Norman E. “Ed” McCown, age 78, of Maxwell, passed away Monday, July 20, 2015 at Great Plains Health. He was born September 4, 1936 near Wallace, NE to Norman E. and Neva (Dyer) McCown. Ed grew up on a farm northwest of Wallace and attended school in Elsie and Wallace, graduating with the class of 1954. He later married June Fletcher and worked as an electrician throughout the United States. Ed moved to Maxwell in 1990 and later was united in marriage to Viola Malm. He was a family man and enjoyed music, yard work, and home improvements. Survivors include his wife, Viola of Maxwell, children, Katherine Santos of Scottsbluff, Peggy (Ken) Coulter of Gering, Emma McCown of Maxwell, David McCown of North Platte, and Elizabeth McCown of Maxwell, sisters, Norma Jean (Mike) Omelanuk of IL, Wynona McCown of OH, Mary Ruth Bresley of IA, and Ethel Moore of OH, brothers, Leslie (Sandy) McCown of MS, Ron (Margrit) McCown of FL and Steve (Denise) McCown of Omaha, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Mike McCown, grandson, David Moore, brothers, Gerald “Gerry” (Marta), Robert “Bob” (Bessie), and Wendell “Windy” (Karen). Memorial services will be 2:00 pm Friday, July 24, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Ed chose to be cremated, and inurnment will be at a later date. Those wishing to sign his register book may do so from 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday and Thursday at the funeral home or online at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Raymond Wiley Barnett, 89, of North Platte, NE, passed away Monday, July 20, 2015, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.

Ray was born December 29, 1925, to Donald Ray and Eva Stenner Barnett at North Platte where he grew up. Ray graduated from North Platte High School in 1943 then joined the U.S. Navy in January 1944. Following his discharge in 1946, Ray returned to North Platte and went to work for Sinclair Gas Station and later Fairmont Dairy. In 1960 Ray began his career as a Fireman/EMT with the North Platte Fire Department and retired after 30 plus years of service.

On June 5, 1954, Ray married Frances Alice McKenney at North Platte where they made their home and were members of the Berean Church. Ray enjoyed helping others. He was a Boy Scout leader, volunteer and head coach for Special Olympics and a volunteer at the Senior Center. Ray also loved to watch Big Red Football, the Denver Broncos and wrestling.

Survivors include his children, Connie Saighman, of Omaha, NE, Sandra (Robert) Lakey and Tommy Barnett, of North Platte, Randall (April) Barnett and Bradley (Beth) Barnett, of Dallas, TX, and Jeffrey (Nita) Barnett, of Centerton, AR; 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and other family.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; son-in-law, Jim Saighman; his parents, Donald and Eva; stepfather, Shorty Lookhart; a brother, Russell Barnett; and his sister, Janet.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 27, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor John Stone and Bob Teters officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Glendin Kaye Patrick, 64, of North Platte passed away July 18, 2015 at her home. Glendin was born June 5, 1951 in North Platte to Demar “Dee” W. and Ethel F. (Timmons) Garner. She graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1969. She lived in Louisiana for about six months before moving back to North Platte where she met Bradford James Patrick while he was on leave from serving in Vietnam. The two were married November 24, 1970.
The couple lived in North Platte where Glendin was a stay at home wife and mother. They moved to Los Angeles, CA and St. Louis with the railroad, before settling back in North Platte to be closer to family. Glendin was very involved in the relief society, Boy Scouts, and Latter Day Saints Church where she taught and did music.
Survivors include her two children Bradford W. Patrick of Leadville, CO and Melissa S. Patrick of North Platte; grandchild Tesla Ronje of Lincoln; siblings Orpha (Terry) Walker, John (Lora) Garner all of Gothenburg and Don Garner of North Platte; step-siblings John Hanson and Janie (Dale) Newtson both of North Platte; half sisters Mary (Hanson) Stewart of North Platte and Johnette (Fred) Garner of LA; special friend Janice Walker of North Platte; 3 brothers-in-law, Dennis (Melissa) Patrick, Greg Patrick all of Vinita, OK, and Jerry Wyant of Fallon, NV; uncle Linden Garner of CA; aunt Marymae (Don) Seery of North Platte; and numerous other family members and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Demar and Ethel Garner and step father Gerald Hanson; husband, Bradford in 2001; sisters Lavella Pfeister and Leona Webster; brother-in-law Tim Patrick; and sister-in-law Pamela Wyant.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Breast Cancer Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2015 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Bishop Dan Hitch officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Violet Viola Russell was born August 1, 1920, the fourth child of Benjamin Theodore Russell and Della Mae West Patch Russell at Sargent, Ne. and the ninth child of Della Russell.
She attended Antelope School thru the eighth grade. She was promoted up two grades in a year allowing her to be in her sister Irene’s class. They attended Sargent High School together and graduated in 1937. After graduation she received her teaching certificate and taught in the communities of Antelope, Coburg, and Oxford near Sargent for 5 years.
She became the war bride of James Victor Kovanda of North Platte, Ne, June 29, 1942, in California. They lived at Camp Little Rock, Arkansas and Camp McCoy in Wisconsin before Jimmy received orders in 1944 to fight in the European theater. He was killed February 9, 1945, while leading his men into France form Luxembourg during World War II.
In October of 1948 she was united in marriage to Gaylord Earl Clausen of North Platte, Ne. They lived in the O’Fallons, Hershey and Platte Valley School districts before moving to the farm near Stapleton, Ne., in 1963. She moved in 2008 to Arnold, Ne., making her home with her daughter.
Violet became a follower of Jesus Christ while teaching school. This faith sustained her through the many challenges of every phase of her life. She believed in God, country and freedom. She believed that as a good citizen it was her privilege and duty to be involved in the politic and legislation of freedom, teaching her family those values.
She loved writing and reading poetry; family picnics and getting the family together anytime and life on the farm. She was a member of the Happy Neighbor Extension Club for many years; taught Sunday school at the Assembly of God Church in Stapleton and Arnold. Later, as member of the Arnold Church of the Nazarene.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her in laws, Victor (Emma) Kovanda, Gilbert (Euphemia) Clausen; her spouses; her brothers, sisters and spouses, Hugh (Grace) Russell, Wayne Russell, Irene (Harold) Ottun, Earl (Martha) Patch, Glen, Ralph, Lola (Charlie) Williams, Eunice (Earl) Baer, and Son-in-law, Rodney L Watson.
Those who mourn her passing are her sons, Rodney J Kovanda, Monet, Mo., Lyle G (Janella) Clausen, Eddyville, Ne., daughter, Carol E Watson, Arnold; eight grandchildren, Sterling (Brenda) Kovanda, Michael (Madge) Kovanda, Angela (Chris) Lewis, Shelly (Brent) Apperson, Cameron (Leslie) Clausen, Molly (Ken) Donahoo, Renae (Jeff) Eastman, Robert (Lana) Watson; 19 great grandchildren and 10 great, great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Waneta Russell of Arizona; numerous nieces and nephews and good friend Melanie Albrecht.
Memorial service will be Saturday, July 25, 11:00am at the First Baptist Church Arnold, Ne., with Pastor Dynette Oberg officiating.
Cremation was chosen. Inurnment at West Union Cemetery, Sargent, Ne.
A Memorial has been established to the Arnold Church of the Nazarene. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Gary Porter Reed, 81, of Hershey, NE, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.

Gary was born July 1, 1934, to George and Delpha Reed at Shambaugh, IA where he grew up on a farm. Gary attended Shambaugh Grade School and graduated in 1953 from Clarinda High School in Clarinda, IA. He then attended the Gale Institute in Minneapolis, MN, and graduated in 1954. Gary was employed by the C.B.&Q. Railroad as an agent-operator for a couple years before he went to work for the Nebraska Public Power System in Bellevue. He worked for NPPS and the merged systems for 34 years.

On June 26, 1955, Gary married Katherine Maurine Teeters in New Market, IA. They lived in Bellevue and Cortland-Princeton, NE for a number of years. Gary served on the Cortland Volunteer Fire Depart. for 16 years and was a member of Highland Lodge #194 AF&AM.

They moved to Hershey in 1977 and were members of the Hershey United Methodist Church. Gary was active in the Hershey community. He served on the Booster Board, Volunteer Fire Dept. and Lions Club, and supported Hershey Youth Baseball for 28 years and spent 27 years doing stats for the Hershey High School football games. Gary was also an avid bowler and member of the North Platte Bowlers Hall of Fame. He served on the North Platte Men’s Bowling Board as well.

He is survived by his children, Gayle (Dave) Beran, of North Platte and twins, Gary Kevin (Darcie) Reed, of Heartwell, NE, and Gena Kim Reed, of Hershey; six grandchildren, Trevor (Heather) Stringham, Ashley (Richard) Perkins and Katrina Beran, all of North Platte, Kyle (Shawna) Stringham, of Merna, NE, and Nolan Reed and Arabella Reed, both of Heartwell; five great-grandchildren; his sister, Janess Warren, of Shambaugh; sister-in-law, Kathleen Teeters, of New Market; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine; parents, George and Delpha; and his sister, Joyce Hoy.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015, at the Hershey United Methodist Church with Pastor Kola officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Dept. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Bernard D. “Ben” Norton, age 83, of North Platte, died July 17, 2015 at Centennial Park Retirement Center. He was born on February 22, 1932 in Valley Falls, Kansas to Ross and Beulah Belle (Alcock) Norton.
Ben Began his career driving trucks in the Valley Falls area. He entered the US Army, serving during the Korean War as an MP. After his discharge, he returned to Kansas where he married Phyllis N. Clark in Kansas City, MO in 1956. The couple lived in Winchester, KS until 1971, where Ben worked for the Lansing, KS Penitentiary. They then moved to North Platte where Ben worked for Consolidated Freightways. In the 80’s they were transferred with CF to Lincoln. Ben also worked with the Borden Potato Chip Company in Lee Summitt, MO. They eventually moved back to North Platte where Ben finished out his career with Armadillo, retiring at age 77.
He enjoyed crossword puzzles and working with his tools, but his true love was driving over the roads in 18 wheelers. Ben will be remembered as having a big heart, and always helping those around him.
Survivors include a son Tom (Doreen) Norton of North Platte; a daughter, Katherine (Robert) Trembly of Hershey; 7 grandchildren, Mike Norton, Tommy Norton, Richard Norton, Tim Norton, Johnny (Megan) Norton, Caleb (Amy) Trembly, all of North Platte, and Megan Trembly of Hershey; 11 great-grandchildren, Jamie, Fabian, Alexander, Christopher, Nicholas, Keedyn, Avery, Jaedyn, Kaylee, Karlee, and Rylee; a sister, Bernita Miller of Merced, CA; a brother, Robert (Sue) Norton of McLouth, KS; sister-in laws, Joan Peters of Lee Summitt, MO, and Jean Clark of Winchester, KS; a brother-in-law, Paul Lindsay of Liberty, MO; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; siblings, Wilma Lines, Beverly Shatswell, Wanda Jackson, Cecil Norton, Willis “Bill” Norton, and Russell Norton.
A memorial has been established to the VFW Post 1504 in North Platte, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial Graveside Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday July 24, 2015 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with full military honors. Register book signing will be Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Leora M. Nielsen Smith, 84, of North Platte, passed away July 11, 2015 at her home. She was born June 25, 1931, in Logan County, NE to Niels C. and Florence (Essley) Nielsen. She attended school at Gandy until the 5th grade when the family moved to Stapleton. She graduated from Stapleton High School in 1949. After high school she worked as a bookkeeper at Nicely-Souder Ford Motor at North Platte. In 1951, she went to work as a bookkeeper for the DeKalb Agra Association at North Platte, where she worked until she retired. On Aug. 3, 1952, she married Frank A. Nelson at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He died in 1978. In 1992, she married Roy M. Smith and he passed away in 1996. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of Stapleton VFW Auxiliary, and a member of North Platte American Legion Auxiliary. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Gubser of Tempe, AZ; grandson, Tyler Gubser of Albuquerque, NM; two sisters, Lynette Baker and Lorain Bartmess both of North Platte; three brothers, Donald (Esther) of Laramie, WY, Darold (Braun) of Kearney and Donzel of North Platte; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; two sisters, Lenora Moore and Virginia Nielsen; four brothers, Deane, Darwin, Dennis and Dale. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials may be made to donor’s choice. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign Leora’s memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tues through Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.

Noah Martin Ramos, 18 years old, of North Platte, NE, died as the result of a automobile accident on Monday, May 18, 2015, in North Platte.

Noah was born May 1, 1997, to Martin Patrick Ramos and Christina Marie White in North Platte. He grew up in North Platte and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Noah had attended school at St. Patrick’s and was currently attending North Platte High School where he completed the 11th grade.

During his freshman year, Noah attended Boystown in Omaha and excelled at school, football, basketball and swimming. During basketball season he lead his class to the Freshman State Championship.

Noah had always been a tremendous athlete. He started wrestling at age 4 and continued until he was 15. He helped lead his Pee Wee football team to a championship and in later years was a Golden Glove Boxer. Along with his sporting activities, Noah enjoyed skateboarding, shooting, hunting and spending time in nature. During the summers, he volunteered at the Wayne Dowhower Softball Complex where he worked the softball fields and loved riding the Cushman.

Noah was devoted to his family and his biggest attribute was watching out for children and animals; he loved to help the underdog. Noah will be remembered for always being a big kid at heart; his smile and kindness will live on.

Noah leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Christina and Mike Miller, and father and stepmother, Martin, Sr. and Janette Ramos; brothers, Martin ‘Midgey’ Ramos, Jr., Micah Miller, Tanner (Shaylee) Miller and Jaden Miller; sisters, Carissa Guy, Myah Ramos, Olivia Ramos, Aspen Sullivan and Jocelyn Jividen; grandparents, Mary White, Rod and Debbie Miller, and Margaret Ramos, all of North Platte.

Survivors also include his great-grandparents, Mary Hunt, Marvin and Norma Peterson, and Maurine Miller; aunts and uncles, Jennifer (Steve) Prince, Matt White, Jessica (Romano) Polanco, Mario (Elena) Ramos, Angelica (Joseph) Scoville, CheeRee Perez, Ofy Leyva, John (Jody) Miller, Carlos Ramos and Inez Ramos, Jr.; a nephew, Easton Joseph James Guy; and many cousins and other family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph Herschel Max White and Inez Ramos, Sr.; great-grandpas, Jim Hunt, Whitey White and Melvin Miller; and a cousin, Marcella Sanchez.

Cremation was chosen. Christian Wake Service will be 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, 2015, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Jim Golka. Inurnment will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, July 16, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Noah Ramos Benefit Fund at NebraskaLand National Bank.

Alexis “Lexi” Nichole Wiezorek, 17, of North Platte, passed away May 18, 2015 as the result of an auto accident. She was born December 6, 1997 to Mark and Nichole (Weitzel) Wiezorek at North Platte. Lexi attended North Platte High School and was going into her senior year. She loved to hunt, fish, and all water sports. Lexi loved life, and especially loved her family and friends. Her family includes her mother and step-father, Nichole and Paul Wiezorek; her father, Mark Wiezorek; her siblings, Kylee, Sam and Dylan Wiezorek; grandparents, Rod and Deb Weitzel, Jim and Deb Wiezorek; great grandmother, Charlotte Weitzel; uncles and aunts, John and Jenny Zachry all of North Platte and Steve and Kenna Smith of Minden; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her great grandparents, Harold Weitzel, Bob and Roene Trompke, Clifford and Alberta McCarty, Janice Foster, Anton Wiezorek and Donald Wiezorek; and an infant brother, Daniel Wiezorek. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in her memory. A Celebration of Lexi’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2015 outside the Presbyterian Church, 1901 Leota. The family request casual wear at the service. The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.