Ronald Ray Hughes, Sr., 66 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away with his family by his side at Great Plains Health in North Platte on Monday, February 16, 2015.

Ron was born May 3, 1948, the 13th child of Charles Francis and Maple Ellen (Rhoades) Hughes at Valentine, NE. The family came from White River, SD and Ron was their only child born in a hospital. He grew up and attended school in Valentine.

In 1966 Ron traveled to Wyoming to work in the oil fields. Here he met and married Beverly Oliver and they had a son, Donald Ray, who was born in March 1969. They later divorced.

Ron returned to Valentine in 1970 where he put up towers with his good friend, Johnny Jones, then worked in the Kansas oil fields in 1972. Ron married Linda Murray in 1975 and they had three children, Ronnie, Lena and Ryan. They later divorced.

Ron worked on ranches and was a skilled mason and cement worker for many years. He built many pieces of art in the Valentine area including the brick fence around Cedar Canyon and the sitting area at First National Bank. Ron also helped build the Jr. High in Mission, SD, Merritt Dam Road in the ’70’s, and in North Platte he helped build the first Wal-Mart and the Salvation Army. Ron’s specialty was in stone work, fire places and flower beds, and he had the fastest record for laying brick. His art was a talent.

Ron loved all sports and was very good at pitching horseshoes. He also enjoyed football, basketball, fishing and hunting, and had a love for the outdoors. He liked to play pool, snooker, cards and dice. His hobbies included leather tooling, wood burning, and picture frames. He had a special love for pictures, especially of his family, and always had his radio playing. Ron enjoyed his yard and flowers which included his many morning glories. He also had a big heart for all people and animals.

He is survived by his children, Ronnie Hughes, Jr. (Kristi Becker), of Sioux Falls, SD, and Lena (Joe) Askvig and Ryan (Jasi) Quick, of North Platte; two sisters, Dorothy Elasser, of Hot Springs, SD, and Pat Childress, of Lawrence, KS; his grandchildren, Serena Rose Marie, Victoria Elizabeth Ann, Rylynn Daniyelle Mae, Jaxon Patrick, Zaedyn James Ray and Kynzleigh JoEllen; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Maple; and siblings, Calvin, Delano, David, Donald, Curt, Edward, Laura Mooney, Viola Brau, Luella Hughes and an infant.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Robin Storer officiating. Ron will be laid to rest in the Valentine Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Carl Allen Redden, 58 years, of Sutherland, NE, died at home, February 2015.

Carl was born June 17, 1956, to Alfred Max and Leota Marie Tucker Redden at Grant, NE. The family moved to Sutherland in 1967 and Carl graduated from Sutherland High School in 1975.

On January 15, 1977, Carl married Sheryl Arensdorf in Sutherland and they made their home on their 20 acre farm at the west edge of Sutherland. Carl worked at the Hershey Truck Stop and Gerald Gentleman Power Plant during outages before hiring on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1990 as an engineer. He retired from the railroad in 2014.

Carl loved to fish, garden and can. He also liked to play pool and was a member of the Pool Association. Carl will be remembered for his great sense of humor.

He is survived by his children, Shawn (Dana) Redden, of North Platte and Robin Mann and Nichole (Joe) Fleecs, of Sutherland; 12 grandchildren, Tayvianna, Michael, Owen, Alexa, Ella, Austyn, Kinley, Lyla, Bryden, Zayden, Allanaha and Payton; three brothers, Alfred Lee (Sharon) Redden, Jimmie (Robin) Redden and Fred Redden, all of North Platte; a sister, Bessie (Phillip) Woodard, of Kansas City, MO; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Leota; and a sister, Mary Redden.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Jeremy Rienke of Harvest Christian Fellowship officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery south of Sutherland. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. The family has established a memorial.

Lynnette J. Pettit, age 76, known by everybody as “Grandma”, died on February 13, 2015 at Great Plains Health. She was born on November 14, 1938 in North Platte to Earle “Chuck” and Lucy (Giddings) Flint.
Lynnette graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1957. She was united in marriage to Roland “Ron” Pettit. During their marriage the couple was blessed with four children, Debra Joanne, Rhonda Lynn, Brenda Arlene, and Bill Lee. During her employment career Lynn thrived and contributed in several industries, TRW in Ogallala until 1965, the Holiday Inn, North Platte Packing, and Allen’s Self Service. Lynn finished up her experience with positions at Kwik Stop and for the Eat-a-Bite Cafe before retiring in 1999.
Lynnette will be remembered for her sense of humor, quick wit, and a true love of making people laugh. She had a heart of gold and was always there to help those around her in need. Lynnette enjoyed several past times including gambling, playing cards, collecting Avon and her love for chocolate ice cream and her pets.
To state Lynn was the best mother goes without saying, the same can be said for her efforts to be the best role model a family could wish for. Raising three children as a single mother is challenging enough, however to be able to demonstrate and instill characteristics such as work ethic, humility, caring, and passion into her family are just a few of the traits we will be forever grateful for. These are the same traits that made Lynn the quality person and loving mother she will always be remembered for.
Survivors include three children, Rhonda (Roger Frederick) Traver, Brenda (Randy Paul) Smith, all of North Platte, and Bill (Brenda) Pettit of Denver; grandchildren, Amanda Smith of Omaha, Matthew (Emily Haythorn) Smith of Maxwell, Jessie (Adam) Stouffer of Dakota Dunes, SD, Jerry Rosenberg of North Platte, Kris Ewing and Eric Ewing both of Denver, CO, Nic Paul, Nick Trede, Amber and Brandon Hain, Brandon Paul and Chelsea Paul; five great-grandchildren, Shawn and Timothy Rosenberg of North Platte, Mataiya and Kai Smith of Maxwell, and Addison Stouffer of Dakota Dunes, SD; siblings, Jean Dowhower, Earlene Parrish, both of Lemoyne, NE, Frank Flint of Arcanum, Ohio, and Judy Bricker of North Platte; a sister-in-law, Donna Flint of Ft. Collins, CO; a brother-in-law, Adrian “Kris” (Frances) Krzycki of North Platte; son-in-law, Allen Smith of North Platte; and numerous other family members and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Debra in September of 1957; a granddaughter, Jennifer Rosenberg; a sister, Louise Krzycki; and a brother Earl “Sonny” Flint. A memorial has been established in her name and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Burial will be at the Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Lavern Swedberg, 83, of North Platte, NE, passed away Friday, February 13, 2015, at Great Plains Health.

Don was born June 13, 1931, to Jonas and Bertha Nation Swedberg at Hershey, NE. He grew up in the O’Fallons area and graduated from O’Fallons High School. Don later served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. Following his discharge he returned to Nebraska where he farmed in Lincoln County, which he did for most of his life. Don married Dorothy Ann Von Behren and they later divorced.

He is survived by his sisters, Evelyn Anderson and Darlene Anderson, both of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Eva Swedberg, of North Platte and Lauree Swedberg, of Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews and other family.

Along with his parents, Jonas and Bertha, Don was preceded in death by his six brothers, Elmer, Herman, Ruben, Melvin, Ernie and Jonas; and two sisters, Helen Selenrick and Dorothy Tabke.

Graveside funeral service with military honors will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2015, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Ivan Leroy Snider, 85, of North Platte, passed away February 12, 2015 at Great Plains Health. He was born January 27, 1930 to Cecil and Emma (Armstrong) Snider in Palisade, NE. He attended high school in Queen City, MO. Shortly after graduation, he returned to western Nebraska to work for the Burlington Railroad, working to become a depot agent. He was drafted into the United States Army on February 7, 1952 serving until his honorable discharge in January of 1954. He was united in marriage to Emma Maxine Waterman on November 2, 1952 and nine days later he was deployed to Germany for a year at the seventh army headquarters in Stuttgart. After returning from the army, he worked for the COOP in Grant, NE. He moved his family to North Platte in 1965, where he worked for the City of North Platte for over 25 years, retiring February 1, 1994. Ivan enjoyed woodworking and could be found in his shop making toys for his nieces, nephews and grandchildren or other projects around their home. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Ronald Snider. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 63 years, Maxine; two sons, Stephen Snider, and Michael (Julie) Snider both of North Platte; a daughter, Kelly (Jerry) Morgan of North Platte; nine grandchildren, Heather, Amanda, Devin (Brittney), Drew (Alyssa), Amelia (Matt), Kayla, Caleb, Destiny and Haylee; three great grandchildren; a brother, Clifford (Lola) Snider of Queen City, MO; a sister, Florence Borger of Kirksville, MO; and many nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the Foursquare Church with Pastor Dennis Leitner officiating. Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors. Visitation will be Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred L. Brockelsby, 92, of North Platte, formerly of Grand Island, passed away February 12, 2015 at Linden Court. She was born February 4, 1923 to Edward V. and Lucille Alice (Mason) VanDevier at Grand Island. She graduated from Grand Island High School. Mildred was employed as a claims technician at the Social Security Administration for over 30 years, retiring in 1984. She resided in Grand Island most of her life, moving to North Platte in 1976. Mildred was a member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church, NARFE, RSVP and the Eagles Club. She enjoyed gardening, music and was an avid reader. She is survived by her two daughters, Melinda (James) Crow and Teresa (Loren) Sweley both of North Platte; seven grandchildren, Jennie (Mauricio) Cabrera, Robyn (Robert) Kopzynski, Carol Jean (fiancé Brandon Morrison) Sweley, Sam (Sarah) Sweley, Abby Sweley, Rebecca and Michael Crow; and five great grandchildren, Toby, Zackery, Aaron, Hannah and Kolton. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Harold and Ronald VanDevier. Online condolences may be shared www.carpentermemorial.com. Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the Grand Island Cemetery with Pastor Gary Schulte officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Jeannette Joan Florom, age 77 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday February 11, 2015.
Jeannette was born on August 23, 1937 in Onawa, IA to Milan “Mike” and Margaruite (Nunnenkamp) Gayman. The family moved to North Platte in the 40s and she graduated from North Platte High School in 1955. After graduation, she attended business school in North Platte and began working at McDonald State Bank. She married Harvey Florom on March 25, 1956 at the First Baptist Church. After they were married, she worked for a while as a bookkeeper for Cornhusker Tractor and Equipment before going to work as the bookkeeper for her father at Gayman Sand and Gravel. She and Harvey worked together at Gayman Sand and Gravel and bought the business in 1973. In 1994 they retired and sold the company and spent time traveling and being with their grandchildren. For 18 years they enjoyed their time as Snowbirds in Arizona. Jeannette was a member of First Baptist Church, a Board member for the Dreamland Villa Art Club of Mesa, AZ, part of the Lincoln County Voting Board, Member of the Flatlanders Car Club, Scout Leader when Kent was young, and involved in 4H with the girls. She was very loving and family oriented; she won awards for her art, enjoyed flower gardening and spending time at the cabin with her family.
Jeannette is survived by her husband Harvey of North Platte; children Kent (Kim) Florom of North Platte, Lori (Rick) Hill of North Platte, Jodi (Scott) Erickson of Horton, KS; 7 grandchilden Troy (Sarah Agee) Lieberth of St. Joseph, MO, Geoffery Florom of Kearney, Megan (Travis) George of Atchison, KS, Jaymie (Jeremy) Brown of North Platte, Amanda Erickson of Horton, KS, Bailey Florom of Kearney, Hannah Erickson of Horton, KS; 3 great grandchildren Bryer Brown, Brogan Brown, Kayley Erickson; 1 sister Beverly Dorian of Missoula, MT; sister-in-law Virginia “Ginger” Bybee of North Platte; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Gary Gayman; and a nephew Mike Trott.
Memorials are suggested to the Prairie Arts Center or the Callihan Cancer Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday February 16, 2015 at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Dave Logsdon officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Sunday February 15, 2015 from noon until 6:00 p.m.at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.