Raymond Weaver Maxwell was released from his physical bonds this morning, October 10th, 2016. He has gone on to meet his Maker and be reunited with his lifelong love and best friend Pauline Ruth (Hora) Maxwell. Born June 6th, 1929 in Glenwood, Iowa to Weaver M. and Grace L. (Benedict) Maxwell. Ray was their eldest son of the four boys, Russell E., Marvin G. and Myron D. The family moved to Omaha and lived on a small dairy farm located near the current site Boys Town. Later moving to North Platte in 1942 where his father went to work for the UPRR. It was then that Ray and Pauline met in high school and their journey through life began. They married on Sept. 8th, 1947 and they were blessed with three sons. Enlisting in the Navy in 1948 and spent five years between active duty, stationed on the small island of Guam in the Pacific for 18 months, and the reserves stateside. Upon returning home to Pauline and son, Jeffrey, born in 1948 after Ray left for the service, they started building a life and raising a family in North Platte. Richard, arriving in 1953, and Thomas, born in1956, would complete the family. Raymond hired on with the UPRR in 1949 transferring to engine service as a Fireman, steam engine era, shoveling coal to stoke the boiler and retired as a Locomotive Engineer in 1989. The biggest change he talked about was going home at night while steam engines filled the roundhouse and coming back the next day and finding nearly all diesel electric locomotives. In those day’s layoffs where frequent and sometimes quite long, so Ray joined the North Platte Fire Dept. as a paid firefighter and as time went on remained active as a volunteer firefighter. It was during this time that he met Robert Turner, also a member of the Fire Department, who owned a fledgling fire equipment business. After working together for a couple of years Ray and Pauline purchased the business and it became North Platte Fire Equipment. The business still remains active after 60 plus years. Being one to enjoy stock car racing, Raymond volunteered his time and services at the local track every season providing fire protection for the drivers and crew members in case of an accident. He was an avid fan of NASCAR to the end. One year, during the mid to late 1960’s, taking the family to Denver to watch one of the big races on closed circuit broadcast being shown at one of the theatres. As their children were growing up, Cub and Boy Scouts became a big part of the Maxwell family. Ray made time to be a Cub master, Cody school, and later a Scout Master for 12 years with troop 295 hosted by the Presbyterian Church. During these years Raymond became a member of the Moose Lodge, the Elks Lodge and most important to him was a Free Mason and Shriner. He would remain as an active member for the rest of his life. Raymond, with the help of Pauline, embarked the most “Top Secret” of missions in North Platte. Every year during the holiday season he would wear the Red Suit and become SANTA CLAUS. His inspiration came from Leo Anderson, who owned Leo’s Flowers. Leo would put up this marvelous display of SANTA’S Workshop at his business, then go out and be Santa Claus to groups and individual families. When Leo retired he encouraged Raymond to take the job and become ‘The Claus’. Ray embraced his new found SECRET occupation and with the help of Pauline, code name “Rudolph”, she would drive him to his location and wait the motor running so they could leave quickly and those who tried to follow were left wondering where Santa had gone. It was truly magical that he could disappear so quickly. Now the 1970’s have come and at the urging of his brother Russell a trip to Baja California took place. While there we experienced the excitement of Off Road racing. On trips that followed, the Chevy Blazer Ray owned, came home with white spoke wheels and bigger tires, grill guard, driving lights and many other things that were available in California but unheard of in Nebraska. People were always stopping by wanting to know if we could get these things for them and a small enterprise sprang up in the garage. From there a new family business arose and in 1975 Maxwell’s Off Road Center was open for business. Ray loved his new sport and got to meet so many new people, actor James Garner, Mickey Thompson, Roger and Rick Mears (later Indy car fame), Ivan Stewart, Rob Gordon (father of racer Robbie Gordon), Parnelli Jones, Frank Vessels and many more. Ray raced in some of the events in the Arizona and Nevada desert courses competing in a VW powered single seat buggy. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Pauline, Mother and Father, youngest brother Myron and his favorite brother in law Jack Hora. He is survived by his children Jeffrey Ray (Lucy), Richard David (Dee Ann), Thomas William (Georgia) and close family friend Mike DuTemple, five grandchildren, Christa (John) Shogren, Gregg (Shannon) Maxwell, Gilbert Gaona, Emily and Tyler Maxwell. Seven great grandchildren , Breahna Shogren, Nissa and Katelynn Maxwell, Chandler, Camron, Caiden and Caleb Gaona, Brothers Russell E. and Marvin G. Maxwell and their families, Nephew John (Cece) Bates and their children. Raymond leaves behind his very special Furry Friend Clyde. The family request in lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Raymond Maxwell Memorial Fund or the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 pm Sunday and 9am to 8 pm Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.

Catherine (Tuts) Alworth, 76, of Oshkosh passed away Wednesday morning, October 12, 2016 at her home.

Tuts was born 12-20-39 in O’Neill, NE to Joe and Zita Cuddy. She is the youngest of 6 children born to that union. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in O’Neill, NE. After graduation she moved to Gordon, NE to be closer to her sister Helen Burke. There she met her lifelong partner Jim Alworth. They married May 14, 1960 and recently celebrated their 56Th wedding anniversary. To this union three children were born Shelli, Teri and Larry.

Tuts and Jim spent over 20 years working on the Rush Creek ranches in Gordon, Lisco, and Angora. They moved to Longmont, CO for a year and missed the Nebraska Good Life so moved back to north of Oshkosh where they lived and currently reside.

Tuts’ first job was a Telephone Operator in Gordon. Once she married she became a rancher’s wife, cooking, working in the hayfield, helping calve etc. She also worked at Oshkosh Superette, Cabelas, and Fashion Bar in Longmont, CO, Home Health and nursing home in Oshkosh. She loved her job doing activities at the nursing home and the residents loved her. She was a CNA and did in-home care until she became ill. Tuts could be found timing at the many roping or cooking burgers at her concession stand. She never missed a roping Jim was in or a high school rodeo she hauled her kids to.

She was always known for her singing, whether she was home, leading the group at the nursing home or singing her Irish tunes during St Patty’s celebration. Tuts never met a stranger and always put a smile on everyone’s face.

She was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Alter Society and Oshkosh Eagles.

Tuts is survived by her husband Jim Alworth, daughters, Shelli (Tom) Arensdorf, Hershey, NE, Teri Alworth, Lewellen, NE and son, Larry (Geri) Alworth, Oshkosh, NE. Five grandchildren, Ashley Beachner, Melissa (Brandon) Jancik, Tiana Arensdorf, Jenna Alworth and Nick Alworth, and four great grandchildren, Raegyn, Berklei, Jailyn, and Kayson. Sisters, Helen Burke of Gordon, NE, Loretta Napier, Ewing, NE, and Brother, Jerry (Viona) Cuddy, O’Neill, NE. Sisters-in-law, Liz Cuddy and Bonita Cuddy of Lincoln, NE.

Preceded in Death by her parents, sister, Patricia Walters, Chamber, NE and brother, Edward Cuddy, Lincoln NE., Brothers-in-law, Ed Burke. John Napier and Eddie Walters.

Memorials in Tuts name may be made to St Elizabeth Catholic Church in Oshkosh, NE or donor’s choice.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Oshkosh with Father Matthew Koperski officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Rushville at a later date.

Rosary services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday at the church. There will be no visitation.

Holechek Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Alworth family.

Corinne “Corky” Margaret Rogers, 89, departed for heaven on October 8, 2016 in Calico Rock, Arkansas. She was born on August 23, 1927 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hal and Edna Smith; her husband, James Wesley Rogers; companion, Earl Holbert; her great aunt, Geraldine DeTemple; and, her best friend, Louise Wills. A loving mother to Debbie, Susan Dye and James; grandmother to Tanner Jones, Tamara Jones-Ramos, Jenna Orzano, Weston and Ross; great grandmother to Everleigh, Olivia, Austin, and Emma; aunt to Michele Church, Linda DeTemple Stonaker, Lyle Hare, Jr., Mike Hare and Mark Hare; and great aunt to Lisa, Lori, Lisa, Adam, James and Joseph. She was trained as a Registered Nurse in the Cadet Corp during World War II. She was an exceptional nurse and in 1969, became one of the first coronary care nurses and instructors in the country. Later she
was a nursing supervisor at St. John’s Hospital for over twenty years. She was a long time resident of Santa Monica, California and took great pride in her beautiful home, especially her panoramic view of the city and Pacific Ocean. She enjoyed her crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, apple martinis and going to the movies with her friends Irene Nupute and “Neighbor Ruth”. Lastly, she was never more comfortable when she was able to change in to her “uniform” or MooMoo dress. She found comfort in her Presbyterian faith and loved the Lord. She taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir. Later in life, she participated in a gospel choir. She will be remembered for always planning her next trip whether to sun in Laguna Beach, check out the buffets in Las Vegas, travel through Europe or walk on the Great Wall of China… she was always ready to go! One of her favorite stories was when she became lost while driving and ended up on top of Mt.Rushmore When at home, she was an enthusiastic home decorator and made the best homemade bread, stickybuns and “vegetable dinner”. When dining out, she had no qualms requesting ketchup and worstershire sauce, even at Ruth Chris Steak House! Of course, a box of See’s Candy or just a simple Snicker’s bar was always cherished. She was loved and will be greatly missed by her children, relatives and friends. Corky was truly an exceptional lady and brought immense joy and inspiration to us all! A church service will be held on Friday, October 14, at 1:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte, Nebraska. Burial services will immediately follow at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Community Medical Center of Izard County, 61 Grasse Street, Calico Rock, Arkansas 72519 are requested. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Glenn Lee Nelson, Sr., age 78, of Gering, NE, formerly of North Platte, passed away at the Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff on Wednesday, October 12, 2016, after a nine year battle with cancer.

Glenn was born April 27, 1938, to Owen Tielman and June Violet (Stoddard) Nelson in North Platte where he grew up. Glenn was united in marriage to Beverly Quinn. They had four children and had been married 46 years when she passed away in 2007.

Glenn worked several jobs in the North Platte and Cozad area before hiring on with the Union Pacific Railroad as a Carmen in 1968. While on the railroad, he also worked as a mechanic for Time and Tool, the Honda Shop and Camperland. He retired from the railroad in 2000 after 32 years.

On May 27, 2009, Glenn married Berta Lineback Joy at Gering. They lived in Gering and enjoyed dancing, traveling and going to auctions together. He also liked camping, riding motorcycles, and belonged to a remote airplane club in the ’90’s. Glenn loved fixing things and was good with tools, he was Mr. Fix It. He enjoyed working on cars and could make anything work, and was a member of the High Plains Auto Club until he became too ill to continue.

Glenn was a Deacon in the Community of Christ Church and was active in youth groups and other church activities. Glenn was also involved with the Boy Scouts for 42 years, being a Cub Scout Leader, an Eagle Scout Dad, and as an adult received Order of the Arrow. He was very proud of helping young boys get a good start in life. He loved kids and never missed an opportunity to coax a smile from a baby or chat with a toddler. Glenn was a kind man who was always willing to help others. He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Berta, of Gering; children, Lori Edwards, of Gothenburg, Glenn Nelson, Jr., of Wakefield, KS, Mark (April) Nelson, of Lincoln, NE, and Brad Nelson, of Sutherland, NE; grandchildren, Amber (Jason) Block and Kenny Johnston, of Gothenburg, Chad (Kristina) Nelson, of Long Beach, MS, Christopher Nelson, of Salina, KS, and Cory Nelson, of Manhattan, KS, Calysta and Decon Nelson, of Lincoln; great-grandchildren, James Swanson, twins, Mason and Connor Block, Elliott Block, and Halley, Alyssa and Jace Nelson; two sisters, Pat Chittenden, of North Platte and Ann Mobley, of Maricopa, AZ; five brothers, Jim (Kathy) Nelson, of Franklin, NE, Richard Nelson, of Illinois, Dan (Sandra) Nelson, of Sutherland, NE, Harold Nelson, of Lincoln, NE, and Albert Nelson, of Omaha, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his first wife, Beverly, Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and June; brothers, Ray and Will Nelson; and grandson, Kyle Johnston.

Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Monday, October 17, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials are to the Boy Scout Buffalo Bill District. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Connie Jo (Ary) Essells, age 71, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on Friday evening, October 7, 2016 at Hospice House, Hutchinson, KS. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gary Dean Essells of Hutchinson, KS, her daughter, Gina Long and grandson, Andrew Ysac of Hutchinson, KS, her son Timothy Long and wife Holly and grandson, Noah of Englewood, OH, her mother Betty Ary, Buhler, Kansas, sisters, Phyllis (Mike) Howard, Vicki (Bob) Demoret, Paula (Larry) Davis, Becky (Carl) Long and Tracey Ary, her brother, Ron (Linda) Ary, all of Hutchinson, KS. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Ary.

Connie Jo was born on April 5, 1945 in Hutchinson, KS, to Paul and Betty (Milhon) Ary. She graduated from Lewis (KS) High School in 1963. She attended Grace Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with an RN Degree in 1965. She worked in Surgery at both Grace and St. Elizabeth Hospitals for two years before joining Dr. Jack Schroll at the Hutchinson Clinic as his Office Nurse. In 1976 she moved to North Platte, NE when her husband Gary took employment with the Union Pacific Railroad.

Connie Jo worked briefly in nursing and retail, before joining a paging and cellular company, Total-TelePage of Nebraska, retiring as General Manager in 2006. She and Gary returned to reside in Hutchinson in September of 2006.

Connie Jo was a loving wife and mother, always putting others before herself. She was a member of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce Hostesses, volunteered for 18 years with the Nebraksaland Days Rodeo Dance Committee, hosted crew members of the nuclear submarine USS Nebraska during their annual visits to Nebraskaland Days and was awarded the Dale Studley “Best in the West” Memorial Service Award in 2000. She opened her home to dozens of foreign and American students and was deeply involved in the Mid-Plains Community College Basketball Host Parent Program for almost 20 years.

She will be remembered as a most special sister, wife, mother and friend to all those whose lives she touched.

Graveside services with Rev. Bill Stapleton officiating will be at the Lewis Cemetery at 1:00 PM, Friday, October 14. The Lewis Christian Church will host family and friends following the burial. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS, 67502.

Pedro T. “Pete” Castillo, age 72 of North Platte, entered into eternal rest October 8, 2016, surrounded by his family after a short, but courageous battle with cancer.
Pete was born January 5, 1944 in Cheyenne, WY to Manual and Florence (Ramirez) Castillo. Pete graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1962, from there he went on to service in the Nebraska Army National Guard, graduating from Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood Missouri, and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Sill Oklahoma in 1963. In 1965 he attended, and later graduated from Officer Candidate School at Camp Ashland Nebraska being commissioned a 2nd LT. and eventually reaching the rank of a 1st Lt.
On April 30th 1966 Pete married Eva Valdez of Mitchell, NE and to this union came three children, Rhonda, Scott, and Jon. They lived in Scottsbluff for five years before moving to North Platte, NE in 1971. Pete was a plumber/pipefitter for many years; in 1986 he ventured out on his own to establish Pete’s Plumbing which he operated until his retirement in 2002.
Pete’s life revolved around his family; you would seldom see him do anything for himself. He was a man of faith, values, and his word. A handshake to him was as good, if not better than, anything in print. Pete was also an avid sports fan. He enjoyed a good baseball game, watching boxing, and he was a diehard football fan. He enjoyed his early morning swims at the Rec Center with his friends, where he logged an impressive 398 miles as of this past May. As his children and grandchildren grew, he followed whatever activity was in season and was always their greatest fan.
Pete will be remembered as a man that was willing to help anyone in need; he was a “measure twice, cut once” kind of guy. He had a sense of humor and was a loyal husband, father, and friend. His greatest gift to his children was his unconditional love for his wife Eva. Their souls have been together for over 50 years this past April 30, 2016.
Survivors include his three children Rhonda Sue, Stuart Scott, and Jonathan Michael (Stephanie Castillo); a special friend Leah Vigil of Colorado Springs; grandchildren Kelanie Marker, Tanner Castillo, Abigail Castillo, Graci Castillo, Keanan Castillo, Kaley Castillo; and great grandchildren James Brody and Rylee; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Pete was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eva; his parents Manuel and Florence; and his brother Tom Castillo.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested in Pete’s name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday October 13, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday October 14, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend Josh Brown as Celebrant. Inurnment will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Theresa Susan Vieyra, age 61 of North Platte passed away October 6, 2016 at Great Plains Health, surrounded by her family.
Theresa was born April 8, 1955 in North Platte to George M “Buck” and Patricia Ann (Shay) Ripple. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1973. On January 19, 1974 in North Platte she was united in marriage to Marco F. Vieyra. Theresa attended Mid Plains Community College. She worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, J.L. Schmidt, and A.R. Tucker Funeral Home. She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her children and grandchildren. She was very involved in helping animals through the shelter and Pawsitive Partners. She liked reading, cooking, crafting, fishing, traveling with all the kids for their sports, and painting nails, especially her granddaughters’. She was always seen enjoying her coca-cola.
Theresa is survived by her husband, Marco of North Platte; father, Buck Ripple of North Platte; daughters, Alana C. (Amanda) Vieyra, Sasha (Sean) Vieyra, and Arnetia (Alex) Vieyra all of North Platte; brothers, Mike (Carol) Ripple and Mark Ripple all of North Platte; grandchildren, Joel (Victoria) Vieyra, Katie Vieyra, Sam Vieyra, Ben Vieyra, Eliciana Fernandez, Isabella Sanchez, Jeremiah Sanchez, Audrianna Solis-Vieyra, Alexavior “Javi” Solis-Vieyra and Kaleb Gray ; great-grandchild, Kendall Avery Melton; sisters-in-law Sharon (Ray) Vieyra of CO, Lila (Rocky) Sandoval of CO, Keke (Ramon) Vieyra of North Platte, Diana (Orlando) Martinez of CO, Carol (Tony) Alvarez of NM, Elaine Simon of Maywood, and Veronica (Adrian) Vieyra of CO; as well as numerous other family members and special family friends Shawn Melton and Miguel Fernandez.
She was preceded in death by her birth mother, Patricia Ripple; step mother, Sandra Ripple; grandparents, George and Nettie Ripple, and Aunt and Uncle Ray and Lucille “Dude” Boltz.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her name at Adams Bank and Trust. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2016, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as Celebrant.