a member of the Eden Sunshine Club, the Busy Bee Club and the Helping Hands for York College.

She was preceded in death by her husband on June 17, 1992, her parents and a sister, Lila F. (Henderson) Smith.

Survivors include three sons and their wives, Delbert and Lucille Hardy of Akron, Colo., Neil and Mary Lou Hardy of Colby, Kan., and George and Carolyn Hardy of Stratton; a daughter and her husband, Vonna and Seth Ragan, of Stratton; 18 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Final rites for Lola Hardy were Monday, Dec. 30, 1996, at 2 p.m. in the Church of Christ in Stratton with Randy Hayes officiating. Rick Eldred was the song leader. Selections were "When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder," "Put Your Hand In The Hand," "Wonderful Love of Jesus" and “We Are Going Down The Valley."

Bearers were Brad Jesch, Terry Burr, Mark Schinnerer, Kelly Fanning, Dennis Renfro and Denis League. Honorary bearers were David, Joe, Russell, Neil Jr., ,John, James, Bryon and Alan Hardy and Larry Ragan. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home Inc. of Stratton.

AKRON, Colo.--Delbert Lynn Hardy, 74, of Akron, died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001, at the Sterling Regional Medical Center in Sterling, Colo.

He was born Aug. 5. 1927, at Stratton, Neb., to Frank and Lola (Henderson) Hardy and grew up in the Stratton area. He completed eight years of grade school at the Eden school and graduated from Stratton High School. Because he was stricken with polio in October 1942, Del was unable to attend his junior year at Stratton. He moved to Lincoln General Hospital and then to Children's Hospital in Denver. He attended Boettcher School for crippled children where he was able to complete his education for his junior year, and later returned to Stratton for his senior year. Following his graduation, Del attended the University of Colorado in Boulder where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

From 1950 to 1953 he worked as an engineer for the Northwest Kansas Electrical Co-op at Bird City, Kan. Delbert did the planning and staking of the power lines west of Stratton to Benkelman and into Haigler, Neb. In 1953 he became associated with Miner & Miner Consulting Engineers in Greeley, Colo., where he did consulting work for 10 years. He also worked as an engineer for Morgan County REA, Y-W Electric and Highline Electric before becoming manager of Y-W Electric in April 1976. He retired on Jan. 1, 1993.

On March 19, 1955, Delbert was united in marriage to Lucille Alles at the home of her parents. They owned and operated Quarter Circle VV Ranches, raising paint horses for 40 years. Delbert helped start the Rocky Mountain Paint Horse Club, and served as a director for a good many years as well as president in 1967. He was active in the High Plains Paint Horse Club and also served on several committees for the American Paint Horse Association. One of his great loves was horses and anything that had to do with them. Following retirement, he enjoyed working with his horses and attending horse shows.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents on both sides of the family.

Those who survive him include his wife; sons David, Joe and Russell; a daughter, Gail; his daughter-in-law, Donna Hardy; a son-in-law, John Lowry; grandsons Tyler and Cody Hardy and Travis, Terry and Drew Spielmann; granddaughters Amanda Rodwell and Tomarra Hardy; great-grandchildren Lance and Elisha Rodwell; a grandson-in-law, Danny Rodwell; Russell's friend, Natalie McCloskie; brothers George and Neil; a sister, Vonna Ragan, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 5, 2001, at the Church of Christ in Stratton with Randy Hayes officiating. Music was by the Church of Christ Singers. Pallbearers were Cody, James and Tyler Hardy and Drew, Terry and Travis Spielmann. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton. Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton was in charge of arrangements.

STRATTON– Frank Kenneth Hardy was born May 2, 1909, at his home in Eden Precinct, Hitchcock County, Nebraska. He died June 17, 1992, at his home in Stratton, Nebraska, at the age of 83 years, 1 month and 15 days. He lived his entire life in Hitchcock County.

He was the son of Joseph 0. and Mary Elizabeth (Romine) Hardy. He attended grade school at School District #54 in the Eden Precinct and graduated from Stratton High School with the Class of 1927.

On October 10, 1926, he married Lola Henderson at Oberlin, Kansas. They began housekeeping in Stratton and in 1928 they moved to his home place in the Eden Precinct. He farmed, raising wheat, corn, milo and livestock. In 1960 they moved to the Starkey Precinct on the Bushbom farm which they had previously purchased. He retired and on October 10, 1976, they moved into Stratton where they resided until his death.

In 1941, he was baptized into Christ and was a member of the Church of Christ for the remainder of his life, serving as elder and song leader for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Lola; three sons, Delbert and wife, Lucille, of Akron, Colorado, Neil and wife, Mary Lou, of Colby, Kansas, and George and wife, Carolyn, of Stratton; one daughter, Vonna and husband, Seth Ragan, of Stratton; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; a sister, Hetty Bedford, and a brother and his wife, Clyde and Margaret Hardy, all of Stratton.

Services were held Saturday, June 20, 1992, at 2 p.m. at the Church of Christ in Stratton with Evert Pickartz officiating. Assisting with the service was Terry Burr, a grandson-in-law. Song leader was Rick Eldred. Musical selections were “There Are Loved Ones In The Glory," "We Are Going Down The Valley," “Trust And Obey” and “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder."

Bearers were grandsons-in-law: Mike Cravens, Karl Spielmann, BraclJesch, Kelly Fanning, Dennis Renfro and Denis League. Honorary bearers were grandsons: David Hardy, Joe Hardy, Russell Hardy, Larry Ragan, Neil Hardy Jr., James Hardy, Bryon Hardy, Alan Hardy and John Hardy.

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

McCOOK--Joseph Clyde Hardy, 95, died Saturday, April 17, 1999, at the Community Hospital in McCook, Neb.

He was born Dec. 10, 1903, at. Stratton, Neb., to Joseph 0. and Elizabeth (Romine) Hardy. He grew up on the family farm at Stratton and graduated from rural school. He then began farming with his father.

On Sept. 26, 1926, he married Margaret Audrey Richards at Wray, Colo. They farmed south of Stratton until retiring in 1988 and have lived in McCook for the past six years. He was a member of the Church of Christ at Stratton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Paula Jones, on Feb. 9, 1997; a son, Ronald Hardy, on Feb. 9, 1998; three brothers, Lee, Ralph and Frank Hardy, and a sister Hetty Bedford.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret, of McCook; a daughter, Jeannette and husband, Rex Poore, of McCook; a daughter-in-law, Vera Hansen, of Stratton; 10 grandchildren: Rick and Jo Poore, Joel and Brynne Poore, Beth and Kevin O'Hanlon, Andrea Baughman, Michael and Joanie Jones, Valerie and Rich Fries, Cassie and Alan Hardy, Garth and Monna Hardy, Garrett and Amy Hardy and Christie and Mike Holevinski; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, and friends.

Services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 19, 1999, at the Herrmann Memorial Chapel in McCook with Pastor Rick Eldred officiating. Music was by the Church of Christ Singers. Pallbearers were Garth, Alan and Garrett Hardy, Rick, Jesse, Joel and Tyson Poore, Michael and Grant Jones, Kevin O'Hanlon, Rich Fries and Mike Holevinski.

Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton. Arrangements were by Herrmann Funeral Home of McCook.

STRATTON-- Ronald Kent Hardy was born to Clyde and Margaret Hardy on June 24, 1936, at the family farm south of Stratton. Neb. Margaret remembers how excited Ron's older sisters, Paula and Jeanette, were to have a baby brother. They loved to wheel him around the house in a little buggy.

Ron grew up near Stratton and graduated from Stratton High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army from August 1955 to July 1958. He received a Medal of Good Conduct and earned expert carbine honors during the time he served in the Army. Ron was stationed in Germany when he met Vera Kleinmichel. They were married in Stratton on Jan. 30, 1959, and were blessed with two sons, Garth and Garrett, and a daughter, Christy.

Ron was in the insurance business for many years in this area and abroad. During the early 1960s, Ron, Vera and their young family lived two years in Vera's hometown of Fulda, Germany, while Ron worked for Denver International Capitol Life Insurance Co. The Hardy family, and friends met along the way, have fond remembrances of times together in Germany during those years.

In 1966 the Hardy family returned to Nebraska where Ron farmed south of Stratton the remainder of his life.

Ron enjoyed being outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing and shooting and always looked forward to hosting an annual hunter's breakfast for family and friends.

He faced critical times with a quiet spirit and gentleness. The family surrounded Garrett with love and care at the time of his accident and recovery several years ago.

Last July, Ron was diagnosed with a fast-growing type of cancer. The family came together again and supported Ron's decision to remain at home as his illness progressed. Ron was happy to be home with family and friends for the hunter's breakfast and for Christmas. Jordan, Preston and Sarah each have a special place in their Oma and Opa hearts and Jordan loves to tell the story of why each grandchild is a favorite. Recently Ron got to listen to the heartbeat of Garrett and Amy's baby which is due in a few months.

A longtime friend wrote to Ron recently saying "I congratulate you and Vera for raising such fine citizens. I'm sure your values will be passed on to the next generations as well." Family love was so important to Ron.

Ron was a member of the Church of Christ and the Stratton Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Ron died Feb. 9, 1998, at his home in Stratton at the age of 61 years. He was preceded in death by his sister, Paula Rae Jones, a year ago on Feb. 9.

Survivors include bis wife. Vera; his parents, Clyde and Margaret Hardy, of McCook. Neb.; sons Garth and wife, Monna, of Dillon, Colo., and Garrett and wife, Amy, of Kearney, Neb.; and a daughter, Christy, and husband, Mike Holevinski, of Memphis. Tenn.: grandchildren Jordan and Preston Hardy and Sarah Holevinski, and a sister, Jeanette, and her husband Rex Poore, of Colby, Kan.: his mother-in-law and other family members in Germany, and nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 1998, at the Christian Union Church in Stratton with Rick Eldred officiating. Musicians were Sherilyn Eldred, Shanon Tate, Rick Eldred, Connie Renfro and Robbie and Jack Sikes. Selections included "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Gary Petsch, Dick Baumfalk, Roland Sandberg, Billy Brott, Terry Sydow and Scott McDonald. Military committal was offere

d by American Legion William Egle Post No. 28 and VFW Post No. 9155. Interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home Inc. of Stratton.

L. Virginia Clegg Harford was born August 8, 1918 at Sanborn, Nebraska to Lee and Florence Clegg. Her given name was Lorna Virginia, but family tradition had the middle name as the one commonly used.

Virginia attended her first three years of school at the Sanborn School before moving to Haigler with her family where she was enrolled in Haigler Public Schools. Upon graduation it was decided that she would go to California where her mother's three sisters lived and do some post graduate work at Bell High School in Los Angeles, where she received another diploma. Having had music lessons all through her schooling years, and having played for Sunday evening church services and the Haigler Orchestra, Virginia continued her career with music lessons at Bell High School and also from the Los Angeles Music Conservatory. Virginia was apprehensive about leaving Haigler and her future husband, Don Harford, behind.

When she returned from California, Virginia went to Chadron State Teacher's College to get a teaching certificate. At that time, one could obtain a certificate to teach in 9 months. Upon completing her certificate, she returned to the area where she taught first and second grades at Parks Public Schools in Parks, Nebraska, for two years. During that time she went back to Chadron over the summer to obtain her Primary School Teaching Methods certificate.

Virginia and Don dated for seven years, and were engaged for two, before they were married on September 1, 1939, which happened to be her parent's 22nd anniversary. Their wedding was a beautiful, simple ceremony at her parent's home in Haigler. They were married by the Reverend John Stayton in the presence of their immediate family.

The newlyweds made their home north of Haigler in the Sandhills in the home Don's parents had homesteaded To this union, two children were born, Karen and Gail. Many memories came from their marriage that spanned sixty-nine and a half years.

Virginia belonged to many clubs and organizations which included the Sandhill Butterfly Extension Club; the 75 Club; WSCS, which in later years became known as the United Methodist Women; the Nebraska Farm Bureau; the Nebraska Federation of Women's Clubs; and the National Cattle-women's Association. She was a 4-H Leader while her children were active in 4-H, and had a special interest in Entomology, cooking, and bird clubs. She and Don also enjoyed square dancing in the early years of their marriage.

On May 20, 1934, Virginia joined the Haigler United Methodist Church. The church and its activities were a large part of her life. She loved music and sang in a quartet for funerals. Virginia also enjoyed gardening and took pride in the flowers she would grow in the sandy soil. Watching birds in their yard was a great pastime for her and one could always find a bird book close at hand as she would always identify each new bird that might stop at the bird feeder or bird bath.

Virginia never quit working on the family history project that she and Karen started in 1961. She would spend hours putting photos and news clippings into albums and kept the information updated as much as possible. She was always there to help her children and grandchildren with 4-H projects and school homework, as she, over the years, had collected pictures that she thought might be useful for a project.

In the later years of their marriage, Virginia and Don enjoyed traveling to different places in the U.S. and abroad. Some of their trips took them to the Alaska Highway, where they were the “pickup and supply team" with their suburban when they traveled with a Iocal motorcycle team. They also visited the Holy Land, the Passion Play in Germany and many other spots of interest in our wonderful United States of America.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2009, Virginia left this world to be with her Lord while residing at Hillcrest Care Center in Wray, Colorado, at the age of 90 years.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Florence Clegg; brothers, Stanley Clegg, Neal Clegg, and Kent Clegg; brother-in-law, Ray Harford; and her father and mother-in-law, Harry and Margaret Harford.

She leaves to mourn her loving husband, Don Harford; daughter Karen Harford; son Gail Harford and wife, Wanda, all of Haigler, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, Ty Mayo and wife, Laura, Torre Jones and wife, Seelu, Galen Mayo and fiancé Ashleigh Brooks, Sean Mayo and wife, Sarah, Brad Harford, Sharla Morlan and husband, Joe, Nicole Howard and husband, Travis, and Natalie Harford; two great-grandchildren, Barrett and Gwen Mayo; sisters-in-law, Melba Harford, Dorothy Clegg, and Doris Doyle; nieces and nephews, Linda Jones and husband, Gene, Glenda Brown, Ted Harford and wife, Vicky, Tom Harford and wife, Virginia, Janet McQuay, Steve Clegg and wife, Lonna, Jeanie Thompson and husband, Bill, Bob Clegg; and numerous other relatives and friends.

In her own words, written for a family history project her daughter, Karen, was working on in 1980, she wrote: "I am thankful for many things: my good, wonderful husband; my loving children and grandchildren (and if written today she would also include her great-grandchildren); my comfortable home and security; my good health and many, many other blessings too numerous to mention. Life is a struggle at times as I suppose it is with all people. We must keep striving and trying and loving and giving and working at our life and its problems." Virginia and Don shared life as a true adventure. Yes, Virginia was a loving wife and mother and a good neighbor. She will be greatly missed.

A funeral service to honor her life was held Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. (MST) at the Haigler United Methodist Church in Haigler, Nebraska, with Pastor Carole Coates officiating. Interment followed services at the Haigler Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Haigler United Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

She was born February 5, 1884 at Nemaha County, Nebr., to John and Agnes Hacker.

She was married to Harry Harford on December 25, 1908 at Nemaha, Nebr., and he preceded her in death on March 9, 1931.

Mrs. Harford was a member of the United Methodist Church, the WSCS and the Extension Club.

Survivors are two sons, Ray and Don Harford, both of Haigler; a sister, Mrs. Bessie Coffey of Lincoln; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Preceding her in death, besides her husband and parents, were a sister and two brothers.

Services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. MDT. at the United Methodist church in Haigler with Rev. Hiram Lilley officiating.

Interment will be in the Haigler cemetery with Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman in charge of arrangements.

Harry Minor Harford was born at Randall, Kansas, February 5, 1897, and departed this life March 9, 1931, at his home north of Haigler, Nebraska. He moved to Oregon with his parents where they resided four years, then returned to Kansas for one year, then to Nemaha County, Nebraska where they resided until he came to Dundy County in 1907 and filed on a homestead 15 miles northwest of Haigler. He was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hacker at Auburn, Nebraska, December 24, 1908. To this union was born two sons: Don and Ray.

Mr. Harford was a good neighbor, a loving husband and father. He has been one of the faithful ones in keeping up the Sunday School and Church services in the community and will be greatly missed by all his neighbors and friends as well as by his family.

He leaves to mourn his death, his wife and two sons, his mother, Mrs. H. L. Harford of Colorado Springs, Colorado, two brothers: Frank of Hemet, California, and Clyde of Chino, California. Also four sisters: Maude Lake of Auburn, Nebraska and Elma Sewell, Stella Bruce and Lottie McCullough all of Colorado Springs, Colorado. His father and two brothers preceded him in death.

Those who attended from a distance were: Mrs. H. L. Harford and Jim Sewell of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. F. A. Swan and Mr. And Mrs. A. L. Swan of North Platte.

Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Episcopal Church at Haigler, by the pastor Rev. C. E. Catlett and Rev. O. O. Wood.

HAIGLER— Ray Eugene Harford was born at the family homestead north of Haigler. Neb., on Feb. 18, 1920, to Harry M. and Margaret A. (Hacker) Harford, where he joined his older brother, Don. He attended the rural school from 1924 until 1931, graduating from Haigler High School 1936. On Easter Sunday afternoon, April 1, 1945, he married Melba L. Boyd at the Haigler Methodist Church. He entered Eternal Rest on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1997, while at the Wray Community District Hospital in Wray, Colo., at the age of 76.

The following was written by Ray in September 1996 and we, the family, feel it sums up his life better than we could:

I was first blessed with having good parents. They moved from the rich soil and many trees of southeastern Nebraska in 1909 to the treeless hills of southwest Nebraska. I can't imagine the hard work and hardships they endured in those first few years.

When I was born in 1920 they had comfortable living quarters and I had a three-year-old brother who had to put up with me and has had to for 76 years.

We rode a horse tandem to School District 77 which was a couple of miles northeast of home. One year the teacher boarded with us and we drove a one-horse buggy to school. Mostly our teachers were girls just out of high school who taught all eight grades. When I was in about the fourth grade. a widowed lady named Mrs. Eller was hired as our teacher. She was probably in her sixties and was a no-nonsense Christian lady. She drove a horse and buggy about three miles to school and, after putting her horse in the barn, had to build a fire in the coal-burning stove and get the schoolhouse as comfortably warm as was possible. She had no qualms about mixing some Christian education with the reading, writing and arithmetic.

In March of 1931 when I was in the seventh grade, our father died following several years of declining health but during which time he maintained his hard work schedule. Following his death we moved to Haigler so that we could attend high school. This was during the drought-depression years and the school curriculum was trimmed to the essentials. There were three teachers in high school including the superintendent who along with his administrative duties taught several subjects and did his own secretarial work. There were about 60 high school students at that time.

Following Don’s graduation from high school, he and our mother returned to the ranch and the following year when I graduated I joined them in the operation. I was blessed by having a partner to work with for 46 years who was 100 percent honest and who was always willing to do more than his share of the responsibilities.

I was blessed again in 1945 when Melba consented to become my wife and best friend. She is a caring unselfish person and has stood by me during some of my most difficult times.

Our next blessings were our children. I feel especially blessed that we were able to see them grow into adulthood and have families of their own. Our grandchildren have been special to us and have given us much love and support.

Another experience I enjoyed was giving our first great-grand child his first airplane ride.

We were also blessed by living in a caring community among caring friends and having a church to attend whose doors were always open to any and all who wished to take part in any activity worthy of community good.

Survivors include his wife, Melba, of Haigler: two sons: Tom and his wife, Virginia, of Benkelman, Neb., and Ted and his wife, Vicky, of Haigler and their daughters: Kristin and Jim Trussel and Kendra of Phoenix. Ariz., Dixie and Avery Cave of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Nikki and Jim Bob Cheek of Manhattan, Kan.; two daughters: Glenda Brown of Rifle, Colo., and her daughters: Claricy of Arvada, Colo., Ami of Fort Collins, Colo., and Heidi and Darcy of Rifle, and Linda and her husband, Gene Jones. of Benkelman and their children: Bob Neville and wife, Delinda, Beau and Carlie of Alliance, Neb., Deb (Neville) and her husband, Russell Wilson, of Lincoln, Neb., Mike Jones and his wife, Joan, Grant, Stephanie and Greta of David City, Neb., Val (Jones) and her husband, Richard Fries, Amanda and Bradley of Benkelman and Cass (Jones) and her husband, Alan Hardy, Jessica and Casey of Stratton, Neb.: his brother, Don, and his wife, Virginia, of Haigler; a niece, Karen Harford of Arvada, a nephew, Gail Harford and his wife, Wanda, of Haigler, other relatives and many friends.

Final rites for Ray Harford were held Saturday, Jan. 4, 1997, at 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler with the Rev. Terry Douglass and Ms. Theta Dame officiating. Carol Peterson was the pianist and Galena Webster and Dale Faylor sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." The congregational hymn was “Wonderful Words Of Life."

Bearers were Gail Harford, Dennis Noffsinger, Lee Thompson, Dan Lenin, Dick Bannister and Calvin Freehling. Honorary bearers were Rex Tracy, Rex Daniels, Don Webster, Bill McBeth, D.V.M., Mark McVey, Richard Wall and Keith Day.

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

Ora Russell Dewey Hargis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo D. Hargis, who has been seriously ill for the past several months, passed -away at the home of his mother, Mrs. James R. Halt (she having married again after the death of his father) several years ago. His death was caused by T. B. of the Throat.

Ora Russell Dewey Hargis was born on September 18, 1903, near the Illinois-Indiana state line, in Jasper County, Illinois. He departed this life at the home of his mother in Haigler, Nebraska, on April 18, 1931, at 7:30 p. m. He was 27 years, 6 months old. He was cheerful and fun-loving and was liked by those who knew him. He leaves to mourn his death, his mother, step-father, one sister Susie E. Hargis, three half sisters and one half brother on his mother’s side, Melia, Frances, Alice and James Holt, all of Haigler, Nebraska. On his father’s side he leaves five half brothers and two half sisters, James Hargis of Rosamond, Illinois, Jess and Frank Hargis of Decatuz, Illinois, also his half sister, Mrs. Alice Montgomery of Decatur, Mrs. Rose Stanton of Pana, Illinois, Joe Hargis of Marshall, Illinois, William Hargis of Terre Haute, Indiana, and John Hargis of Flora Illinois. He also leaves his only aunt, Mrs. James D. L. Brown and husband of Laird, Cob., two uncles Robert L. Parker of Ashton, Idaho and Fred D. Parker of Fisher, Arkansas, besides the less near relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the Pilgrim Holiness church April 21 at 2 o’clock. Rev. Hegwood preached the sermon, taking as his text St. John 11:11.

A choir consisting of Miss Ruth Wood, Paul Wood, Mrs. Hegwood and Tony Bangs. They sang “Near My Godd to Thee,” “We’ll Never Say Goodbye In Heaven,” and “Safe In the Arms of Jesus.”

The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved ones in their loss and Heaven’s gain.

We take this means of thanking our friends and neighbors for the kind words of sympathy extended to us during the sickness and illness of our son, brother and nephew, Russell Hargis, and also for the beautiful floral offerings.

Mr. and Mrs. James R. Holt and family, Miss Susie Hargis, Mr. R. L. Parker, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Brown.

LOVELAND, Colo.—Esther L. Harman, 93, who resided at 4105 N. Garfield Ave., Space 41, in Loveland, Colorado, died December 23, 1991, at her home.

She was born July 5, 1898, in Cheyenne County, Kansas, to Peter Ferdinand Sass and Marie Pauline (Staesser) Sass.

She married Loyd Harvey Harman on November 16, 1938, in Reno, Nevada. He preceded her in death on December 19, 1982.

Mrs. Harman is survived by nieces, Corrine Ficken (Mrs. Harvey) of Eustis, Nebraska, Lillian Anderson (Mrs. Norvin) of St. Francis, Kansas, and Marjorie Carlson (Mrs. Everett) of Denver; a niece-in-law, Phyllis Sass, of Loveland; numerous other nieces and nephews, and close friends, Elizabeth Nellor and Jim McGlothlin, both of Loveland.

She was preceded in death by stepsons, Dick and Jack Harman, a brother, Fred Sass, and a nephew, Pete W. Sass.

Services were held Friday, December 27, at 2 p.m. at the Kibbey-Fishbum Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Gene Baldassare officiating.

Dale and Judy Sass sang "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art." Organist was Judy Sass.

Escorts were Norvin Anderson, Harold Archer, Everett Carlson, Byron Little, Derald Long and Jim McGlothlin.

Burial was in the Loveland Burial Park with arrangements by Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home.

Loyd H. Harman, 81, died Sunday, December 19, 1982, in the Sierra Vista Nursing Home in Loveland, Colorado.

He was born November 16, 1901, in Lawrence, Kansas, to William and Matilda Liming Harman. He married Esther L. Sass on November 26, 1938, in Reno, Nevada.

Esther was well known around Haigler and vicinity. She was raised there and operated the telephone office in Haigler for 13 years.

Mr. Harman was a general contractor. The couple came to Loveland from Denver in 1960 and have resided in Loveland since that time.

He is survived by his Wife, Esther L. Harman, Loveland; two sons, Alfred L. Harman, Los Angeles, California, and Richard G. Harman, Buena Park, California; three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Services were Tuesday, December 21, at the Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home in Loveland, with the Rev. Winn Swanson officiating.

Mrs. Ted Fishburn was the soloist for the funeral service. She sang "Meet Me There." Her accompanist was Fred Fishburn,

Funeral escorts were Harold Archer, Jack Bundy, George Cook, Jim McGlothin, Gaylord Scott and Peter Sass.

Mrs. Lottie Davis Harmon, mother of Roy E. Davis and Mrs. Eleanor Ireland, passed away at the Hester Memorial Home on Saturday evening at the age of 83 years and 11 months. She had been in ill health for several years.

Mrs. Harmon was the widow of the late Robert P. Davis and had been a resident of Benkelman since 1915. when the family moved here from Haddam, Kansas. She had been an active member of the Presbyterian Church and was well known in Benkelman for many years as a neighborly person until advancing age limited her activities.

Funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Phillip Todd in charge of the service. Arrangements were by Jay's Funeral Home and interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Lottie Davis Harmon passed away at the Hester Memorial Home on Saturday evening at 7:15 p.m., at the age of 83 years, 11 months and 19 days.

She was born at Haddam. Kansas, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Randall, and was reared in that community. On December 7, 1898, she was united in marriage to Robert P. Davis and to this union three children were born, two sons, Edward and Roy, and a daughter, Eleanor. The family moved to Benkelman in 1915. She is preceded in death by her husband , Robert P. Davis, in 1930, and son, Edward, in 1920 at the age of 21.

Mrs. Davis returned to Kansas to care for her elderly father and was united in marriage, to Pearl Harmon on October 16, 1935. Five years later Mr. Harmon succumbed to a heart attack. Mrs. Harmon and her father then moved to Benkelman to spend the remainder of their lives.

Mrs. Harmon was a good Christian and a member of the United Presbyterian Church, in which she was active until her health failed. She was a kind and loving mother and a good neighbor to all who knew her.

She leaves to mourn her passing her son, Roy E. Davis, and wife Luella, and her daughter, Eleanor Ireland, and husband Wesley. There is one brother, Harvey Randall. Also surviving are three grandchildren and their spouses, 13 great grandchildren, and six step-children, Ted, Earl and Preston Harmon, Georgia Coons, Essie and Doris Reese and their families, and a number of nieces and nephews.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 12-1-1881 and a death date of 11-23-1965.)

IMPERIAL— Roy Harmon, age 81, of rural Imperial died Tuesday at the Chase County Hospital.

Survivors are: his wife, Mabel; two sons, Everette Harmon, Holyoke, Colo. and Alvin Harmon, Imperial; one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Sundin, Sacramento, Cal.; two sisters, Mrs. Ethel Essex, Alturas, Cal. and Mrs. Lou Percy, Champion; 7 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the United Methodist Church in Imperial with the Rev. Robert Call and Francis Baker officiating. Interment will be in the Crete Community Cemetery at Champion.

The Creveling Funeral Home of Imperial is in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established in his memory at the Funeral Home.