• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2013-07-23

John William “Bill” Doughty, 91, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at Park Avenue Estates in Lexington.

Bill was born October 16, 1921, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Ali “Roy” and Harriet (Shepherd) Doughty. He was a graduate of Lexington High School. Bill served his Country in the Army Air Corps during WWII from September 23, 1942, until his honorable discharge on December 10, 1945.

He was united in marriage to LaDonna Frank Torrance on June 26, 1954, in Lexington. Bill welcomed LaDonna’s sons, John, Bill and Doug. Two children were then blessed to this marriage; Cindy and Larry. He worked at Dawson County Motors as Part’s Manager for 35 years. Bill was active in the Boy Scout organization, enjoyed his coffee buddies every morning, and playing Bridge at the Grand Generation Center in the afternoons. He was a member of St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church.

Bill was a loving and devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Bill is survived by one daughter, Cindy and husband Dee Highland of Loveland, Colorado; son, Larry Doughty of Lexington, Nebraska; stepsons; Bill and wife Donna Torrance of Naples, Florida, and Doug Torrance of Lexington, Nebraska; one brother, Gene Doughty of Lincoln, Nebraska; also surviving are many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren in Florida, Texas, Colorado, and California; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, LaDonna in 2010; brother, Robert Doughty; sister, Helen Sill; and, stepson, John Torrance.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, July 27, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church in Lexington with Reverend Kay Knudson officiating.

Interment will be held prior in the Kearney Cemetery at Kearney, Nebraska with Military Honors.

Visitation will be Friday, July 26, 2013, from 5-8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington.

Memorials are suggested to the Grand Generation Center or the Donor’s Choice.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2015-10-20

Maiden Name: Banks

Jean Proett, 94, of Elwood, former Overton resident, died Tuesday, Oct. 20. 2015, at the Elwood Care Center.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was Friday, Oct. 23, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Overton with the Rev. Doug Gahn officiating.
It was Jean’s wishes for cremation. There will be no visitation.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Buffalo Grove Cemetery next Lexington.

Jean was born Aug. 18, 1921, near Lexington, to Frank E. and Ada (Roberts) Banks. She grew up her entire life in the Lexington/Overton area. She was a 1940 graduate of Lexington High School.

On Aug. 9, 1941, she was united in marriage to Ernest Proett in Las Vegas, Nev. It was during this time Jean lived in California and then Texas while Ernie was in the service. Four children were born to this marriage; William, Patricia, Kathy, and Karla.

When Ernie and Jean returned to Nebraska, Jean helped with the farming operation and worked for 15 years at Plectron in Overton.

Jean was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington for many years and active in the church choir. Following the death of Ernie in 1999, she transferred her membership to the Methodist Church in Overton.

Jean enjoyed gardening and loved growing beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles. Her most memorable moments were always spent with family. She so loved family get-togethers, being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jean was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a lady with the kindest heart, the warmest smile, and the best hugs. She will be so very missed.

Survivors include her children; son, William (Beverly Hall) Proett of Cottonwood, Ariz.; daughters, Patricia (Dave) Wood of Camp Verde, Ariz., Kathy (Gary) Enochs of Overton and Karla (Fred) Eaton of Portales, N. M.; seven grandchildren, Scott Carpenter, Gena (Enochs) Carpenter, Steve Proett, Wayne Enochs, Stacy Proett, Carrie (Eaton) Jones, and Christi (Eaton) Helmer; ten great-granchildren, Brittany Carpenter, Rebecca Carpenter, Alison Robinson, Alicia Carpenter-Sheldon, Arran Putnam, Ethan Enochs, Kinzy Enochs, Sidney Enochs, John Proett, and Ashlynn Proett; three great-great-grandchildren, Corbyn Robinson, Carter Robinson, and Jaxon Sheldon; also surviving are nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernie; two brothers, Chester and William Banks; and, three sisters, Alice Banks, Florence Ellen Banks, and Marjorie Walston.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

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

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2016-01-23

Maiden Name: Courter

Della Mae Courter, 92, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Lexington.

Della Mae was born the fifth child of Walter and Samantha (Thompson) Courter on August 8, 1923. She graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1940. She took normal training in high school, and upon graduation, taught school at the Cracker Box Bacon and District #6 rural school for eight years. She furthered her education at Kearney State Teacher’s College.

In September of 2013, she attended the dedication of her name being placed on the Wall of Honor in the Educational Building at the University of Nebraska-Kearney for being a One Room School House Teacher.

Upon retiring from teaching, Della and her father moved into Lexington and built the Green Valley Motel which they operated from 1955 to 1987.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for many years and was a member of the Elizabeth Circle.

Della Mae moved to Eastlawn Apartments, and was a green thumb worker at the Lexington Library. In 2014, Della Mae moved to Park Avenue Estates.

Della Mae was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Lyle and Loren Courter; and two sisters, Beulah and Edna Reed.

Left to mourn her passing are her nephews and nieces, including Bob and Nola Reed of Lexington, and Thomas Reed of Lexington, other relatives and many friends.

Della Mae’s wishes were for her body to be cremated and a graveside service to be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.

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

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

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940
• Faculty

VIRGINIA KNAPPLE KING
Funeral services for Virginia Knapple King, 76, of Lexington will be held Thursday, Dec. 16, 1999, at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lexington with Rev. Todd Karges officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the Reynolds Love Chapel in Lexington.

Virginia died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 1999, at the Tri-County Hospital in Lexington.

She was born Feb. 6, 1923 in Lexington to Fred and Leota Beardslee Knapple. Her elementary education of eight years was at District 42, Gosper County. Virginia graduated from Lexington High School in 1940. After attending Kearney State Teacher's College for two years, she taught school in Holbrook for two years, then Teton, Washington, going to Central City after that.

Virginia married James B. King on Feb. 6, 1946, at Lexington. She then taught in Richmond, Calif., for two years. She went back to college and graduated in 1965 with her teaching degree. Virginia taught for 45 years. Virginia loved teaching and had many wonderful memories of her teaching years.

She directed the Methodist Church Youth Choir for many years, including the boys' choir. She was past president of the Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher's Honorary, the Alpha Delta Kappa chapter and other state offices for teacher honorary members. She was involved in 4-H and Girl Scouts.

She was a 50-plus years member of the United Methodist Church, a life member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Kiwanis, a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the FVW and the Mercury Club. Virginia loved to travel and she visited Europe, Australia, Canada and Mexico.

Survivors include: two daughters, Virjean and Ed Foster of Gothenburg and Michele and Richard Goehring of Lexington; brother, Glenn and Paula Knapple of Lexington; sister, Lois and Duane Birt of York; six grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, James in 1993; and son, James Richard in 1963.

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

Date Posted: 2018-01-23

William (Bill) Hatting, Jr., 94, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Friday, January 19, 2018, at Brookdale in Lexington, Nebraska. Bill was born on February 20, 1923, to Emma (Foss) Hatting and William Hatting, Sr. on the family farm five miles south of Lexington. Bill attended elementary school at Dawson County Rural District #31. He graduated from Lexington High School in 1940. During the early 1940s, Bill competed in numerous rodeo events in Lexington.

Bill married Marjorie Dodge on September 17, 1945, and they remained husband and wife for 68 years. Together they operated the family farm for 25 years raising Angus cattle and feeder hogs while growing corn and alfalfa. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, Bill and Dave Jeffrey led the South Side 4-H Club of Dawson County. Also during the early 1960s, Bill was employed by the Lexington Co-Op as retail field man selling livestock feed and crop fertilizer to area farmers. Bill later sold livestock feed and seed independently throughout Dawson County and parts of Custer and Gosper Counties.

After selling his interest in the family farm to his brother, John, Bill managed the National Alfalfa Dehydrating Plant in Lexington. In 1970, Bill and Marjorie worked on the 20,000-acre Snover Ranch near Burwell caring for 1,800 head of Angus cattle. During the early and mid-1970s, they farmed and ranched in southeastern South Dakota and farmed in west-central Iowa. Between 1976 and 1981 Bill shipped Sperry New Holland combines all over the country from the plant south of Lexington. From 1975 to 1988 Bill intermittently supervised the custodial staff, maintained buildings and grounds, and drove busses to athletic events for Lexington Public Schools. Since 1988, when he retired, Bill has resided in Lexington.

Bill was preceded in death by spouse Marjorie (Dodge) Hatting, father William Sr., mother Emma, sisters Doris (Allen) Walker and Lucille (Ron) Ritterbush and brother John Lee Hatting.

He is survived by son Steven and daughter-in-law Maurine (Thomas); grandchildren Michael (Katie) Hatting, Sarah (Aaron) Christison, and Eloise Hatting; great-grandchildren Samuel Christison, Abigail Hatting, Charlotte Hatting and Maxine Servaty; step great-grandchildren Zak Theiler, William Theiler, and Alex Theiler; five nieces and eight nephews.

Funeral Services will be Friday, January 26, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Pastor Doug Smith, officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either the First United Methodist Church of Lexington or the 4-H division of the Dawson County Extension Service.

Burial will be in Robb Cemetery south of Lexington.

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

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2006-04-05

Ellsworth J. Page, 84, lifetime Lexington resident, died Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at the Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 10, at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Todd Karges officiating. Mason rites by Thistle Lodge No. 61 will also be held at the church. Burial with military honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.

Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, April 9, at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington, which is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include three daughters, Nan Page-McCoy (Kirk) of Seward, Mary Jo Page of Lexington, and Cynthia Page of Omaha; two brothers, Rodney (Donna) Page of Hastings, and William Page of Johnson Lake; one sister, Harriet Becker of Cozad; one grandson, Samuel Ellsworth Page of Seward; along with nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mildred in 1969; his second wife, Dora in 1998; daughter, Karen Ruth; sister, Olive Belle; sister-in-law, Norma; brothers-in-law, John Grimes, John Becker and Robert Yates; and other relatives.     

Ellsworth was born Feb. 3, 1922, at Lexington, to Garnett and Frankie (Gregory) Page. He grew up at Lexington, where he attended school and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1940. He then served his country in the United States Army during World War II from Sept. 17, 1942, to Oct. 19, 1945. He was honorably discharged after serving in the European Theater.

On Sept. 11, 1949, he married Mildred Yates. This union was blessed with four daughters: Nancy, Mary Jo, Karen Ruth and Cynthia. Karen Ruth died in infancy. Mildred preceded him in death in 1969.

On Sept. 4, 1982, he then married Dora Linke at Eustis. She also preceded him in death in July of 1998. He farmed and raised livestock, a vocation he held near and dear to his heart. He never considered this his job, but his life's love.

Ellsworth was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a 50-year member of the American Legion, the VFW, as well as Masonic Thistle Lodge #61, Lexington, the Scottish Rite and Tehama Shrine.

He loved being with his family, especially his grandson, Sam. He enjoyed fishing, reading, never stopped learning, and his love for his country found him exercising his right to vote at every election. He never missed voting.

Memorials are suggested to the Shrine Transportation Fund or Nebraska Children's Home.Obituary from the Lexington Clipper-Herald

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2006-06-05

C. Stanley Wells, 83, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, formerly of Lexington, died Monday, June 5, 2006, at Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 10, at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Rev. John Craig officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Hewitt Cemetery at Lexington.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, June 9, at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include one son, Jim Wells of Lexington; one daughter, Carol (Gary) Thinnes of Idaho Falls, Idaho; one sister, Lois (Johnnie) Anthony of Lexington; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia in 2001; and daughter-in-law, Jean Wells in 2004.

Stanley was born Oct. 9, 1922, at Lexington, to Vernon J. and Florence V. (Delap) Wells. Stan attended North District #22 and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1940.

On Nov. 8, 1942, Stan married Virginia L. Walbridge at Norton, Kan.

He then served his Country during World War II in the United States Army from March 10, 1945, to Sept. 8, 1946. Upon his return from serving in the Army, Stanley and Virginia farmed at Lexington.

He was a member of the Christian Church as a youngster and later the United Methodist Church following his marriage. He was a member of the VFW and Lexington Plum Creekers. Stanley enjoyed raising and riding horses. He was a quiet, gentle, loving father with a wonderful sense of humor. Memorials will be designated at a later date.

Obituary from the Lexington Clipper-Herald

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2007-04-07

Maiden Name: Orthman

Frances Mina Orthman Orr, 84, of Story City, Iowa, died Saturday, April 7, 2007, at Bethany Manor in Story City, Iowa. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m., Sunday, April 15, 2007, at the Chapel at Bethany Manor in Story City.

Survivors include one daughter, Mikie Susan (Tom) Walker; one son, Kirk Andrew (Stephanie) Orr of Spokane, Wash.; five grandchildren, Brandy Wagner of Ames, Iowa, Kristin (Jim) Vinal of Omaha, and Koby, Calliope and Bethlehem of Spokane, Wash.; three great-grandchildren, Jack and Thomas of Ames, Iowa, and Noah of Omaha; and one step-great-grandaughter, Mycayla Lynn of Omaha.

Frances was born on Sept. 25, 1922, to LuVera (Anderson) Orthman and Edward August Orthman at Lexington. She graduated from high school in 1940, with a 3-year teaching certificate for rural schools and taught three years. In 1943, Frances moved to Lincoln, to work the next two years in the Brand Department of the Secretary of State's office.

She met Andrew C. Orr on June 9 and was married Aug. 18, 1946, in Lincoln, at the Trinity Methodist Church. They lived five years in Lincoln, five years in East Lansing, Mich., and many years in Charles City, Iowa. She worked in the Floyd County Treasurer's Office until she retired in 1982.

Obituary from the Lexington Clipper-Herald

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2007-09-12

Todd T. Kanda, 87, of Lexington, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington, with the Rev. John Craig, officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation was held Friday, Sept. 14, at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Todd KandaReynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington is in charge of arrangements    Survivors include three brothers: Masami (Sumiko) Kanda of Denver, Ted Kanda of Lexington, and George (Faye) Kanda of Brighton, Colo.; many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Todd was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers; Yasuo, Sam and Ken.

He was born June 17, 1920, at Lexington, to Tokuichi and Hatsuyo (Kawamoto) Kanda. Todd grew up in Lexington and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1940. He farmed as a young man and worked for the railroad for a time. He was a self-taught carpenter and worked many years at his trade. He owned numerous rental properties around Lexington and enjoyed the upkeep of these properties.

Todd was a member of the NRA and the Horseless Carriage Club of America. He received 2nd place in June of 1956, for his horseless carriage. Also, in 1947, Todd was given his own Patent from the United States Department of Commerce for his invention of a Traction means for Tractors.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.obituary obtained from Lexington Clipper-Herald Online at www.lexch.com

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2008-04-03

Maiden Name: Hodgson

Dorothy Nina Anderson, 85, of Holdrege, died Thursday, April 3, 2008 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Funeral Services will be at Christian Homes Chapel in Holdrege, on Monday, April 7, at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Tom Thompson and Chaplain DeWane Dow officiating, Interment will be in the Moses Hill Cemetery in Phelps County. Visitation will be at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege on Sunday, April 6, from 1-6 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 3-5 p.m.

Survivors include one daughter, Marlys (Eddie) Anderson of Loomis; one son, Marvin (Gwen) Anderson of Toronto, Canada; five grandchildren, Kelly (Carolyn) Anderson of Loomis, Cory Anderson of Omaha, Mindy (Nathan) Knott of Lincoln and Dylan and Gareth Anderson of Toronto; great-grandchildren, Kalen and Edison Knott and Chloe Anderson; sister-in-law, Margaret Hodgson of Grand Island; one niece and two nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oct. 18, 2004; her parents; one brother, Horace Hodgson; sisters-in-law, Grace Roper and Doris Anderson and brother-in-law, George Roper.

Dorothy was born April 29, 1922 at Omaha, to Ralph and Mabel (Cook) Hodgson. She attended District South #17 and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1940. She attended Kearney State College for two years. Dorothy then employed in the offices of the Union Petroleum Co. and Nebraska Natural Gas Co. in Lexington.

On March 2, 1947 she was united in marriage to Dell R. Anderson of Loomis and to this union two children were born, Marlys and Marvin. They farmed north of Loomis for over 40 years. In 1988, Dorothy and Dell moved into Holdrege. Following a stroke suffered by Dorothy in 1998, they made their home at Chrisoma West since 2000 and later at Christian Homes due to her failing health.

Dorothy was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Loomis since 1952, where she was baptized and assisted with children's meetings, was active with the Free Church Women's Ministry and was a pianist for many years. A memorial has been established in her memory and will be designated at a later time. Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com. The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2009-08-24

Wayne E. Young, 87, lifetime Lexington farmer, died Monday, August 24, 2009, at his home near Lexington. He was born September 20, 1921, at Lexington, Nebraska, the youngest of four children, to Arthur E. and Frances M. (Anderson) Young.

Wayne was a 1940 graduate of Lexington High School and entered the United States Navy during WWII on August 6, 1942, until being honorably discharged on August 26, 1943, as an Aviation Cadet, V-5.

He married Helen Wickwire on June 24, 1945 at Lexington. They were the parents of five children; Roslyn, Phyllis, Timothy, David and Kent. Phyllis and Timothy preceded Wayne in death.

Wayne was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as Deacon, Trustee and on the Memorial Committee. He was a member of the American Legion, past President of the Dawson County Fair Board, the Cosmo Club, Dawson County Historical Society Board of Directors, and was active in 4-H for many, many years. Wayne was also a founding member of the Lexington Plum Creekers. He was a director of the National Sugar Beet Association and President of the Central Nebraska Sugar Beet Growers Association for over 25 years.

Wayne's hobbies varied throughout his life, but he was most fond of his time playing golf and was active in establishing the Overton Golf Club and Lakeside Country Club. In later years his passion was the Dawson County Historical Society.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years: Helen M. Young of Lexington, Nebraska, One daughter: Roslyn K. and her husband Gary Cole of Nashville, Tennessee, Two sons: David E. Young of Chicago, Illinois, Kent A. and his wife Cathy Young of Overton, Nebraska, Son-in-law: James L. Aitken of Lincoln, Nebraska, Grandchildren: Mark Cole and wife Toni, Greg Cole, Lara Brown and husband Eric, Jill Drake and husband Jim; Becky Morlang and husband Jon, Tim Farrell; great-grandchildren, Troy Cole, Alex Brown, Chase, Nathan and Riley Morlang.

Wayne was preceded in death, in addition to his children, by his parents; one brother and sister-in-law, Muarise & Bernie Young; two sisters and brothers-in-law; Melrose & Clayton Ransdell and Vera & Merle McKee.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, August 27, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating. Private burial will be held prior to the Memorial Service in Greenwood Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held Wednesday August 26, 2009 from 3-7 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested, in lieu of flowers, to the First Presbyterian Church or the Dawson County Historical Society. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington Is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to: www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2009-11-23

Maiden Name: Lake

Opal M. Magnuson, 87, resident of Lexington and Dawson County most of her life, died Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Funeral Services will be Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Mr. Mike Millican officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, from 3-5 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Survivors include one sister Nona (Bob) Heyen of Seward and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews. Opal was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald in 1999; three sisters and four brothers-in-law.

She was born Dec. 24, 1921, at Maxwell to Arthur Carl and Orpha Opal (Cantrell) Lake.  Opal moved to Dawson County when she was about five years of age. She graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1940. She worked at Reutlinger's five and dime store and Lexington Mill and Elevator Company. She married Gerald Magnuson Sept. 5, 1943, at Key West, Fla., and worked at the PX there.

In 1944, she started working in the Dawson County Clerk's office as a clerk and then Deputy Clerk and elected County Clerk in 1967. Opal served as County Clerk until 1987, when she retired.  Opal was a member of Northside Church of Christ, baptized March 3, 1993. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors and a few card clubs. She was president of the Clerk's Register of Deeds and Election Commissioners of Nebraska Association of County Officials in 1981.

Opal moved to Shackley Retirement Village several years ago and so enjoyed playing Chicken Foot Dominoes, cards, doing crafts with seashells and gardening. She also loved visiting with her neighbors, being with friends and shopping.   Memorials are suggested to the Northside Church of Christ or the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home of Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to:  reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2009-12-21

Maiden Name: Anthony

Arvella F. Hildenbrandt, 87, of Lexington, died Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. Memorial services will be held Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at 2:00 p.m., at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with the Rev. Caroline Vickery, officiating. Burial will be at a later date. There will be no visitation.

She was born Oct. 7,1922, at rural Lexington, to C. Raymond and Alice A. (Barrett) Anthony of Lexington. Arvella attended grade school and graduated from Lexington High School in 1940. She then went on to nurses training at Presbyterian Nursing School in Colorado where she graduated in 1943.

Arvella was united in marriage to Lester Hildenbrandt on June 4, 1944 in Lexington.  Four children were blessed to this marriage; George, Ronald, Pamela and Bill. Arvella and Lester have lived in Lexington the majority of their lives except a seven-year stint in Platteville, Colo. They were well known for their Iris gardens.

She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, served as an Elder and Deacon, was a member of the Happy Home Helper's Club, Busy Mixers Extension Club, Dawson County Iris Society, Pioneer Rose Society and American Iris Society.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Lester Hildenbrandt of Lexington; three sons, George Hildenbrandt of Slatington, Penn., Ronald Hildenbrandt of Tyler, Texas, Bill (Mary) of Westchester, Ill.; one daughter, Pamela Currin of Warner Robins, Ga.; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Arvella was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother and a daughter-in-law Jan Hildenbrandt.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers please, to the Dawson County Parent-Child Center or donor's choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy and guest book signatures may be sent to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2011-01-02

William L. Kelly of Lexington, died Sunday, Jan. 2, , at St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island of a heart attack. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2011 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with Fathers Paul Colling and Donald O'Brien officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 6, 2011, 5-7pm at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home with Rosary to follow at 7pm.

Born on July 26, 1921 in Afton, Okla., Bill was the son of Lloyd and Clethal (Buckley) Kelly. The family moved to Lexington when he was three. Bill attended Lexington High School graduating in 1940. Following graduation he worked for Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in San Diego, Calif., before returning to Nebraska to enlist in the Army.

He married Mary Louise Haws on June 22, 1944, at Hobbs, N.M., while he was serving in the military. Bill served in the US. Army Air Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant during World War II from 1942-1945. He was a First Pilot flying a B-17 Flying Fortress and completed 27 sorties as a member of the 463rd Bomb Group stationed in Foggia, Italy.

At the end of the war, Bill and Mary lived in Glendale, Calif., while Bill attended watch-making school. Returning to Lexington, he worked for Ora L. McKee at McKee Jewelry until 1967 when he and Mary bought the business and operated it until their retirement in 1986.

Bill was a vital part of the Lexington Community serving in numerous organizations including the American Legion and Chamber of Commerce and Lexington Community Foundation. He was a past President of the board of directors of Home Federal Savings and Loan.

Bill was an active member of St. Ann's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus earning the Third Degree.

He was an avid hunter, spending happy hours in his duck blind with his brother Jim, nephews and grandsons. He enjoyed golf and was a fine photographer, winning awards for his nature pictures. Bill was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Elleanor (Welliver, née Dodge) Kelly, whom he married in 2005; daughters Cathy (Drew Johnson) Kelly of Sacramento, Calif., Sue (Charlie) Campbell of State College, Pa., sister-in-law, Jeanne Kelly of Lincoln, brother-in-law Bill Robbins of Sacramento, Calif; four grandchildren Michelle Evans, David (Colleen) Evans, Michael (Wendy) Evans and Mary Campbell; four great-grandchildren, Jacob and Tess McAndrew and Kelly and Ethan Evans; four nephews, Tom, Jim and Joe Kelly, Michael Robbins and a niece, Monica Robbins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary of 58 years, his brother, Jim Kelly, sister, Marie Kelly and sister-in-law, Cathy Robbins.

Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Community Foundation and the Tri-County Hospital Auxiliary. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington in charge of arrangements.

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

H. Keith White, 89, of Lexington, died Sunday, October 23, 2011, at the Lexington Regional Hospital.

Keith was born June 25, 1922, in Lexington, Nebraska to Harold Clifford and Hazel Valentine (Dunlap) White. Keith was a 1940 graduate of Lexington High School and attended the University of Nebraska Ag College. He married Pauline Corder on March 24, 1944, in Lexington and to his union three children were born, Gary, Larry and Debra.

Keith was a member of the United Methodist Church for 77 years and served on several committees. He was past President of the Dawson County Feeders, a 4-H leader for 25 years and a past Noble Grand of the Oddfellow Lodge. He farmed and fed cattle all his life and was a fat cattle buyer for 15 years. He loved sports, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Above all, he treasured his relationship with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife Pauline, son Gary (Mary) White of Lexington, daughter Deb (Stan) Blackmore of Phoenix, AZ, daughter-in-law Cynthia (White) Haynes of Holyoke, CO, grandchildren, Kellie (Chan) Melton of Minneapolis, MN, Becky (Brad) Claycamp of St. Joseph, MO, Woody (Stacie) Blackmore of Lexington, NE, Hannah (Charlie) Ulbrich of Denver, CO, Sarah White of Hershey, NE, and Kristin White of Kearney, NE. great-grandchildren; Ashlyn, Colton and Abbie Claycamp, Sam & Elliot Blackmore, Madison and Elias Ulbrich and Taylor Sue Melton. Keith is also survived by two sisters, Virginia Keeney and Peg (Gordon) Smith, both of Blachly, OR, many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and son, Larry, and brother-in-law, Francis Keeney.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 27, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating.

Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2011, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, Dawson County 4-H Foundation or the Donor's Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences to the family may be sent: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.

• LHS
• Memorial
• Obituary
• 1940

Date Posted: 2013-03-15

Maiden Name: Fellers

Betty Jean Stuckey, 89, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Friday, March 15, 2013, at her home from complications of Alzheimer's Disease.

Betty was born September 27, 1923, at home in Lexington, to William Fellers, Sr. and Minnie (Speak) Fellers. Betty attended Lexington schools and graduated in 1940. She met her husband, Dean Stuckey, while attending high school and they were married February 4, 1944, in Lexington. She lived her entire life in Lexington, the last 62 in her beloved home.

Betty was a vital part of the Lexington community serving in numerous organizations and volunteering; including, the American Legion Baseball program, which she and Dean volunteered for 27 years, Red Cross Blood Mobile, Newcomers Club, Dawson County Commissioner from 1987 to 1995, VFW Ladies Auxiliary for 51 years, PTA, Girls Scouts, President of the Dawson County Republican Women's Club, director of Duplicate Bridge, and Presbyterian Church Circle.

She enjoyed gardening, crafts, cooking, baking, playing bridge, and bingo. Betty quietly helped so many people around town without any public knowledge. She loved her family and friends and was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt.

Betty is survived by her children; Diana Pitcher of Chandler, Arizona; Tom Stuckey, Jr. of Omaha, Nebraska; Dixie (John) Bednar of Omaha, Nebraska; and Ed (Sally) Stuckey of Appleton, Wisconsin; Nine grandchildren, Corrie Kielty, Melinda Westerlin, Joe Westerlin, Andy Pitcher, Ryan (Kelley) Pitcher, Katie (Chris) Lyon, Rachel Stuckey, Ben Stuckey and Allyson Stuckey; Ten great-grandchildren, Casey, Nic, CJ, Alli, Dillon, Cruz, Noah, Hudson, Hadley, and Charlotte; brother, Ted (Candy) Fellers of Lincoln, Nebraska; sisters, Bonnie (Don) Tomasek of Lexington, Nebraska; Kay (Don) White of Gravois Mills, Missouri; sister-in-law, Bev Fellers of Lexington, Nebraska; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Betty is also survived by her beloved caretakers, Deb, Peg, Harriette, Marty & Brianna.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean in 2007; two brothers, William Fellers, Jr. and Robert Fellers and sister, Norma Hock.

Funeral Services will be Friday, March 22, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Lexington with Reverend Caroline Vickery officiating. Burial will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 21, 2013, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Lexington American Legion Baseball Association, Alzheimer's Foundation or First Presbyterian Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.