Mabel Mary Gilkeson, longtime resident of Sutherland, NE, passed away at the age of 100 on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Mabel was one of three children born to Denniston F. and Edna Alpha Ramsey Gilkeson, and is a descendant of Captain Myles Standish who accompanied the Pilgrims on the Mayflower and helped establish Plymouth Colony. Mabel was born April 2, 1916, at Ashland, NE. The family moved to Wheatland, WY for a while before settling in Sutherland in 1918 where they eventually farmed.

Mabel graduated from Sutherland High School in 1939 then earned her BA in Education from Kearney State Teacher’s College in 1943. She went on to teach Home Economics in Nebraska high schools in Brady, Gothenburg, Guide Rock and Wauneta and even survived a class of 19 boys, which included one student who chewed tobacco.

By 1959 Mabel’s mom was in declining health so she returned to Sutherland to help her brother, Darel, with her care. Mabel then taught Sunday School at the Sutherland United Methodist Church where she was a member.

Along with her parents, Denniston and Edna, Mabel was preceded in death by her sister, Cora Sherman, and brother, Darel Gilkeson.

She is survived by her family and friends which include her nephews, Ron (Cary) Sherman and Roger Sherman, of Missouri; and special friends and caregivers, Hope and Joe Reyes, of Hershey, NE.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside Memorial Service will 10 a.m. Friday in the North Platte Cemetery with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or at the graveside. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to the Sutherland United Methodist Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.