Hazel M Anthony, Ed.D. passed away October 31, 2019. Dr. Anthony was born June 11, 1919 at rural Lexington, NE.

She was a life-long educator, primarily of home economics, the education of home economic teachers and administration. She began teaching immediately after high school graduation at a one room school house in Dawson County NE and retired in 1986 as the Dean of the College of Home Economics at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. In between were positions at Lyons, NE high school, University High School in Lincoln, Michigan State University, and Iowa State University, before she returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1963. She held a strong belief in the importance of education and encouraged students and colleagues to develop to their full potential.

After retirement, her desire to educate continued with her interest in teaching senior citizens to avoid scams and she spoke to many groups about the subject.

She participated in and held leadership positions in state and national vocational and educational associations and organizations and received several honors in recognition of her efforts and contributions.

She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln.

Dr. Anthony graduated from Lexington, NE high school and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She obtained her masters degree from UNL and her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.

She loved to travel and did so extensively. After retirement, she took up the game of golf. She made dolls for friends and family.

She was devoted to her family. Her four brothers, Harold, Francis, Rowland, and Robert and their families were frequent occupants of her guest room. Those family members who attended UNL (and there were several) were treated to Sunday evening dinners and the use of Aunt Hazel's laundry facilities.

Dr. Anthony was preceded in death by her parents, LF. and Elizabeth Anthony, and her four brothers and their spouses. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Karolyn (Ken) Scheneman, Jean (Dr. Les) Morrow, Judy (Wayne) Howard, Don (Linda) Anthony, Janet (David) Quitmeyer, Cliff (Deb) Anthony, AnnaLou (Galen) Stehlik, Dr. Russ (Pam) Anthony, Tim (Marita) Anthony. Also left to cherish her memory are her many grand nieces and nephews and their families, along with friends, colleagues and former students, to whom she was an inspiration, role model, mentor, and friend.

A celebration of Dr. Anthony's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln at 10:00am on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 followed by inurnment in Greenwood Cemetery, Lexington, NE at 3:30pm.

Dr. Anthony expressed her wish that, instead of flowers, memorials be given to the Hazel Anthony Home Economic Development Fund of the University of Nebraska Foundation to carry on her dedication to the importance of education. The University of Nebraska Foundation may be contacted at 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln, NE 68508.

Date Posted: 2014-05-01
Maiden Name: Reinhardt

Marie Stieb, 94, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Park Avenue Estates in Lexington.

Marie was born February 16, 1920, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to John and Charlotte (Sinner) Reinhardt. She and her parents, five brothers and four sisters came to the Lexington area for several summers when she was a child to work in the sugar beet fields. and would return to Lincoln during the school year. She then moved with her family to Lexington in 1934, where she graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1937. On January 21, 1940, she was united in marriage to Phillip Stieb in Elm Creek, Nebraska. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Luanne, Ronald and Paul.

She assisted Phillip with their farming operation and enjoyed being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Marie loved to cook, can, take care of her flowers and garden, quilt, crochet and go to Polka dances and after moving to Park Avenue Estates, being a part of that family also.

Marie always had a cheerful outlook on life and will be very missed by her family and many friends.

Marie was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and the Altar Society.

Survivors include her three children, Luanne Gruntorad of Gilbert, AZ and Fiance, Bob Williams of Fremont, NE, Ron (Lydia) Stieb and Paul (Jan) Stieb of Lexington, NE ;thirteen grand children: Michael (Rose) Gruntorad of Kearney, Scott Gruntorad and John Gruntorad of Arizona, Robb (Leigh) Stieb of Lexington, Phillip of Cozad, Laurie (Mark) Rolfsmeyer of Seward, Eric (Deanne) Stieb of Bennett, NE, Becky (Joe) Speidel of Livingston, MT, Jennifer (Robert) Brosius of Hyannis, NE, Lucas (Allison) Stieb and Kate (Les) Schaaf of Lexington, Kari Stieb of Cozad and Malyssa Stieb of Lincoln; thirty - one great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, sisters, Liz Warner of Lexington, Irene Boyd of Council Bluffs, several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Phillip; five brothers two sisters and two granddaughters, Theresa and Lacey Gruntorad and son-in-law, Robert Gruntorad.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverend Neal Nollette and Reverend Jorge Canela concelebrating.

Interment will be in the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 5, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or the Donor’s Choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: http:www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Date Posted: 2012-04-12
Maiden Name: Farley

Janice Givens, 92, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington.

She was born February 5, 1920 in Lexington, graduating from Lexington High School in 1937. She attended Nebraska Wesleyan University for 2 years, studying elementary education and music, taking her first teaching job at Litchfield, NE. where she met her future husband, Paul.

She married Paul Givens on October 4, 1942 in Lexington and then moved to Litchfield where they farmed with Paul’s dad. This marriage was blessed with 2 daughters, Karen Jill and Robyn Sue. Upon the death of Janice’s parents, they moved to Lexington in 1953 to farm her parents’ property. They lived throughout their farming years in the same farmhouse where Janice grew up.

Janice was baptized and married in the First United Methodist Church in Lexington. She remained an active member of the church, singing in the adult choir, as well as leading the children’s choir for several years. Being an accomplished soloist, she sang for many weddings and funerals.

She was a 58 year member of Chapter AN PEO.

Janice and Paul were great Husker fans, attending the games for many years. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their cabin at Johnson Lake.

She is survived by daughters, Jill (Brad) Williams of Johnson Lake, NE, and Robyn (Dave) Mowery of Sidney, NE, grandchildren Stuart (Kellie) Mowery of Sidney, NE, and Sarah (Gary) Rothenburg of Cape Coral, FL, great grandchildren Mason and Zoe Mowery of Sidney, NE, Van and Max Rothenburg of Cape Coral, FL, Toni Mowery and great-great granddaughter Carley of Alice, TX.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and Mayme Farley, brother, Vaughn Farley, and husband Paul.

A Funeral Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend John Craig officiating with burial following at Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Community Foundation or First United Methodist Church.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward Online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Date Posted: 2016-11-12
Maiden Name: Kraus

Funeral services for Alice Neben age 96 of Broken Bow will be held on Tuesday November 15, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Buffalo Lutheran Church south of Oconto. Burial will be in the Buffalo Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday evening 5 PM to 7 PM at the Buffalo Lutheran Church. Govier Bros. Mortuary of Broken Bow is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Buffalo Lutheran Church, Alzheimer’s Association or the Donor’s Choice.

Alice Lucille Neben was born January 21, 1920 to Fred and Emma Kraus at their home in Buffalo, NE.

Alice attended Elementary School at District 44-R in Buffalo. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1937. She furthered her education receiving her Teaching Certificate and taught at the Lemmer Sod School 8/1937 - 5/1938.

Alice was united in marriage to Gustav Arnold (Andy) Neben on July 24, 1938. To this union were born 4 children: Rohnert Leroy, Judy Louise, Diane Kay and Donna Jean.

Alice was baptized 8-21-1938 and confirmed into the congregation of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Buffalo where she was a lifetime member.

Alice and Andy together operated the Buffalo General Store from July 1938 - July 1962. They operated the Buffalo US Post Office together from July 1938 - February 29, 1956. Andy was Postmaster from 10-05-1933 to 02-29-1956. They also engaged in farming and ranching all of their married life. She lived on the family farm until age 90 when she moved to Broken Bow, NE to Assisted Living facilities where she remained until her death.

Alice loved God, her family, her Church family and her community of neighbors in Buffalo. Some of her favorite pastimes were gardening, cooking (always trying new recipes to the delight of her family and her neighborhood), reading, dancing, playing cards and traveling (with life-long friend Delores Knispel).

Alice was preceded in death by her Parents: Fred and Emma, 3 bothers: Lawrence (wife Elsie) Kraus, Harold (wife Zaida) Kraus and Twin Brother, Alfred Kraus, Son: Ron, Granddaughter: Terri (Neben) Knott, Sons-In-Laws: Harold H. (Breezy) Brohman and Bobby Winningham.

Alice is survived by daughters: Judy Brohman, Diane Winningham and Donna (Husband Charles) Silva, Daughter-In-Law: Sherill Neben, 11 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren, 4 Great-Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Alice entered into her Eternal Rest on November 12, 2016.

Alice and Andy left the following commendation for their loved ones: "We commend those whom we love to the protecting arm of God, knowing full well that He, in our absence from them, can care for them much more adequately than we could were we present and He absent; and we encourage them to place their confidence in Him richly."

Date Posted: 2003-06-24

Services for Warren Myles Batie, 82, life-long Lexington resident, will be at 2 pm Thursday, June 26, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, with Rev. Todd Karges officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery northeast of Lexington, following the funeral service. Visitation will be today June 25th, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

Warren died Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at the Tri-County Hospital in Lexington.

He was born April 30, 1921, to Christopher "Kit" and Sarah Ann Elizabeth (Pickering) Batie, the youngest of 10 children. He grew up on the family farm northeast of Lexington.

He was a 1937 graduate of Lexington High School and was a charter member of the Lexington FFA.

On Sept. 14, 1947, he married Leta Burbank in Lexington. This past summer the couple celebrated 55 years of marriage.

A life-long cattle feeder and farmer, Warren was active in many organizations. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and served on the church board for several years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Tehama Shrine, as well as Order of the Eastern Star serving as worthy patron for 15 years and also grand representative. Warren was a board member of rural schools, Lexington Co-op Oil, Dawson County Farm Bureau and the Dawson County Extension Service.

The Batie Family was honored in 1990 as the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Farm Family of the Year and in 1991 was awarded the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Family Award.

Warren will always be remembered for the love of his family, service and generosity to his community and passion for the land.

Survivors include his wife, Leta Batie, Lexington: two sons, Christopher Batie, Durham, N.C., and Don (Barb) Batie, Lexington; three daughters, Jeannine (Gene) Nelsen, Lyons, Lynn (John) Greer, Edgar, and Barbara (Marvin) Hilgedick, Hartsburg, Mo.; six grandchildren, Anne (Eric) Ostendorf, Gothenburg, Sarah (Jason) Humphrey, Phillips, Ben Hilgedick, Ashland, Mo., Caroline Hilgedick, Columbia, Mo., and Juliana and Cicely Batie, Lexington; three great-grandchildren, Sidnee and Devyn Ostendorf, Gothenburg, and Camden Humphrey, Phillips; two sisters, Eileen Biehl, Lexington, and Winona Doher, Lincoln; one sister-in-law, Julia Mae Batie, Kearney; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, other relatives and friends.    He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters, and two infant siblings.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, the Dawson County Historical Society or the donor's choice. Reynolds-Love funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.

Obituary provided by daughter, Lynn Greer, Class of 1967.

Date Posted: 2006-04-16
Maiden Name: Dodson

Ruby Viola (Dodson) Ransdell, 87, of Lexington, died Sunday, April 16, 2006, at her home in Lexington.

Services will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend John Craig officiating.

Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation was Tuesday, April 18, at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington, which is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include her sister, Velma (Wayne) Marienau of Kearney; nieces and nephews, Gary and Kathy Enochs of Overton, Linda and Bob Larson of Overton, and Randy and Bonita Enochs of New York City, N.Y.; great-nieces and nephews, Gena and Barry Carpenter of Overton, Wayne and Lisa Enochs of Overton, Judd Larson of Medford, Ore., Amy and Matt Mahony of Bronx, N.Y., Mark Larson of Overton, and Brendan, Lauren and Evan Enochs of New York City, N.Y.; Great-great nieces and nephews, Alison, Alicia, and Arran Carpenter of Overton, Ethan, Kinzy and Sidney Enochs of Overton, and Max and Connor Mahony of Bronx, N.Y. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bert; and infant brother, Dale.

Ruby was born Sept. 29, 1918, at Grandma Hanson's place in Gosper County to Walter and Ruth A. (Hanson) Dodson. In 1921, the family moved to a farm north of Lexington where Ruby spent her formative years.

In 1934, the family moved to the Tom Reed farm. Ruby and her sister, Velma, attended the Tom Reed School, which now has been relocated near the Dawson County Historical Society in Lexington. She then attended high school in Lexington, graduating in 1937.

Following graduation, Ruby did housework for Naomi Bacon and Ione Prasch. In the fall of 1937, she started to work at Mallets Sweet Shop, where she continued working until 1941. She then went to work at the City Bakery run by Clate and Melrose Ransdell.

Around 1950, when the Ransdell's sold the business, Ruby became an employee at Prasch's Grocery Store. This is where she met her sweetheart and future husband, Johnny Betram "Bert" Ransdell. She stayed 15 years at Prasch's until the store was sold. She also worked at Hazel's Town and Country Dress Shop, but one really remembers her waiting tables at A & W, where she worked until she retired.On June 27, 1962, Ruby and Bert were married in North Platte. Ruby loved to travel. The couple took her parents on a trip every summer. She enjoyed family gatherings and being with her sister and her family. Although the couple had no children of their own, she adopted her nieces and nephews and loved them all very much.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.

--Obituary obtained from the Lexington Clipper-Herald

Date Posted: 2008-02-26
Maiden Name: Seaman

Aline Opal Beck, age 87, of Elwood died on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 at Elwood Care Center. Memorial services will be Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Elwood with Pastor Connie Karr officiating.

Survivors include her three sons, Steve (Virginia) Beck of Broken Bow, Jay (Kathy) Beck and Gary Beck, of Elwood; two brothers-in-law, Harold Sorensen of Lexington and O.N. (Janet) Beck of Cozad; ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W. Art Beck; her parents; a granddaughter, Theresa; and a brother, Glen Seaman.

Aline was born March 13, 1920 in Lexington to Warren and Gertrude (Mowry) Seaman. She grew up in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the Class of 1937.

On March 24, 1940, she married W. Art Beck in Lexington. To this union, three sons were born: Steven, Jay and Gary. They moved to Elwood in 1953. She helped out at "Beck Implement" which was the family business. They later would farm northeast of Elwood. She was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Elwood on March 13, 1960. While her sons were young, she served as Cub Scout leader and Sunday school teacher. She was an avid reader and attended a monthly card club. Aline was a member of the United Methodist Church in Elwood. In January of 2008, after suffering a stroke, she moved to the Elwood Care Center.

Memorials are suggested to the Elwood Public Library. Elwood Funeral home is in charge of the arrangements.

Date Posted: 2008-07-30

Wayne B. Buchholz, 88, of rural Lexington, died Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at his home. He was born April 13, 1920, at Lexington, Nebraska, to Benjamin and Lena Elizabeth (Velte) Buchholz.

Wayne lived in the Lexington area his entire life and attended school at Lexington. He was united in marriage to Margie Fellows on May 31, 1953, at Sargent, Nebraska. Five children were blessed to this union; James, John, Donna, Lois and Roy.

He spent most of his life farming, retiring from farming in 1980. He then worked as a custodian for the Lexington Public Schools for 7 years.

He was a member of Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church, 100th Meridian Rock Club, Plum Creek Barbershop Chorus, the Dawson County Iris Society, a past 4-H leader and member and received his Ruby pin for 25 years of 4-H leadership.

Wayne loved to square dance and Call the dances. He also enjoyed photography and was very proud to show his pictures. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be so missed.

Survivors include two sons: John (Brenda) Buchholz of Overton, Nebraska, Roy (Whitney) Buchholz of Lexington, Nebraska, Two daughters: Donna (Lenwood) Mobley of Lincoln, Nebraska and Lois (Jim) Underwood of Lexington, Nebraska. Nine grandchildren and one great-grandson as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margie in 2001; one son, James; two brothers, Harold and Donald.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 4, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. at Buffalo Grove Presybterian Church at Lexington with Elder Don Grantham officiating. Burial will be in the Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Cemetery next to the church. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 3, 2008, from 2-5 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials to Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church or the Donor's Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy and remembrances may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Dean Bredenkamp, 89, died Wednesday, March 25, in Gresham of congestive heart failure. A funeral service was held, Thursday, April 2, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 795 E. Powell Boulevard in Gresham, Ore. He is survived by his sons, Kerry and King Bredenkamp, of Boring, Ore., daughter, Maridean Eisele of Boring and five grandchildren.

He was born in Bertrand to August and Lavina (Schult) Bredenkamp. He was raised on a farm by the Platte River in Overton and attended Lexington High School. He went to Chicago, where he worked in several jobs, eventually becoming a bus boy at a country club. There he encountered Babe Ruth and got an autographed baseball and Ruth's signed golf scorecard.

Drafted into the Army Air Force during World War II, Dean served in the Panama Canal Zone as a mechanic on board B-29s. While there he swam out to sea with another man to rescue a woman drifting in a boat. She was a general's daughter and the feat earned him the Soldier's Medal in 1942.     Bredenkamp came to the Portland area after his military service to attend business school and there met Mary Lauderback. They were married April 14, 1950, in Gresham. She died in 1983.

He worked for a time as a car salesman and mechanic and eventually joined his father-in-law, Leonard Lauderback, at Scenic Fruit. He never really retired and continued to maintain an office at Scenic Fruit.

He was the second generation of his family to operate Scenic Fruit Company, a fruit processing business launched at Pleasant Home in 1931.     Bredenkamp was known in his industry for developing cryo-mechanical freezing techniques using liquid nitrogen to preserve fresh-picked berries. The process is now used worldwide. He was given the Oregon Berry Industry Recognition Award in 2007.

He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Northwest Food Processors Association and was active in Oregon's berry industry for 59 years. He liked to travel and visited all parts of the world in the 1980s and 1990s.

The family suggests donations to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 795 E. Powell Blvd., Gresham, 97080. Gresham Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.

Date Posted: 2008-07-18

Warren K. Vasey, 88, of Las Cruces, N.M., went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 18, 2008, with his loving wife of 55 years by his side.   

He was born on Feb. 27, 1920, in Cozad, Neb., on the family farm, to Edgar J. Vasey and Elsie R. Vasey. 

 A devoted family man, Warren, at the age of 18, accepted the sole responsibility of running the farming operation when his father unexpectedly passed in 1938. He successfully managed the corn and hay crops for 12 years, until he heard and answered a higher calling.

Feeling the need to enter full-time Christian ministry, Warren enrolled at the Midwestern School of Evangelism in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1950. During his time in school there, he married the love of his life, the former Wilma L Parker from Joplin, MO., on Oct. 31, 1952.

Upon completion of his schooling in 1954, Warren accepted a preaching position and moved his family across the country to the Highway 20 Church of Christ in Sweet Home. He nurtured and challenged this congregation, presiding over some significant growth for two decades. In 1973, Warren became an elder for the church and accepted a position with the Sweet Home School District, retiring from the latter in 1985. Desiring to be closer to family, Warren and Wilma moved to Las Cruces, N.M., in 2003.

Just as it was said of his own father 70 years earlier, it was Warren's greatest desire to put Christ first in every area of his life. He was a defender of the faith and a deep student of the Word of God. Always putting others before himself, he refused to complain but rather would brighten the room with his easy smile.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma L. Vasey, of Las Cruces; daughter Marilyn J. Hughes and husband Alan of Colville, Wash.; son James K. Vasey and wife Shelly of Wichita, Kan.; and son Alan D. Vasey and wife Shelly of Las Cruces. He further leaves a legacy in 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary E. Vasey.

A memorial service in his honor was held July 22 in Las Cruces with Minister Greg Bowles officiating. A graveside service will follow in Cozad, Neb., at Grace Cemetery at 10 a.m. July 25.

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, N.M., 575-526-2419. To sign the local online guest book see www.GetzFuneralHome.com

Date Posted: 2012-02-11
Maiden Name: Wallace

Alice "Ruth" Wallace Nisley, 91, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Saturday, February 11, 2012, at the Waverly Care Center in Waverly.

Ruth was born Easter Sunday April 4, 1920 in rural Lexington to Clay and Alice (Wright) Wallace. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1937 and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1941.

On February 7, 1942, she married Samuel (Sam) Nisley, her high school sweetheart, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington. They made their home south of Lexington. To this union, three children were born.

Ruth taught school in Lexington, Elwood, Tecumseh and Springfield, Nebraska. She was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church serving as a deacon for many years, Southside Bible Study and Presbyterian Women. She was a 69-year member of Chapter AN P.E.O. and also served on the Dawson County Historical Society Board.

Survivors include daughter, Margaret (Jerold) Carlson of Lincoln; sons, Frederick (Andrea) Nisley of Elwood; and Robert (Candyce) Nisley of Fremont; four grandchildren, Erica (Chris) Jensen of Glyndon, MN; Clay Nisley of Waycross, GA; Travis (Ricci) Nisley of Omaha; Quinn Nisley of Wayne; two great-grandchildren, Reid and Boston Nisley of Omaha; a sister, Winnifred Talbott of Lexington; numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Clay and Alice Wallace; her husband Sam on April 26, 2000; infant son; brother and sister-in-law, Niles and Orbia Wallace; sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Don Griffith; brothers-in-law, Lyle Talbott and Rex Nisley; sister-in-law, Phyllis (Nisley) Fuller, a cousin who was raised with the family, Victor (Ruth) Wright.

The family has honored Ruth's wishes that her body be cremated and there will be no visitation. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating. Inurnment will be held prior to the Celebration of life in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Lexington; Dawson County Historical Society; or donor's choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please direct online condolences to the family through: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Date Posted: 2012-05-30
Maiden Name: Wycoff

Mrs. Ruby Frances (Wycoff) Crandall died Wednesday evening, May 30, 2012 at the Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial at Kearney. Her age was 92 years, four months and one day.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 3, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Wilcox with Pastor Virginia Fleharty officiating. Interment will be at the Wilcox Cemetery in Wilcox. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Saturday from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. with the family greeting callers from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. and before service time Sunday at the church.

Ruby Frances Wycoff was born the second child of three children to Mrs. Ima Leila (Ruby) Wycoff and Ray Sheppard Wycoff, M.D. on Jan. 29, 1920 at Wapello, Iowa.

At the age of one and half years, Ruby moved to Hunacao, Puerto Rico with her parents who were medical missionaries. They returned to the United States when Ruby was four years old making their home in Lexington where her father set up his medical practice. Her parents had returned to the states to care for her three cousins, who were her mother Ima's brother's children, whose parents had passed away. She attended schools in Lexington where she graduated from high school with the class of 1937. She then attended and graduated from the Nebraska Wesleyan University with a B.A. degree in music.

On Nov. 2, 1940 Miss Ruby Frances Wycoff was united in marriage to George Rogers Crandall at the Methodist Parsonage in Sidney, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Georgene Kay, Robert Ray, Richard Keith and James Bert. The family made their home at George's current home west of Wilcox in 1941. After raising her children, Ruby attended Kearney State Teachers College where she received her teaching certificate. She taught the fifth grade for 20 years at the Wilcox Public Schools. She also gave piano lessons for many years. Ruby enjoyed playing the piano and the organ at the Wilcox Methodist Church for over 50 years. She also played the organ for a great number of funerals.

When Ruby's health began to fail, she moved to Northridge Assisted Living in Kearney in September 2009. She had been a resident of the Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial since April 2011. On Nov. 2, 2011 George and Ruby celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary.

Ruby was a member of the Wilcox United Methodist Church and the Nebraska State Education Association.

Ruby leaves to mourn her passing her loving and devoted husband George of their home west of Wilcox; one daughter, Georgene (Dale) Smidt of Wood River; three sons, Bob Crandall of rural Overton, Dick (Lani) Crandall of Alpine, Calif., and Jim (Leslie) Crandall of rural Holdrege; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father; her mother; two brothers, Raymond Wycoff in childhood and Keith Wycoff and one granddaughter, Lori Smidt Webster.

Memorials are suggested to the Wilcox United Methodist Church or to the Wilcox Community Foundation.

Banta-Torrey Funeral Home of Wilcox is in charge of the arrangements.

Date Posted: 2013-01-13

G. Hanford Smith, 93, long-time Lexington Businessman, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2013, at Lexington Regional Health Center.

He was born September 21, 1919, in Lexington, Nebraska to Hanford D. and Katie (Pratt) Smith. Hanford grew up in Lexington where he attended school and graduated with the Lexington High School class of 1937. Following high school he worked in a local grocery store prior to going into the service. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII from July 12, 1941, until being honorably discharged on January 3, 1946.

Upon Hanford's return to Lexington after the service, he was united in marriage to Ardis Wilke on April 6, 1947, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. Four children were blessed to this marriage; Sheryl, Susan, Steve and Sally.

Hanford then went to work for his grandfather and father at the H.O. Smith Title Company. He would eventually buy out his father. His son Steve then joined the company and now his grandson, Cameron has also joined his father, making it five generations of Smiths in the Title Company. Hanford was extremely proud of this accomplishment.

Hanford was very active in the community; he was a member of the Rotary Club, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, #61,Tehama Shrine, and Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 75 years. Hanford enjoyed playing golf, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, bowling as a young man, and Monday night card club. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word for all he came in contact with.

Hanford is survived by his wife of 66 years; Ardis of Lexington; son, Steve (Mary) Smith of Lexington; daughters, Sheryl (Rex) Hunt of Lexington; Susan (Bob) Wallace of Kearney; and, Sally (Ed) Stuckey of Appleton, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren, Wendy (Stephen) Benge of Denver, Colorado; Stacey Hunt of Lexington, Nebraska; Sarah (Sean) Hickey of Denver, Colorado; Tracy (Colin) Parsons of San Diego, California; Tami (Eric) Wong of San Francisco, California; Kyle Smith of Lexington, Nebraska; Cameron Smith of Lexington, Nebraska; Rachel Stuckey and fiancé Erich Schwarz of Madison, Wisconsin; Ben Stuckey of Appleton, Wisconsin and Allyson Stuckey of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; six great-grandchildren; Jaden Hunt, Tate and O'Brasia Amos, and Olivia, Lily and Luke Parsons; one sister-in-law, Jean (Marvin) Gehle of Albert Lea, Minnesota, as well as nieces and nephews.

Hanford was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Geraldine Beardslee and Kathleen Bakewell.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 19, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Doug Smith officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted at the church by Masonic Lodge, #61. Visitation will be held Friday, January 18, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or Lexington Community Foundation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

Date Posted: 2013-02-25
Maiden Name: Carroll

Marjorie J. Burnett, 90, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013, at Park Avenue Estates in Lexington. Marjorie J. Burnett, 90, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013, at Park Avenue Estates in Lexington.

She was born June 30, 1922, in Smithfield, Nebraska, to Charles and Elizabeth (Melosh) Carroll. Marjorie graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1937. Following graduation she worked for Smith Law Firm in Lexington. On September 19, 1942, she was united in marriage to James Burnett in Austin, Texas. Jim was serving his country in the military at the time of their marriage, and Marjorie would work for the government wherever Jim was stationed. They returned to Lexington in 1945.

Marjorie was an accomplished pianist and organist and played for many area weddings and funerals throughout the years. She was a founding member of the Lexington Christian Women's Club and past president of Chapter GR PEO. Always active in the First United Methodist Church, Marjorie taught Bible study as well as being on several church committees throughout the years.

The couple loved to travel and attended many conventions for Jim's work. They visited most of the state capitals as well as many of the Presidential libraries. They had a wonderful circle of friends and enjoyed get-togethers for coffee and Canasta. Many summer days were spent at their Johnson Lake cabin with good memories of being with family and friends. Marjorie's favorite times were spent with family who was so incredibly important to her.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years; Jim Burnett of Lexington, Nebraska; sons, Dennis (Irene) Burnett of Springfield, Virginia; Terry Burnett of Lexington, Nebraska; David (Sue) Burnett of Danvers, Massachusetts; daughter, Vicki (Loren) Danhauer of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister, Carolyn (Harry) Dorwart of Reedsport, Oregon; sister-in-law, Marilyn Weissner of Green Valley, Arizona; nine grandchildren; Carolyn (Todd) Hudson of Caines, Australia; Christopher (Kristin) Burnett of Durango, Colorado; Corrie Kielty of Lincoln, Nebraska; Erika (Jim) Pearl of Lincoln, Nebraska; Thad Danhauer of Arlington, Texas; Andrea (Rao) Gutta of Omaha, Nebraska; Beth (Shawn) Nault of Somersworth, New Hampshire; Kate Burnett of Danvers, Massachusetts; and, Adam (LeAnne) Burnett of Ipswich, Massachusetts; thirteen great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.     Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Sandra; two brothers and sisters-in-law; Delbert (Doris) Carroll; Jean (Alice) Carroll; sister and two brothers-in-law; Geraldine (Virgil) Berryman and Dick Weissner, as well as sister-in-law, Harriet Onstott.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Doug Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Friday, March 1, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

Date Posted: 2014-03-15

Vernon William "Bill" Kloepping, 93, of rural Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family, in the same house he was born.

He was born June 25, 1920, in the Lexington area to David R. and Hazel Mae (Doughty) Kloepping. Bill attended primary school at District #59 and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1937. He was united in marriage to Evangeline "Van" Lindblade on October 22, 1944, at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. One son and three daughters were blessed to this marriage; Douglas William, Sally Jolene, Janelle Sue, and Lisa Diane.

Bill was then called to serve his Country in the United States Navy for almost two years. He took his basic training at the Great Lakes and then served on the largest tanker in the world, at that time, the USS Tolovana and attained the rank of Fireman 1st Class. He was in the South Pacific area and experienced many typhoons, but enjoyed being in China and Japan. Upon his return to the states he farmed for the rest of his life.

Always active and wanting to serve he spent 75 years as a 4-H leader and mentor; he was a faithful member of Calvary Assembly of God Church. He served on many boards throughout the years; namely, the Dawson County Fair Board for 32 years; Farm Bureau Board, District #59 school board, the Coop Board, Treasurer of the Heritage Tour, and on the board for over 35 years of Central Plains Home Health & Hospice.

Bill also assisted Don Lahm in his auctioneering business. He never knew a stranger, was a loving, kind, and considerate man who treasured his family above all things. His family was his life and his love and he will be so very missed.

Survivors include his wife of almost 70 years, Van of Lexington, Nebraska; son, Douglas and wife Barb Kloepping of Lexington, Nebraska; daughters, Sally and husband Doug Nichols of Kearney, Nebraska; Janelle and husband Jim Hawks of North Platte, Nebraska; and, Lisa and Husband Jim Davis of Thornton, Colorado; eleven grandchildren, Shon Kloepping of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Jason and wife Dannette Kloepping of Bartley, Nebraska; Trent and wife Brandi Kloepping of Gothenburg, Nebraska; Chad and wife Jenny Fischer of Grand Island, Nebraska; Shannon and husband Jeff Anderson of Littleton, Colorado; Shiloh Nichols and fiancé Josh Martinez of Littleton, Colorado; Collin and wife Kate Nichols of Kearney, Nebraska; Matt and wife Briana Hawks of North Platte, Nebraska; Nate Hawks of North Platte, Nebraska; Jed Davis of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and, Kayla Davis of Thornton, Colorado; nineteen great-grandchildren; Kirsten, Austin, Jayden, Kinsley, Ryann, Hadley, Zaveri, Mike, Landon, Lucas, Carson, Kyler, Corinne, Case, Siahna, Aiden, Macie, Ellie, and Leila.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Roy; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Evelyn and Harold Fagot and Lindy and Gene Curtis.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Lexington with Pastor Rex Adams officiating.     Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery Lexington.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 17, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested in his memory to the Dawson County 4-H Scholarship Fund or Central Plains Home Health and Hospice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.