Gracie Loretta Paxton, 77 years, passed away at home in North Platte, NE, on Thursday, January 8, 2015, surrounded by her family.

Loretta was born September 6, 1937, to Estle Plumb ‘Pete’ and Gracie Bryden Gessford Dunlap at Franklin, NE where she grew up. Loretta graduated from Franklin High School in 1955 then attended Kearney State Teachers College. She taught at Roosevelt Elementary in North Platte for two years then at Gates Elementary in Grand Island for a year.

On June 26, 1960, Loretta married Francis Howard ‘Frank’ Paxton at Franklin. They made their home in North Platte where she taught country school at Box Elder Canyon for two years and Pleasant View for another year. Loretta later worked at St. Mary’s Hospital, Schweser’s and was a substitute teacher.

Loretta was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for 54 years and the Presbyterian Women’s Association for 50, a member of the Mariner’s Group and the Auxiliary Fire Dept. for 25 years. She enjoyed gardening and loved tending to her roses.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Frank, of North Platte; children, Daniel (Connie) Paxton, of Lincoln, NE, and Teresa (David) Clouatre, of North Platte; eight grandchildren, Victoria, Andrea, Nicholas, Cassandra, Jennifer, Kevin, Baylee and Dalton; five great-grandchildren, Madison, Carter, Kaden, Magealena and Darr; three sisters, Mary Hanson, of Holdrege, NE, Dorothy (Robert) Chapman, of Lincoln, NE, and Marian (Ron) Forsythe, of Melbourne, Australia; a sister-in-law, Nancy Fisher, of North Platte; her brother-in-law, Lynn (MaryLou) Paxton, of Denver, CO; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Gracie Dunlap; a brother, Dean Dunlap; and her brother-in-law, Junior Earl Hanson.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Polly Deppen-Williams officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.