Kay Juanita Robinson, of North Platte, NE, passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at Linden Court.

Kay was born August 7, 1935, in Wheatland, WY, to John Erwin and Opal Fern (Geiken) Patton and grew up as an “Army Brat”. After World War II started the family moved to Nebraska, living in Gothenburg and North Platte. Kay graduated from North Platte High School in 1953 then went to nursing school in Denver, CO.

Kay married Gary Ernest Fry on May 22, 1955, in North Platte and to this union a son, Randy, was born. The couple lived in different places before settling in Fort Collins, CO, then in October of 1963 Gary died.

On September 20, 1964, Kay was united in marriage to DeLoyce Elwood Robinson in Fort Collins and the couple had a daughter, Deanna. The family made their home in North Platte where DeLoyce worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office and Kay stayed home to raise the kids.

Kay was a member of the First Baptist Church, Christian Women’s Club and the Post Office Auxiliary. She enjoyed spending her time volunteering, gardening and working on crafts of all kinds. She and DeLoyce also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with their family.

She leaves behind her children, Randy (Sharon) Fry and Deanna (Russ) Hoatson, all of North Platte; seven grandchildren, Nathan and Matthew Fry, Westley and Kaitlyn Hoatson, Benji (Tonya) Hoatson, Julie (Kris) Howe and Michelle (Justin) Krumwiede; seven great-grandchildren; stepbrother, Dennis (Kay) Toillion, of North Platte; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family.

Kay was preceded in death by her husbands, Gary Fry and DeLoyce Robinson; her parents, John and Opal Patton; stepfathers, Harvey Toillion and Lenard Yiengst; and stepbrother, David Toillion.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Clint Walker officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. in the Gothenburg Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the First Baptist Church.

Jerry Norman Herrick, 65, of Curtis, Nebraska, passed away on October 2, 2017 at Senior Living Choices in Curtis, NE.

Jerry was born September 1, 1952 in McCook, NE, son of Wilbur Dewitt and Nora Ethel (Bradley) Herrick.  He grew up in Curtis, NE and graduated from Medicine Valley High School in 1970.  He married Lorraine Hinton on May 22, 1971 in Oberlin, KS. They were the parents of two children Bradley Dean and Justin Dee.    Jerry worked on road construction and the family lived in many places in the area including McCook, Marion, Curtis and Champion.   Lorraine and Jerry later divorced but they remained close friends until the end.  For a while, Jerry lived in Alaska and worked on a crab boat.

Jerry worked as a truck driver most of his life and was retired from the Frontier County Department of Roads.   His passion was riding his Harley.  He went to the Rally in Sturgis many times and once rode to Daytona, FL for a rally.  He bought his parents house and lived there for some time.  After moving to the assisted living, he loved when his friends took him up to the ranch.  He was a loving and generous dad, granddad, great granddad, brother, uncle and friend.

Jerry was preceded in death  by his beloved son Bradley Dean in August 2017; his parents, Wilbur and Ethel, grandparents Lee and Daisy Herrick and Harrison and Bessie Bradley, his father-in-law Dean Hinton and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Survivors include his son Justin (Nathalie) Herrick; fiancée Rebecca Currie and her children Chrissy (Chase) Branhart and Brian Currie; step-sons: Cheyenne Wohlford and Levi Wohlford; brothers Louis (Diane) Herrick and Joe (Alice) Herrick; grandchildren Brandon, Skylar, Jaydn, Rylee, Jedidiah, and Josiah; great grandchildren Mason and Conner; mother-in-law Donna (Swanson) Hinton Johnson; Skylar’s mother Amy Herrick, daughter-in-law Ann Herrick; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

The family wishes to thank Curtis Senior Living Choices for their excellent care; his many awesome friends for their love and support thru his courageous battle and the people of Curtis for always having his back.

Funeral Services will be held at Curtis Memorial Community Center, 301 Garlick Ave, Curtis, NE, Saturday,October 7, 2017 at 2:30 pm.

Burial will follow in the Curtis Cemetery.

In Lieu of Flowers the family asks for memorials to be given to the family for designation at a later date.

Keith LaVern Fischer, 76, of Hershey passed away September 30, 2017 at Great Plains Health.  Keith was born October 20, 1940 in Paxton, NE to Herman J. and Viola Bell (Jennings) Fischer.  He grew up and attended school in Paxton, and worked in the farming and ranching community around Paxton.  On March 10, 1961 he married Bertha M. Ross in Hershey.  Keith worked on various farms in Curtis, Lexington, Harshfield Ranch at Sutherland, Pawnee Springs Ranch at Maxwell, Zutavern Ranch at Dunning, Whitewater Ranch at Arthur, and F & W Farms at Hershey.  The family moved to Hershey in 2000 with Keith retiring in 2006.

Keith especially enjoyed his family and friends, attending many sporting events of his grandkids.  His hobbies included but not limited to hunting and fishing, and horses were always an important part of his life.  After retirement his special pets were his donkeys and dogs, and he and Bertha looked forward to vacationing in Phoenix, AZ.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Bertha of Hershey; children, Patricia (Raymond) Napoleon of Phoenix, AZ, Darrell (Rose Ann) Fischer of Keystone, Wade (Dennelle) Fischer of Harrison, and Mickey (Marti) Fischer of Cozad; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Ethel Mae Valla of Chappell; brother, Harold LeRoy Fischer of North Platte; aunt, Gayle Wid of Paxton; uncle, Robert (Phyllis) Wid of Axtell; sister-in-law, Leona Hoatson of North Platte; special friends, Chubby and Sharon Dailey; and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Ralph Dwain, and Terry Lee; and a sister, Mary Ann Fischer.

Memorials may be made to the Hershey Fire Department or to the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 5, 2017 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with David Knight officiating. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. Family will be receiving friends and family 5:00 p.m. – 7:00p.m. Wednesday.

Monica Sue Guerra, age 42 of Grand Island, passed away Sunday September 24, 2017 at UNMC in Omaha.

Monica was born on June 8, 1975 in North Platte to Secilio F. and Connie (Bruce) Guerra Sr.  She grew up and attended North Platte Public Schools.  Monica moved to Lexington where she met and married Manuel Urbina, and later divorced.  Monica moved around a lot, where she would work at and manage various McDonalds and Burger Kings.  The last years of Monica’s life she settled down in Grand Island, NE where she met her special friend Mario Baladez Alevedo, who took special care of her.  Monica loved her dogs, Mami, Moo-Moo and Caillou.  She also loved to dance and spend time with all her family.  Monica also had a special place in her heart for all babies and children.

Monica is survived by her mother Connie Guerra; sons Raymond Guerra of Grand Island and Manuel Urbina-Guerra; grandson Aalonzo Matthew-One Urbina of Des Moines, IA; a fiance, Mario Baladez Alevedo, two god-daughters Angelina and Izmerelda West all of Grand Island, NE; brothers Mario (Olivia) Guerra of North Platte and Cecil Jr. (Sanjunita) Guerra of Lincoln; sisters Vicki (Jerry) Estrada of Lincoln, Tracey (Javier) Hinjosa, Donna (Wes) Kohl, Elizabeth (Alex) Tirado, Nikki Stevens all of North Platte, Erica Davis of Cape Girardo and Jennifer Bach of Columbus; uncles Joe (Maggie) Guerra, Stan (Sue) Bruce, Darrell Bruce all of North Platte, Lupe Guerra of Minneapolis, MN, Tom (Barb) Bruce of Littleton CO; aunts Elvina (Bill) Peck, Bonnie (Don) Malcolm of North Platte, Judy Davis of Johnstown, CO, Kathy Bachtel of Venus TX, Norma (Dale) Knetter of Washburn, WI, Diane Battershell of Phoenix, AZ, Sherry (Howie) Silverman of Scottsdale, AZ; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and many many friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Elijio and Mabel Guerra and Albert and Zeatha Bruce; father Secilio F. Trujillo “Buck” Guerra Sr.; son Alberto Mario Urbina; aunt Delores Lane; brothers Michael and Monolito Guerra; and a friend Wendy; and a cousin Rita.

Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m. Saturday September 30, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Walker Baird officiating.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from noon until service time on Saturday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in Charge of arrangements.

Anthony “Tony” Ponce, age 67, of Lincoln, formerly of North Platte, passed away September 25, 2017 at his home.

Tony was born November 22, 1949, in North Platte to Jess and Jennie (DeLuna) Ponce.  He grew up in North Platte and attended, but often cut class from, St. Patrick’s High School.  In 1968, he kidnapped and then married Judy Ramirez in Holland, Michigan.  Except for a short stint in Wyoming, the couple lived and raised their children in North Platte.  Tony worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 38 years, where he made many lifelong friends and learned to tolerate others with the wrong political party affiliation.  Tony’s life centered around his compassionate humanitarian wife Judy, with whom he selflessly cared for others, particularly those in need.  His family was his life, and he particularly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who taught him how to use his iphone and the joys of social media.  He will be missed for his wit and willingness to open his house to family, friends, and strangers with a warm welcome and great, hot food.

Survivors include his children Laurie (Terry) Lage, and Ann Ponce, of Lincoln, Jennifer (J.J.) Caudillo of North Platte; grandchildren Tori Caudillo, Toni Caudillo, Isabel Caudillo, Ella Caudillo, Anah Caudillo, Anthony (Ashley) Cox, and Jefferson Cox all of North Platte; Emma Cox and McKinley Ponce of Lincoln; and great -grandchildren Darian, Malachi and Adriana of North Platte; siblings Robert (Dorothy) Ponce, Mary Helen Vieyra, Mary Donna Sanchez, Susan (Larry) Tridle, Randy Ponce all of North Platte; Elizabeth (Arturo) Perez of Omaha, Deborah Cano, Tim Ponce, of Lincoln, Janet (Lars) Parkhurst of Virginia Beach VA, Al Jamsay of Denver, CO; in-laws Gen Sharp and Esther Shepherd of Grand Island, Dan (Minerva) Lopez of Houston, TX, Mary (Jerry) Akins of Houston TX, Robert Ramirez of San Antonio TX, Joe (Eileen McBride) Ramirez of Omaha; best friends Fred and Janie Ovalle, of Hershey; his beloved dogs, Bambi and Otis, and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Judy Ponce; sisters Hope Jamsay and Michaelene Miller; brothers-in-law Louie Lopez and Jesse Ramirez, Dennis Shepherd; and sister-in-law Mona Layton.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday September 30, 2017 at Harvest Christian Church with Pastor Jeremy Rinke officiating.  Inurnment will follow at North Platte Cemetery.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Ruth Anna Yanken, age 88 of Arnold, passed away Tuesday September 26, 2017 at Lemay Health and Rehab in Ft. Collins, CO.

Ruth Anna Brower was born February 9, 1929 in White Lake, SD.  She was the oldest of the  nine children born to Gerrit and Miriam (Leach) Brower.  When Ruth was 7 years old, the family relocated to Arnold, NE from South Dakota, where she happily lived for 80 years.  In 2016, she moved to Colorado to be closer to her two daughters.  At age 14, she met Kenneth Yanken at a church event.  Kenneth was smitten with Ruth from that day forward.  They were married on her 17th birthday and enjoyed almost 50 years of marriage together. They loved the community of Arnold and the surrounding sandhills.  Ruth was an active member of the Arnold Church of the Nazarene where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at nine years of age.  She faithfully served as the church pianist for 75 years and helped in many other capacities over the years.  Ruth lived a contented life, finding fulfillment in being a homemaker who loved cooking and entertaining for friends and family.   She also served as an Arnold school bus driver for over 40 years and spoke often about the enjoyment she received from driving her routes and interacting with the kids.  Ruth was truly a caregiver with a servant heart.  Over the years, she faithfully and selflessly cared for her husband Kenneth’s aging grandparents and his mother Nancy, for her sister-in-law Marlene, for husband Kenneth following his debilitating stroke, and for her own mother who lived with Ruth the last four years of her life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth; daughter Shirley Ruth; parents Gerrit and Miriam; brothers Lowell, Melvin and Gerald; sisters Lorraine and Dorothy; brother-in-law Norris;  and sister-in-law Marlene.

She is survived by daughters Rogene Lowe and Renee (Ron) Cunningham; grandchildren Wendy (Denny) Stelk, Colin (Valerie) Cunningham and Kacey Lowe; and great-grandchildren Austin Stelk, and Isla and Zadi Cunningham.

Memorials will be presented to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday September 30, 2017 at the Arnold Methodist Church with Pastor Dynette Oberg officiating.  Burial will follow at the Arnold Cemetery.  Visitation will be from noon until 9:00 p.m. Friday September 29, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.