Dennis ‘Cooney’ Breaux, age 62, of Sutherland, NE, died Friday, October 14, 2016, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.

Dennis was born April 17, 1954, to Ogden J. and Rena L. Breaux in Jennings, LA. He grew up in Mermentau, LA, and graduated in 1972 from Midland High School. In 1974 Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army. He married Connie Miller at Mermentau and they had a daughter, Bridget.

Dennis came to Sutherland in 1990 for a three month job and never left. On January 15, 2005, he was united in marriage to Carrie Burrows and they continued to live in Sutherland. He was employed by LU #464 until retiring in 2012.

Dennis enjoyed hunting, NASCAR, watching Nebraska football, and especially loved his dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Carrie, of Sutherland; daughter, Bridget Breaux (Angel Lopez), of Oviedo, FL; the most beautiful granddaughter in the world, Gabby Lopez; his sister, Wanda (Don) Bonnie, of Mermentau; brother, Terry (Rosemary) Breaux, of Port St. Lucie, FL; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family members.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Ogden and Rena.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside Service with military honors will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2016, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra Sue ‘Sam’ Patterson, age 60, of North Platte, NE, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2016, at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln, NE.

Sam was born October 22, 1955, in Sterling, CO, then adopted by James Alexander and Ione Magdeline ‘Becky’ Beckley Patterson. The family lived in Lewellen, NE for a while then moved to Ogallala, NE where Sam graduated from high school with the Class of ’74. While in high school, she was recognized as Teen of the Month and Citizen of the Year for her work with the handicap.

After graduation, Sam moved to Lincoln, NE where she attended Nebraska Wesylan University and during the summers worked as a counselor at Norweska Methodist Church Camp. Sam received her B.A. in English then went on to teach in Kimball, NE. Sam eventually earned her M.A.R. Degree from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO in 1985 then began her ministry with the Methodist Church.

Pastor Sam was first assigned to the United Methodist Church in Neenah, WI, then moved to Windsor, CO to work at Faith United Church of Christ. She went back to school at Iliff and graduated with a M.D.V. in 1993. Pastor Sam then became the Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in North Platte. After seven years she was assigned to be Pastor at the Methodist Churches in Shickley and Ong, NE. Pastor Sam worked in the communities for the next two years before she had to take disability leave due to health concerns and return to North Platte.

Pastor Sam had great faith in the Lord and enjoyed her ministry. She also loved the snow and was a talented musician. She played the clarinet from 4th grade through high school and continued playing in college with the marching band and concert band. When Sam moved to Wisconsin she played in the Neenah Community Band and they had the opportunity to tour and perform in Europe. She also learned to play bells both in a choir and solo.

Along with her churches, Sam was a member of the Nebraska Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, a board member with Habitat for Humanity and attended the UMC Monday Musicale.

Sam leaves behind her loving parents, Jim and Becky Patterson, of Oshkosh, NE; and her many friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and cousins, Larry Beckley, Merlin Orr and Shirley Flohr.

Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. (CT) Tuesday, October 18, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Cremation will follow the service and inurnment will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. (MT) in the Ash Hollow Cemetery in Lewellen. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the First United Methodist Church, Bell Choir, Habitat for Humanity or the Donor’s Choice. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.