Constance “Connie” Jean Hemphill passed away August 12, 2016 in Minneapolis, MN, in the presence of her children. She was born to Troy and Louise (Bartlett) Fonda on October 11, 1930 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. After completing first grade in Edgemont, SD she moved with her family to Pavillion, WY where she graduated as valedictorian from high school there. She attended the University of Wyoming, receiving a Secretarial Degree. She was married to Ronald D. Hemphill in 1949 in Oconto, NE. He preceded her in death due to cancer in 1981. They had three children, Gary, Randy, and Tanya. Connie worked in the secretarial field and when the children were all in elementary school she returned to college where she earned her B.A. in Education degree magna cum laude, and later a M.S. degree from Kearney State College. She taught high school business education for several years in Gordon, Sumner, and Maxwell, NE, and then finished her teaching career at North Platte Jr. College in North Platte, NE. After retiring she spent over 10 years in Florence, AZ with her loving and devoted companion Fred L. Cotton. Connie belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary for over 66 years, royal Chapter of the Eastern Star, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and the Nebraska Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed volunteering in several areas and also loved to read, do puzzles, crafts, paint, dance, and play the organ.
She leaves her three children, Gary (Becky) of Omaha, NE, Randy (Pam) of Fort Collins, CO, and Tanya (Don Jensen) of St. Anthony, MN; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 step-grandsons; and 5 step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Ron.
Graveside services were held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE where she was buried beside her husband Ron. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Dean Raymond Sinden, 80, of North Platte passed away August 14, 2016 at his home.
Dean was born September 1, 1935 in Steamboat Springs, CO to John and Harriet (Kelly) Sinden.
He graduated from High School in Steamboat Springs, and then ranched with his brother and father. On September 1, 1958 he married Corale Bishop. The two later dairied in Craig, CO, and Wellington, CO before moving to North Platte to farm with their son Gib. He sold his farm in November 2009, but continued to help his son through the years. The couple enjoyed wintering in Arizona the last 7 years. Dean loved farming and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for lifting up a room whenever he came in.
Survivors include his wife, Corale of North Platte; daughter, Phyllis (Jim) Meyer of Denver, CO; sons, Russell (Spring) Sinden of WA, and Gilbert (Kris) Sinden of North Platte, NE; 4 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Joann Hagerman of OH; and a brother, Roger (Candyce) Sinden of Loveland, CO.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Roland and John.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Cremation was chosen and private family services will be held at a later date. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ardith Marie Morse, age 76, of North Platte, formerly of Chadron, NE, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2016, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Ardith was born February 5, 1940, to Arthur William and Mildred Isabelle Skinner Navis at Hershey, NE, and grew up in Hershey and North Platte. Ardith graduated from North Platte High School in 1957 then began her career with Northwestern Bell Telephone. By 1979 she transferred to San Diego, CA, eventually retiring from there in 1990.

On January 20, 1960, Ardith married James Bouws in Denver, CO, then later divorced. In 1972 she was married to Dale Morse and they later divorced.

Following her retirement, Ardith returned to Nebraska and enrolled at Chadron State College where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology then a Master’s Degree in Sculpture. She loved art and made amazing pieces.

As a teenager, Ardith loved horses and belonged to Roman Riding Travel Group. She also loved her family and was a kind and generous person. While in Chadron, Ardith was a member of the United Methodist Church and active in an art club. She also volunteered as a foster grandparent for Job Corps and Head Start, was on the Daws County Historical Museum Board, and did in-home care for others. On April 4, 2014, Ardith was recognized for her service when she received the Nebraska First Ladies Award for Outstanding Community Service and was presented with the National Service Volunteer of the Year Award. She had recently returned to North Platte to be closer to her daughter.

She is survived by her children, Patti (Randall) Paxton, of North Platte and Gary Bouws, of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Schulkey, Jason (Megan) Baker, Christopher Baker and Robby Baker; 10 great-grandchildren; two nieces; and other family.

Ardith was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Mildred Navis, and stepmother, Dorothy Tharp Navis; brother, Ernest ‘Bill’ and wife, Lucille Rose ‘Sugar’ Navis; infant grandson, Zachary Bouws; and great-grandson, Brandon Schulkey.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, August 18, 2016, at the First Christian Church with Pastor Jan Ekstedt officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Plainview Cemetery, south of Maxwell. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Callahan Cancer Center or the Donor’s Choice.

Randall Ray Willard, age 58, of North Platte, NE, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, August 14, 2016.

Randy was born December 1, 1957, to Lynn Alvin and Dorothy Marie Collins Willard at Sterling, CO. He grew up in the North Platte and Stapleton, NE area, graduating from Stapleton High School in 1976. Randy went on to Mid-Plains Community College and earned his Associate’s Degree in Diesel Mechanics then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad. He worked as a Diesel Mechanic and trained apprentices.

On July 23, 1977, Randy was united in marriage to Lisa Kay Ewoldt at Stapleton. They lived in North Platte where they raised two sons. Randy was a member of the First Christian Church and Great Plains Corvette Club. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman and a Big Red fan. Most of all, Randy loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and was a good son and son-in-law. He was always willing to help others but was content staying home and taking care of his cars. Randy will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his wife, Lisa, two sons, Josh (Sandy) Willard and Justin (Ashleigh) Willard, and mother, Dorothy Willard, all of North Platte; two grandchildren, Ashton and Hailey; sisters, Cheryl (Roger) Beem, of North Platte and Deb Merritt, of Omaha, NE; brothers, Larry (Carmen) Willard, of Stapleton and Tim (Karen) Willard and Douglas (Sharla) Willard, of North Platte; parents-in-law, Alfred and Clara Ewoldt, of Stapleton; brother-in-law, Allen (Velma) Ewoldt, of Thedford, NE; his dog, Lucy; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other family.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Lynn; infant brother, Tommy; grandparents, Harry and Edna Willard and Milton and Edna Collins; nephew, Brian Willard; and sister-in-law, Mary Ewoldt.

Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2016, at the First Christian Church with Pastor Jan Ekstedt officiating. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 6 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, cremation will follow. The memorial book may also be signed at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to First Christian Church or Callahan Cancer Center. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Charles David Spaugh, age 89, of North Platte, NE, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2016, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

David was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America on August 1, 1927, to missionary parents, Rev. Oscar James and Ina Blanche Day Spaugh. By the age of three, the family returned to the United States, living in western Colorado then San Antonio, TX and later Lyford, TX. David graduated from high school at Lyford in 1944 then attended Colorado Springs Bible Training College.

On August 5, 1945, David was united in marriage to Nadine Ibsen at Frankfort, IN. He attended Frankfort Pilgrim College for a year then returned to Colorado Springs, graduating from Colorado Springs Bible College in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology.

David and Nadine were in Song Evangelism Ministry for a year then settled in North Platte in 1952. Here they were blessed with two children, Ruthie and Glen. David went to work for Fairmont Dairy for a short time before going to work for the Hoppe Lumber Company where he worked as a draftsman, drawing many of the house plans for homes in North Platte. In 1980 he began working as an Engineer’s Technician for the City of North Platte Engineering Department and retired from there in 1992.

In his younger days, David was active in the Wesleyan Church and held many leadership positions which included Church Board, Sunday School, Worship Leader, youth work and church activities. In later years he attended Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene.

While in Colorado attending Bible College, David developed a love for the mountains which remained with him throughout his life, even when home on the plains of Nebraska. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing and playing board games. Most importantly, David was very devoted to his family. One of his greatest joys in life was having his family together, sharing stories and laughter.

As his health failed, David continued to be an encouragement to those around him, spending many hours in prayer for family and friends. His loving heart and caring ways will be remembered and he will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Nadine, of North Platte; children, Ruthie (Jim) Sheets, of North Platte and Glen (Doris) Spaugh, of Gordon, NE; a sister, Lois Spaugh, of Stephenville, TX; granddaughters, Jennifer (Kyle) Welch, of West Chester, OH, and Lindsey (Jonathan) Johansen, of Gordon, NE; grandsons, Jim, Jr. (DeAnna) Sheets, of Lincoln, NE, and Mike Sheets (Katie Hill), of North Platte; great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Aidan and Alexis Welch, of West Chester, OH, Hailey, Carson and Emma Sheets, of Lincoln, NE, and Bailey Sheets, of North Platte; and other family.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ina; and parents-in-law, Nels and Ruth Ibsen.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 18, 2016, at the Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jack Atteberry officiating. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Wesleyan Global Partners or the American Heart Association. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Vera Joyce Cook, age 86, of North Platte, died August 12, 2016 at Great Plains Health. She was born on January 13, 1930 in Colome, South Dakota to Fred and Bessie (Jackson) Gagan. Joyce was raised on their homestead 5 ½ miles southwest of Colome. She graduated with the class of 1948 from Colome High School. Shortly after graduation, Joyce married Melvin D. Cook in Gregory, South Dakota on December 23, 1948. To this union, one daughter Melva Jean “Jeanne” Cook was born.
The family moved to Nebraska where Joyce got into buying, selling, and renting real estate, while Melvin was in communications for the Union Pacific Railroad.
Survivors include her husband Melvin of North Platte; a daughter Melva Jean “Jeanne” Cook of South Bend, Indiana; a niece, Trudy Tonkel; and a nephew Rick Harrod.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and 2 sisters, Velma Ellis and Verna Harrod.
A memorial has been established to the North Platte Senior Center, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday August 17, 2016 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ardith Ann Woolson, age 86, of North Platte, NE, entered into Heaven’s Pearly Gates and was reunited once again with her husband, Walter Woolson, on Tuesday, August 9, 2016.

Ardith was born December 18, 1929, to William H. and Clara A. Meyer Victor at Wakefield, NE, where she grew up. Ardith graduated from Wakefield High School then went on to Wayne State College where she received her B.A. in Elementary Education and eventually earned her Masters Degree in Education.

On July 17,1954, Ardith was united in marriage to Walter E. Woolson in Wakefield, NE, and their love continued for over 60 years. The couple settled in North Platte where Ardith was a long time teacher in the North Platte School System before retiring in 1991. She was an inspiration for all the children she taught during her 32 years as a teacher. She related many stories of the kids she knew and cared about each one as her own.

Ardith was also an active member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and volunteered at the hospital. She loved to golf and travel and after they retired, Ardith and Walt did quite a bit of both.

Not only was she a caring teacher, Ardith was a Godly, wonderful, loving grandma. She introduced all her grandchildren to The Letter People, Skip-Bo and Rummikub, and gave each one unconditional support, love and thrifty values. Grandma never met a piece of tin foil that couldn’t be salvaged or a container that couldn’t hold her delicious iced tea. The older the kids got the more they appreciated all the things she taught them throughout the years. Grandma loved all of her grandchildren very much and was supportive of their activities from Job’s Daughters, to countless sporting events, to endless card games late into the night. She was always there for her grandkids.

She is survived by her son, Al Woolson, of North Platte; granddaughters, Lisa (Jeff) Hernandez, of Flowery Branch, GA, and Jennifer Cole and Haley Tinney, of Scottsbluff, NE; great-grandchildren, Joseph Orozco, Trysten and Emily Reyes, Gregory and Owyn Beverley, and Zoe and Axel Tinney; as well as other family members.

Ardith was preceded in death by her husband, Walt, in 2015; her parents, William and Clara Victor; and her brothers and sisters.

As to Ardith’s wishes, she too donated her body to science. Services will be held at a later date and inurnment will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to your favorite charity in Ardith’s memory. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore

Lucilla Magdalene (Helms) Carr joined her Lord on August 10, 2016, at Life Care Center of Elkhorn, NE. She was the youngest of 11 children born to Henry and Bertha (Hinz) Helms at the farm at Arapahoe, NE on October 6, 1931. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended school at Immanuel Parochial School in Arapahoe. Her early years were spent helping her parents on the family farm, later going to North Platte where she was employed at Woolworth’s and as a medical receptionist. In later years, she was employed as secretary at Cornhusker Ag Aviation. On October 12, 1952, she was married to Roscoe Carr, Jr. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Platte. They made their home on the family farm at Wellfleet for 45 years, where they raised their five children, moving to North Platte in 1997. She moved to Omaha in 2010 and resided with her daughters and later moved to Life Care Center in Elkhorn. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Wellfleet until its closure, joining St. John’s Lutheran in Curtis until moving to North Platte and then joining Our Redeemer Lutheran. She served for many years as Sunday school teacher and Superintendent, LWML officer, choir member, and as church organist for 45 years at Wellfleet and Curtis, being self-taught. She was a member of Opal Springs Extension Club for many years. Lucilla was not privileged to receive a high school education, thus it was one of her greatest joys to obtain her GED at age 55, graduating as the top honor graduate in a class of 70. Lucilla was a wonderful cook, winning the Grand Prize for her Lemon Cheesecake. She was gracious with her care packages of food for others. She had a tremendous love for her many grandchildren. Being a wonderful seamstress, she sewed for them…from pillows to prom dresses!
Surviving are sons Mark of Maywood, David (Sheryl) of Wellfleet, Chris (Brenda) of San Luis Obispo, CA, and daughters Diana (Paul) Goldenstein of Gretna, and Susan (Michael) Westcott of Elkhorn. Twelve grandchildren: Dustin (Stephanie), Heather (John) Rivera and Jason (Amanda) Carr; Amanda (Ricky) Gilmore; Marcus (Bridget), Matthew, and Kristen Goldenstein; Jill and Ashley Westcott; Amelia, Scout, and Taya Carr; and 8 great-grandchildren. Brother Edwin (Grace) Helms of Arapahoe, and Sister Ruth McGhghy of Greeley, CO.; Sisters-in-law Lois Helms of Arapahoe and Doris Helms of Mesa, AZ, and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband Roscoe Carr, Jr., granddaughter Jennifer Carr Smith, parents Henry and Bertha Helms, sisters Alice (in infancy), Viola Monter, Bertha Evers, Edna Downing, Loreen Flicker, and brothers Reinhold Helms, Clarence Helms, and Henry Helms.
Memorials are suggested to The Lutheran Hour or Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial Services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday August 16, 2016 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Platte with The Reverends Bob Weist and Fred Hedt officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday August 14, 2016 and 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday August 15, 2016 with family receiving friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.