Elna Berthe (Petersen) Kibben, 100, of Curtis, died March 24, 2013, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.
She was born Feb. 8, 1913 in Norman, daughter of Nels and Dorthea (Jensen) Petersen. Elna grew up in Norman until she was five years old, when her family moved to Curtis. On July 10, 1935, Elna married Oliver Kibben at Curtis, they then moved to the family ranch at New Raymer, Colo.
Elna’s happiest days were raising her three daughters, Carol, Sandy and Janet, on the ranch. The family returned to Curtis in 1963. Elna enjoyed traveling to numerous states and countries. She went to Alaska several times to visit her daughter, Carol. She enjoyed reading books, knitting and crocheting, but most important of all was her family. She felt that raising a good family was the most important job a person could ever have. Elna was involved in PEO, was a 4-H leader, was active with Frontier Co. Extension Club and was a 50-year member of the United Methodist Church.
Elna was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Kibben; her parents, Nels and Dorthea Petersen; her brother, Harry Petersen; her sister, Doris McKinney; and her infant sister, Vera Peterson.
Surviving are her daughters, Carol (David) Unruh, of Moab, Utah, Sandy Stencel, of Curtis, and Janet Kohl, of Berthoud, Colo.; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Kathleen Marshall; and a host of extended family and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 402 Center Ave., Curtis, NE 69025 or the Curtis Public Library, PO Box 29, Curtis, NE 69025. Online condolences may be shared at blasestrauser.com.
Services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bonnie Forney officiating. Burial will follow at the Curtis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-8 pm., today, at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Curtis, which is in charge of the arrangements.