Ronald K. Cochran, age 81 of Ogallala, former Grant resident, passed away Friday, September 2, 2016 at his home in Ogallala.

Ron was born June 3, 1935 at Hamlet, NE to Reuben and Wilma (Branum) Cochran. He graduated from Curtis high school with the class of 1954. A few months later he was united in marriage to Shirley Gibson on August 21, 1954 in McCook. Following their nuptials, Ron went on to serve in the US Army. Following his discharge he returned to McCook where he worked in route sales for 7-Up and Weavers potato chips. Ron later took a job with Stickney’s, which took him to Milford for a couple years before moving to manage the store in Ogallala. Ron would later work in route sales for Old Home Bakery, which took him to Scottsbluff, before returning to the Keith County area where he worked as a car salesman for various dealerships over the next several years.

Following the death of his wife Shirley, in 1980, Ron married Norma Jean Kramer in Grant. The couple resided in Grant, where Ron became an active and dedicated member of the United Methodist Church. Ron stayed active in the community, having worked at the Coop, mowed yards, cared for the cemetery and played integral roles in nearly every major fundraising campaign in town. He was a proud member of the Grant Lions Club and was a charter member of the Eagle’s Club in Imperial.

When Ron wasn’t busy with work and volunteering, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards and traveling. He was a devoted fan of the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos. He was also particularly devoted to his feline companion, “Baby.”

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley and his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Jean Cochran; children Sherry and Doug Dunham of Ogallala, Roger and Judy Cochran of Oberlin, KS, Rodney and Linda Cochran of Ogallala, Sheryl Warner of Pritchett, CO, Robert Cochran of Ogallala, Rondell and Karen Cochran of Brighton, CO; sister, Donna Doughtery of Belton, MO; brother, Lenard and Marcia Cochran of Tacoma, WA; 22 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Grant Lions Club in Ron’s memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Grant United Methodist church with Pastor Elmer Armijo officiating. Burial will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Charline EmmaLee Yanken, age 95 of North Platte, Ne passed away September 2, 2016 at Great Plains Health. Charline was born April 2, 1921 to Fred and Rebecka (Stellman) Coller in North Platte, the oldest of six brothers and a sister.
During her early life the family moved wherever they could find work. These included North Platte, Dickens, Sutherland, Cozad, and Minnesota. During these hard times her family resided in automobiles, sod houses, a cellar and railroad box cars. The last move was to Baker, Oregon and at that time Charline stayed in North Platte to finish school at one location. She was 15 years old and was on her own. She stayed in an apartment and for her rent she cleaned the home, for her food she cleaned and worked at a small neighborhood grocery store. Achieving her goal of finishing school at one location she promptly got a bookkeeping job and once again cleaned and cooked for her apartment. In 1941 she met Virgil Yanken and they married on June 16, 1943. To this union one son, Gary was born. Having worked various jobs in Texas and Kansas while Virgil served in the military, Charline helped start the original Sears and Roebuck Store. She stayed with Sears as the manager of the ladies department, retiring in 1983. For the next 33 years she lived in her home on her own. Charline’s life was one of hard work, responsibility, and independence. She loved her vacations to Oregon to visit family, pick wild berries, camp in the mountains, and eat trout. Her son’s dogs were her love and therapy and over the years she lived for times spent with Spanky, Brittney, Pooh, Ember, and Aspen. They always got brushed and held so tight so as not to escape her lap!
Charline is survived by her son, Gary (Sandi) Yanken of North Platte; four grandchildren, Scott VonBehren, Greg (Heather) VonBehren, Heidi (Dan) Ertz, and Brooke (Justin) Janas; great-grandchildren, Alex VonBehren, Josh and Kaeleigh Ertz, Tate, Ella, and Jacoby Janas; a sister, Lois; and brothers, Al and Leo.
Charline was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Virgil; brothers, Bob, Rich, Don and Fred Jr.
Memorials can be made to “Fur the Love of Paws” and online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
As per her request, there will be no service or viewing. Interment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Mom and dad together again. Adams & Swanson Funeral home is handling arrangements.

Lorretta Marie Farrell, age 87, of North Platte passed away September 3, 2016 at Great Plains Health.
Loretta was born November 4, 1928 in Exeter, Ne to Joseph and Matilda (Ries) Becker. She grew up and attended school in Exeter, graduating with the class of 1946. Loretta moved to Lincoln, NE where she did clerical work at an insurance company and met Lyle Farrell on a blind date. The two were married on November 25, 1950, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Exeter. The couple settled in North Platte where Loretta worked for the North Platte Café and raised her large family.
Her family and church were the center of her life. Quilting, playing cards, and babysitting her grandchildren were some of her greatest joys.
Survivors include her eight children, Dan (Cindy) of Independence, MO, Ed (Lori) of Grand Island, NE, Mike (Sue) of Grants, NM, Joe of North Platte, Chris (Terri) of Lexington, NE, Mary (Bob) Mitchell of North Platte, Cindy, (Harvey) Walter of Cozad, and Susie (Bill) Jones of Council Bluffs, IA; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters, Donna Jean Welchert of Fort Calhoun, NE, and Agnes Ann Loukata of Exeter, NE; many nieces and nephews; and her spiritual sister, Sr. Jean Macke of North Platte.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lyle; and three brothers, Jake, Don, and Arlan Becker.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Service will be 12:30 p.m. Thursday, September 8, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend C.P. Varghese as celebrant. Burial will be at fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.