Betty Ochsner, 93, of Longmont, Colorado, formerly of North Platte, passed away Aug. 11, 2017, peacefully at her home.

Betty Jean Ochsner was born on April 17, 1924, in Elm Creek to John and Lily McCartney LeMaster. The youngest of five surviving children, she grew up there and graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1941.

She met Kenneth Ochsner while she was working as a switchboard operator at the Grand Island Ordinance Plant during World War II. They married in Corning, Iowa, on Feb. 28, 1948, and moved to North Platte shortly after that when Kenny was hired by Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman. To this union were born a daughter, Rox Ann, and a son, Charles, who died in infancy. Kenneth preceded her in death in 1977.

Betty continued to work in the communications field for the rest of her working life, for Northwestern Bell in Kearney and North Platte, and later for Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte. She retired from UP in 1986 with 20 years of service.

Betty had a lifelong love of music, performing as a vocalist and pianist in high school. She enjoyed playing piano and organ and entertained the hospice caregivers who were called in during the last two weeks of her life.

She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte, having served as Sunday school superintendent, on the membership committee and as an elder and a deacon. She served on the board of the UPRR Employee Credit Union for 15 years.

Betty was known for her generous heart and was famous for always winning the struggle to pick up the check when eating out.

She was a wonderful grandmother, taking all three of her grandchildren on numerous trips, both separately and as a group. Shad, Kael and Leif loved their trips with “Grammie,” and she loved sharing her passion for travel with them. She even took both boys to China “to carry her luggage.” She took many tours and cruises, making it at least once to every continent except Antarctica.

Betty struggled with Alzheimer’s disease during the last years of her life. She moved into a wonderful home in Longmont in 2009 to be near her daughter. She delighted in walks at the lake near her home and in watching the activities of the birds and wildlife. Babies of any variety, human or animal, brought a twinkle to her eyes. She had a “little black dog” who brought her much joy even when she couldn’t remember its name.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Everett, Ray, Harold and Bernard; husband; and an infant son.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Rox Ann Olson of Longmont; three grandchildren, Shad (Kim) Olson of Blackhawk, South Dakota, Kael (Scott) Leigh of Blue River, Colorado, and Leif (Karen) Olson of Longmont; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte First Presbyterian Church.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.

Ian Jon Galloway, 7, of North Platte passed away August 26, 2017 at his home.  Ian was born in North Platte on September 28, 2009 to Jason and Melissa (Brasby) Galloway.

Ian was an energetic and animated little boy. He had the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis and brain cancer, but that’s not who he was. His personality and orneriness shown through as he adapted to the changes happening to his body. He truly transformed the world around him. We learned to enjoy the simplicity of life through him, the beauty of pure love, and that faith doesn’t come from sight. He loved Jesus fiercely and asked to pray for many things. He was blessed to live in a community that cared for his specific needs: transportation to his doctor appointments, and a handicapped bike he could ride. He will be missed by all, but especially his service dog, Thorin, and his sister, Amanda. We are all more compassionate and accepting after being blessed with Ian’s life.

In honor of Ian’s love of baths, the family requests donations of *new* bath toys, salts, and other related small bath items. These will be donated to the children’s hospitals where Ian was treated. They will help re-stock the prize boxes after other cancer patients have pokes or chemo. Children are welcome to wear pajamas and/or their bath robe to Ian’s services. Casual attire is appropriate. Please join us for a relaxed celebration of Ian’s life!!

Survivors include his parents, Jason and Melissa Galloway of North Platte; sister, Amanda Galloway of North Platte; his faithful service dog, Thorin of North Platte; grandparents, Larry & Ruth Galloway of Gibbon, NE and Matt & Kathy Brasby of Ft. Morgan, CO; great-grandmother, Florence Wacker of Ft. Morgan, CO; great-grandparents, Henry & Barbara Brasby of Ft. Morgan, CO.; aunts & uncles, Cicilia (Brasby) & Lonnie Hartley of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Debra (Brasby) & Jonathan Rogers of Ft. Morgan, CO, Nathan & Valarie Brasby, Becky (Brasby) & Devin Seymour all of Ft. Morgan, CO, Ron & Gail Galloway of Shelton, NE, and Ken & Christi Galloway of Kearney, NE; numerous cousins, extended family members, friends and exceptional medical, therapy, and educational teams.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ethel Brasby; great-grandparents, Elmer & Alice Jurgens, and Ray & Minnie Drews; and a great-grandfather, Arthur Wacker.

Monetary memorials can be donated to the local Gift of Hope Cancer Foundation or to the family to offset lingering medical and transportation expenses. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 1, 2017 at the North Platte Berean Church with the Reverend John Stone officiating.  Burial will follow at the North Platte City Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.