Ethel Berniece Hall was born Nov. 26, 1921, in Wallace, to John Ernest and Ada E. (Gibson) Whittaker. She passed away on Dec. 7, 2012, at the Wayne Co. Hospital Hospice suite at the age of 91 years and 11 days.
Ethel grew up on her parents’ farm south of Wallace with her five siblings, Eva, Orville, Irma, Harold and Leora.
In 1951, Ethel moved to southern Iowa with her husband Howard (Tex) Hall. Tex and Ethel farmed in several locations in Wayne County as well as a couple years in the Ankeny and Bondurant area. Ethel was the family homemaker and also helped with all the family chores. It wasn’t uncommon to see her milking cows, feeding pigs and gathering eggs in addition to preparing all the meals for the family, which included two sons, Don and Dave.
In 1968, Tex passed away from cancer, and Ethel moved to Corydon in the fall of 1970. She worked in the school lunchroom until her retirement in 1986. Ethel was always known for having a pot of coffee on to share with friends and neighbors who stopped by to visit. She also made wonderful peanut butter cookies which were favorites of her visitors, even the neighborhood beagle who frequently visited. Ethel always had a warm smile and a cheerful personality. She truly enjoyed having her family and friends around her home to visit with.
Ethel was baptized, confirmed, and became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Chariton, Iowa, on Sept. 12, 2010. She enjoyed attending services with her church family as often as possible.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband; an infant son, Delbert; her parents and siblings; a nephew, Rusty Correll; and niece, Vivian Thayer.
Ethel is survived by her two sons, Donald E. Hall, of Liberty, Mo., and David W. Hall, of Litchfield, Ariz.; nieces and nephews, Clarence Correll (Evelyn) of Gering, Ted Correll (Lois) of North Platte, Jim Correll (Della) of North Platte, Evelyn Daly of North Platte, Rita Correll of Tryon, Jerry Patterson (Sandy) of Hayes Center, Sherry Becker (Larry) of Loveland, Colo.; Vickie Brown (Rich) of Wray, Colo.; Ronald Whittaker (Vonda) of Surprise, Ariz. Ethel is also survived by several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Chariton. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, at Randolph Funeral Home in Corydon, Iowa. Lunch will be served following the service. Burial will be at Allerton Cemetery following lunch.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church in Chariton, Iowa, or Hospice of Central Iowa. Contributions can be mailed to or left at the funeral home at 204 N. Greeley, PO Box 294, Corydon, Iowa, 50060.
Category: Obituaries
Charles “Chuck” Fulton Chapman Jr.
Charles “Chuck” Fulton Chapman Jr., 65, of North Platte, passed away Dec. 7, 2012, at the University Medical Center in Omaha.
He was born June 7, 1947, to Charles and Jessie (Marion) Chapman at North Platte. Chuck grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte High School. He joined the Army Reserves in Jefferson City, Mo., and served his country from 1966 to 1970 in Vietnam. Chuck was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad and moved to North Platte in 1993 as a manager, until his retirement in 2007. He was a member of the VFW and the Eagles and enjoyed restoring old cars, including his ’51 MG and ’41 Buick.
Chuck is survived by Becky Campbell; two sons, Billie Chapman, of Missouri, and Curtis Chapman, of North Platte; one daughter, Sally Chapman, of Kansas; and one sister, Mary Elizabeth Perkins, of Canada.
He was preceded by his parents; and brother, Bob Chapman.
Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., today, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, with Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors graveside.
Guadalupe Ponce
Guadalupe Ponce, 80, of Mason City, Iowa, passed away Nov. 30, 2012.
Lupe was born in Wellington, Kan., on May 23, 1932, to Luis and Nicolasa Ponce. They moved to North Platte. He was a North Platte Golden Gloves boxer. He married Victoria Polanco in 1951 in North Platte. They moved to Mason City in 1968.
He worked at Deckers meat packing plant until its closing. Lupe was employed by Amour Foods and retired after 35 years.
He will be remembered for his warm smile, kind heart, humor (by playing jokes) and deep love for family and friends. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, boxing, dancing, Musicana Mexicana and watching Westerns. He liked westerns that included John Wayne. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceeded in death by his parents; an infant son; an infant granddaughter; two sisters, Anita Carrizales and Georgoria Hernandez; and two brothers, Raymond Ponce and Jesse Ponce.
He is survived by his wife, Victoria; 13 children and blessed with 41 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.
Online condolences may be left at FullertonFH.com. Memorials are suggested to the Guadalupe Memorial Fund in care of his family. A Mass of Christian Burial for Lupe was held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mason City.
Levon Keith “Scotty” Scott
Levon Keith “Scotty” Scott, age 72, of Sutherland, passed away December 9th, 2012 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, NE. Scotty was born August 13th, 1940 in Almena, KS to Elmer and Hattie Hayes Scott. He graduated from Densmore High School in 1958.
On November 7th, 1959 he married Katheryn M. Bittel in Norton, KS. The couple lived in Norton and Scotty worked construction and welding. He worked for Van-Pak Inc. in road construction primarily as site superintendent.
Throughout his career the family moved several times, living in Kansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma. In 1975 they moved to Sutherland to help construct the railroad spur for the Gerald Gentleman Power Plant. By the time that job was finished, the family had fallen in love with the community and did not want to leave. He then accepted a job as a welder/supervisor helping to construct the power plants.
In 1982, he opened Scotty’s Welding. He soon became well know around town as the man that could fix anything. To quote Scotty, “If someone built it, I can fix it.” After the shop was well established he began pursuing other interests such as farming, snow removal, dirt work, breeding chocolate labs, hunting geese at the Lucky 13, trap shooting, coffee club and gardening on a large scale, supplying sweet corn to the Sutherland community for many years. Scotty was man of few words, but when he talked, people listened. He was known for his blunt statements and his big heart. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Past Village Board Member, Sutherland Chamber of Commerce, the Sutherland Rodeo Committee and the Cow Pasture Gun Club.
In 1993, he built his first cooker for his daughters wedding. Cooking quickly became his passion. Over the years he kept improving his design and ended up building 5 additional cookers. His cooking operation became widely known around the state and he cooked at such places at Husker Harvest Days, Nebraska State Fair, Nebraskaland Days, Sutherland Parade and Rodeo, and countless weddings and events. He served VIPs such as Tom Osborne and multiple Nebraska Congressmen and Governors.
In 2002, Scotty “technically” retired from the shop. Those who knew him knew that he never really retired. He could be found tinkering with various projects to the very end.
Survivors include his wife, Kathryn of Sutherland; 7 children, Lori (Tracy) Barrett, Vicki (Steve) Osborn all of Sutherland, Theresa (Jerry) Shada of Lincoln, Duane (Marilyn) Scott of Conway, Arkansas, Julie (Chuck) Denton of Peoria, AZ, Andrew (Candace) Scott of Sutherland, and Joel (Christy) Scott of Waverly; grandchildren, Josh (Rachel) Barrett, Shaun Barrett, Corey (Kristy) Osborn, Ashley (Butch) Land, Curtis Osborn, Miranda (Tim Rosenau) Shada, Scott (Daisy Friesell) Shada, Brett, Madison and McKenna Scott, Glenn Norris and Shawn Shipman (Shawntel), Kalin and Katie Denton, April, Karlie and Blake Scott, and Landon, Avery and Mya Scott; great-grandchildren, Easton, Emerson and Oakley Osborn, Kaden, Colbee, Cooper and Kinsie Land, Brennen and Brody Shada; sisters, Nadene Snyder of Mesa, AZ and Helen Craig of Tonganoxie, KS; a brother, Elmond (Anita) Scott of Hill City, KS; numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Jackie.
Memorials may be made in his memory and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Services will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 13, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 14, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland with the Reverend James Novakowski as celebrant.
Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. today and 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Marcella Belle Dennis
Marcella Belle Dennis, 84, of North Platte, NE passed away on Monday, December 10, 2012, at the North Platte Care Center in North Platte.
Marcella was born July 30, 1928, at Ulysses, PA to Vee and Iona McCann Lampman. She grew up around Ulysses and Coudersport, PA. After completing her schooling she worked in a bakery then in the mounting room at American Olean Tile Co. for two years.
On July 30, 1947, Marcella married Paul Henry Dennis at Portville, NY. They made their home in Ceres, NY where she was a homemaker. In 1978 they moved to North Platte. Marcella enjoyed bowling. She was on the Nebraska Machinery Team for several years and a member of the Ladies Bowling Association. She also liked to crochet and make crafts and loved Bingo and Nebraskaland Days.
Marcella was a life member of the VFW Noel C. Donegan Post #1504 Ladies Auxiliary and a past member of RSVP.
Survivors include her three daughters, Sharon Marie (Fermin) Hernandez, of North Platte, Patricia Ann (George) Mix, of Seffner, FL and Beverly Jeanne Dennis and special friend, Stewart Strang, of Portville, NY; a son, David Eugene Dennis, of Pensicola, FL; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; her sister, Lena Mae Lennard, of Deland, FL; and other family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Henry Dennis; a daughter, Linda Carol Dennis; a son, Ronald Allen Dennis; her parents, Vee and Iona Lampman; and her brother, Lavern Lampman.
Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 13, 2012, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore. Inurnment will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore or online at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.
Steven Michael Bobo
Steven Michael Bobo, age 56 of North Platte, passed away on December 6, 2012. Steve was born on May 31, 1956 in Grand Island to Clarence and Keo (Classen) Bobo.
Steve grew up in Commerce City, CO. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1974. He married Christine Brown in 1981 in Las Vegas and to this union two children were born, Matt and Sara.
Steve hired on to the UPRR at the age of 18 as a Carman and worked there for thirty one years. He was an active member of TCU Lodge #8632. He was active at the North Platte Playhouse and was involved in two productions with his son Matt. When Matt was in high school, Steve was involved with one of his school plays. He was a member of the Sandhills Symphony, a North Platte Baseball Board member and served as a deacon at the First Baptist Church for several years. He enjoyed watching Sara in her dance recitals and Pacer performances, and his niece and nephew, Jory and Jenna Torres, in their activities.
On September 15, 2000 he married Kim Fosbinder in Omaha. He gained three step children who he treated as his own.
Steve is survived by his wife Kim of North Platte; children Matt Bobo of North Platte, Sara Bobo of Norfolk, Jason (Jessica) Brooks of Lincoln, Loni (Case) Waddell of Omaha and Tyler (Gail) Brooks; a sister Georgia Rehor of North Platte; brother-in-law Don Tuma of North Platte; six grandchildren Abby, Ethan, Olivia, Elijah, Caroline, and Avery Brooks; and numerous other family members and friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Twila.
A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Reverend Tom Wiles and Reverend Andy Pull co-officiating. Inurnment will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Stanley “Dewey” Pittman
Stanley “Dewey” Pittman, Sr., 68, of North Platte, passed away December 6, 2012 at his home. He was born April 29, 1944 to Walter J. and Pauline (Anderson) Pittman in Thomaston, Georgia. Stanley was raised in Georgia and married Sandra Brown on Nov. 24, 1980. They moved to North Platte on Jan. 1, 1993, where they owned and operated Wagon Wheel Apartments on Rodeo Road. Stanley enjoyed reading and liked to work on automobiles. Survivors include two sons, Rueben Jerome “DJ” (Salina) Pittman and Stanley (Gigi) Pittman, Jr., both of GA.; five daughters, Angela (Ben) Robinson of North Platte, Priscilla Pittman of CA., Linda Pittman of GA., Shirley Pittman of WA., and Denise Pittman of GA., eleven grandchildren, one great grandchild and several brothers and sisters. He was preceded by his parents, wife, several brothers and sisters. Private family services will be held at a later date, cremation was chosen. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Deloris Mae Stellman
Deloris Mae Stellman, age 91 of North Platte, surrounded by her family, passed away at her home on December 4, 2012 after a lengthy battle with leukemia.
Deloris was born July 5, 1921 to John F. and Cecile (Marchbanks) Dancer in Whitman, NE. She attended school in Tryon and Arnold. She married Clarence Newman and the couple had two daughters, Loretta and Beverly.
On August 22, 1953 Deloris married Albert H. Stellman. She and Albert managed her rental property and Green Acres Trailer Park. Deloris was a member of the First Christian Church of North Platte, she was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary 163, a Daughter of American Revolution, Porcelain Pals, Platter’s Painters, and was a RSVP volunteer for fifteen years. She enjoyed sewing, painting, quilting, houseplants and collecting dishes, silverware and dolls.
Deloris is survived by her daughters Loretta Masters of North Platte and Beverly Dike Ulfers of North Platte; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; sister Alice Porter of Lincoln; and numerous other family members and friends.
Deloris was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Albert; granddaughter Victoria; and two brothers Roy Dancer and Don Dancer.
A memorial has been established in her name and on line condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be Friday December 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church with Reverend Tim Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be today, Thursday December 6, 2012 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Billie Lee Effenbeck
Billie Lee Effenbeck, age 76 of Maxwell, passed away December 4, 2012 at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.
Billie was born March 20, 1936 in North Platte. She was adopted at an early age by Harve and Maime Feathers. She lived her entire life at Maxwell.
On June 26, 1954 she married Walt Effenbeck.
Billie is survived by her sons Danny Effenbeck of Maxwell and Roger (Chris) Effenbeck of North Platte; three granddaughters Kristi Wilson of Grand Island, Shawna (Erik) Cassen of Topeka, KS and Whitney (Justin) Petska of North Platte; and seven great grandchildren Deon, Dillon, Yorick and Shawn Wilson of Grand Island, Glenn Cassen of Topeka, KS and Kylie and Tyler Engleman of North Platte.
Billie was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Walt on December 18, 1992.
A memorial has been established in her name and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be Monday December 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel. Inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Beverly “Bev” Lynn Mercer-Porter
Beverly “Bev” Lynn Mercer-Porter, 62, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died December 4, 2012 at the Gothenburg Hospital in Gothenburg, NE.
She was born June 18, 1950 in North Platte, NE, daughter of LeRoy and Eunice (Bennett) Holliday.
Bev lived with her family in North Platte until she was 12. She then lived in Toronto, Canada for 5 years before moving to Cozad. Bev worked as a secretary for many years. From 1980 to 1995, she lived in the Central City and Grand Island area where she got her accounting degree. While in Grand Island she worked at the Nebraska Vet’s Home. She move to Arizona in 1995 to care for her parents. While in Arizona she worked with juveniles at Vision Quest. She moved to Gothenburg in 2004. Bev loved to go dancing. She loved to be with her grandkids and support them in all of their activities. She enjoyed attending church when she was feeling well. She also enjoyed traveling.
Survivors include her daughter – Shaun (James) Stevens of Gothenburg; three sons – Steve (Mellany) Mercer of Gothenburg, Duane Mercer of Cozad, Ryan (Nicole) Mercer of Gothenburg; 19 grandchildren;13 great grandchildren; brother – Roger (Deb) Holliday of McNeil, AZ; three sisters – Barbara (Dave) Dishman of North Plate, Judy Krajewski of Ogallala, Loretta Poole of Toronto, Canada; along with extended family and friends.
Beverly was preceded in death by mother and dad Robert and Eunice Poole; her father, LeRoy Holliday; grandmothers, Nora Holliday and Edna Bennett; and an infant brother Ronald Wayne.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Friday, December 07, 2012 9:00 am – 8:00 pm; with the family present from 5-7.
Funeral Services will be held at Victory Assembly of God, 2611 Lake Ave, Gothenburg NE, Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 10:00 am with Pastor Mark Borchardt officiating.
Interment will follow in the Gaslin Cemetery, Brady, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to the Victory Assembly of God, 2611 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.