Constance “Connie” Jean Hemphill passed away August 12, 2016 in Minneapolis, MN, in the presence of her children. She was born to Troy and Louise (Bartlett) Fonda on October 11, 1930 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. After completing first grade in Edgemont, SD she moved with her family to Pavillion, WY where she graduated as valedictorian from high school there. She attended the University of Wyoming, receiving a Secretarial Degree. She was married to Ronald D. Hemphill in 1949 in Oconto, NE. He preceded her in death due to cancer in 1981. They had three children, Gary, Randy, and Tanya. Connie worked in the secretarial field and when the children were all in elementary school she returned to college where she earned her B.A. in Education degree magna cum laude, and later a M.S. degree from Kearney State College. She taught high school business education for several years in Gordon, Sumner, and Maxwell, NE, and then finished her teaching career at North Platte Jr. College in North Platte, NE. After retiring she spent over 10 years in Florence, AZ with her loving and devoted companion Fred L. Cotton. Connie belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary for over 66 years, royal Chapter of the Eastern Star, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and the Nebraska Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed volunteering in several areas and also loved to read, do puzzles, crafts, paint, dance, and play the organ.
She leaves her three children, Gary (Becky) of Omaha, NE, Randy (Pam) of Fort Collins, CO, and Tanya (Don Jensen) of St. Anthony, MN; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 step-grandsons; and 5 step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Ron.
Graveside services were held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE where she was buried beside her husband Ron. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.