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Etta Mae Kruse, 75
(Jan. 17) FRUITA, Colo. - Etta Mae Kruse, 75, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, at Family Health West Nursing Home. She was born Sept. 24, 1927, to Theodore William and Louquessa M. (Nye) Kruse.
She spent her childhood at Alliance, Neb., and graduated from high school there. She enjoyed chrocheting, pinochle and loved her pets. She is survived by her sister Imogene Carter of Grand Junction, Colo. There are no services planned at this time. Callahan Edfast Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Gloria Lackey Bell, 78
(Jan. 18) BOISE, Idaho - Gloria Bell, 78, died Monday, Jan. 15, 2001, at her Boise home. She was surrounded by several members of her loving family.
Funeral services will be held at Summers Funeral Home, 1205 W. Bannock, on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. Viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan.19. Interment will be at the Dry Creek Cemetery after the service.
Gloria was born to Arthur and Pearl Keller on July 28, 1922, in Alliance, Neb. Gloria ’s early years proved the strength and resolve of her life as times were difficult in her beloved Sandhills of Nebraska. At the tender age of 6, after the death of her mother, she went to live with her Grandmother Keller. Gloria found loving support there with her father, 3 older brothers, 3 sister cousins, and 2 brother cousins also living in her grandmother's house. Gloria was a graduate of the Alliance High School Class of 1940, and through the years helped to organize many of her class reunions.
She loved school and was a member of the Alliance School Girls Chorus. In 1941, Gloria married Donald W. Lackey in Casper, Wyo., and moved to Boise, where Don lived near his parents, Mabel and Wensel Lackey. Gloria was grateful for the assistance of her in-laws and the guidance they provided as she and Don raised their children. Gloria worked for the Boise YMCA as a cashier/bookkeeper and then later started her life-time career with the Internal Revenue Service in the Boise office. She was an active member of the United First Methodist Church and enjoyed being part of the church Homebuilders Club. In 1965, Gloria and Don, along with youngest son Phillip, moved to Ogden, Utah, where Gloria continued working for the IRS at the Central Service Center. Gloria and Don divorced in 1973 after 31 years of marriage.
Gloria and her son Phillip then moved the Seattle, Washington area and Gloria continued her career with the IRS, eventually being relocated to Cheyenne, Wyo., where she remained until her retirement in 1979. She then moved back to Boise to take up residence. Gloria married Theodore (Ted) Bell from Boise on May 11, 1983, in Honolulu, Hawaii. They belonged to several social groups in Boise and enjoyed traveling together. They also worked together as a team in researching and computerizing their extended family's genealogy. It was due to her long hours of hard work on the latter that a long lost cousin was found and reunited with her siblings and cousins. Also, due to these efforts she leaves behind an extensive family tree for remaining members of her family to enjoy and continue.
Gloria is survived by her loving husband Ted, brother Wayne Keller, and her children Steven and Sally (Gruessing) Lackey of Calgary, Canada, Donna (Lackey) and John Miller of Bakersfield, Calif., Linda (Lackey Pilcher) and David Keller of Fairburn, Ga., William (Bill) Lackey of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, and Phillip (Phil) Lackey of Boise, as well as step-children Barbara Bell of Plummer, Idaho, David Bell of Rexburg, Idaho, and Lori Bell of Eagle, Idaho, 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, seven nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Arthur and Pearl, two brothers Forrest and Lloyd Keller, granddaughter Summer Lackey, and great nephew Jeff Keller. Also preceding her were the cousins she grew up with, Evelyn Saltzman and Emerson Haines of Nebraska, Roy Haines of Weiser, Idaho, and Helen Quelle of Casper, Wyo. Gloria, who was a loving wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend will be sorely missed by all who loved her.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Boise Public Library Gift Fund, 715 S. Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702, or the Idaho Genealogical Society, 4620 Overland Dr., Boise, ID 83705.
Alvin H. Milks, 75
(Jan. 18) ALLIANCE - Alvin H. Milks, 75 died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at Box Butte General Hospital. He was born March 12, 1927, in Springfield, Neb., to Glen and Martha (Nickolson) Milks.
He came to Alliance in 1945 and began working for the C.B & Q. Railroad retiring from Burlington Northern Railroad in 1992. On April 22, 1951, he was united in marriage to Doris Schance. He was a member of Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and Shriners. He was raised to a Master Mason in 1972 in Lotus Lodge 289 in Ravenna. He joined the Scottish Rite of Alliance in 1973. He joined Tehama Shrine and Cattle Capital Shrine Club in 1983. He was very active in all branches. He loved to travel on his motorcycle and working on his farm. He enjoyed the company of family and friends and especially spending time with his grandchildren. His survivors include his wife, Doris, son and daughter-in-law Alvin and Debbie Milks and their children, Nowell, Vonn and Gavin of Springfield, Neb.; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Carl Mayhew and their children Justin and David of Grand Island; daughter and son-in-law Betty and Dan Hanks of Fredericksburg, Va, brothers John of Springfield and Glen of Shelton, Neb., great-aunt Mabel Barrett of Torrington, Wyo. His parents and one sister preceded him in death.
Memorial services will be Monday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Alliance. Alice Shriver, P.M.A. will officiate. Cremation will take place and there will be no visitation. Memorials may be given to St. Johnâs Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 70, Alliance, NE 69301, Prairie Haven Hospice, P.O. Box 21, Alliance or to the Shriners Crippled Children Fund in care of Mr. Bob Hall, 1231 14th No. 2, Alliance. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Alford Ralph Trester, 91
(Jan. 19) ALLIANCE - Alford Ralph Trester died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2001, at Box Butte General Hospital. He was 91. He was born Sept. 4, 1909, at Lakeside, Neb. His parents were Albert and Bertha (Chapell) Trester.
He was married to Elaine (Miller) Trester for nearly 60 years. She preceded him in death. He married Thelma Merritt, April 15, 1989, at Alliance. He was a veteran of WWII, serving on a destroyer in the Navy. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by the city of Alliance in the Power Plant. He was a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, American Legion Post No. 7, Eagles Lodge No. 136, Masonic Blue Lodge No. 183, Royal Arch Masons, York Rite, Knight's Templar, Red Cross of Constantine, Scottish Rite, and Aloyah Chapter No. 185 OES. Special honors he received were the Knight York Cross of Honor, Knight's Templar Cross of Honor, and Mason of the Year.
He is survived by his wife Thelma; daughters and son-in-law, Barbara and Floyd Swanson of Alliance and Betty Rohloff of Thornton, Colo.; his great-nephew, Merlin Heinze of Thermopolis, WY; 8 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and special friends, Joanne and Bill Kemper.
Mr. Trester's funeral with Masonic Rites will be Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Father Paul Mottl officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Job's Daughters Bethel No. 3 or St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Betty Rose McNare Saxton, 75
(Jan. 19) ALMO, Texas - Betty Rose McNare Saxton, 75, died Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Almo, Texas. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Robert McNare. She graduated from Alliance High School in 1943.
She is survived by her husband, Frances; two sons, Steven Saxton and Charles Saxton; and four grandchildren. She also is survived by a brother, Bob McNare; and two sisters, Corine Wright and Aldine Jordan of Alliance.
Mrs. Saxton's memorial service will be Saturday, Feb. 24, at Overland Park, Kan. The family address is: Mr. Frances Saxton, Almo Country Club No. 443, Almo, TX 78516
Lucille 'Susie' Knapp, 88
(Jan. 19) HAY SPRINGS - Lucille "Susie" Knapp, 88, of Hay Springs died Thursday, Jan. 18, at Chadron Community Hospital. She was born Dec. 29, 1912.
She is survived by her daughters, Helen Strotheide of Chadron and Joan Heiting of Hay Springs, her son Robert Knapp of Denver; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Mrs. Knapp's funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at United Methodist Church of Hay Springs, with Rev. Ed Millican officiating. Burial will be in Hay Springs Cemetery. Memorials may be made, in care of Chamberlain-Drabbels Mortuary, P.O. Box 443, Hay Springs, NE 69347.
Alice I. Elsberry, 61
(Jan. 19) GORDON - Alice I. Elsberry, 61, lifelong resident of the Gordon area, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Gordon Memorial Hospital. She was born Nov. 20, 1939, at Alliance. Her parents were James and Mary (Kearns) Sandoz.
She was married to Virgil Elsberry on Feb. 14, 1959, at Pleasant Point Church, south of Gordon. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and being a Christian educator.
She is survived by her husband, Virgil Elsberry of Gordon; son Wayne Elsberry of Blue Springs, Mo.; daughter, Beth Lee of Gordon; four grandchildren; and nine step-grandchildren. She also is survived by her sister, Ruth Rothfuss of Dewey, Okla.
Mrs. Elsberry's funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Wesleyan Gospel Chapel in Gordon, with Rev. Eldon Elsberry and Rev. Donald Rothfuss officiating. Burial will be in Gordon Cemetery. Memorials may be made in care of First National Bank, P.O. Box 290, Gordon, NE 69343. Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Kenneth W. Brock, 84
(Jan. 19) ALLIANCE - Kenneth W. Brock, 84, lifelong resident of Alliance, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2001, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. He was born Aug. 2, 1916, at Merna, Neb. His parents were Samuel Albert and Bulah Frances (Stroud) Brock.
He received his early education in Alliance public schools and graduated from Alliance High School. He married Lucille Bunce on Feb. 26, 1939. He was employed with Burlington Northern Railroad for 37 years, retiring on May 3, 1978. He was a member of Eagles Lodge No. 136 of Alliance for 50 years, First Christian Church of Alliance, and The United Transportation Union Lodge No. 934 for 50 years, serving twice as a delegate to the National U.T.U. Convention.
He is survived by his wife, Lucille of Alliance; daughters Karen Hansen of Hemingford and Jan Holz of Alliance; son Dale Brock of Colorado Springs, Colo; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his sister Glenna Feagins and half-sister Alta Lake.
Mr. Brock's memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at First Christian Church in Alliance, with Paster Walter Kline officiating. Inurnment of the cremains will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Alliance City Cemetery. Cremation was held at Sunset Memorial Park Crematory in Scottsabluff. Memorials may be made to First Christina Church in Alliance.
Laurence J. Manion, 76
(Jan. 20) HEMINGFORD - Laurence J. Manion, 76, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at the Hemingford Community Care Center. He was born May 30, 1926, to Will and May (Peters) Manion on the family farm in rural Box Butte County, Nebraska.
He attended rural schools and served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Most of the remainder of his life he spent farming in Box Butte County. He married Doris A. Keefer at Alliance on Nov. 4, 1950. They were the parents of four children. He is survived by his children, Steven Manion of Irving, Texas; Susan Hendrix of Sheridan, Wyo.; Kelly Reisig of Scottsbluff; and Kirt Manion of Nebraska City; their mother, Doris Manion of Alliance; and his grandson, Brian Manion of Texas. He also is survived by; two brothers, Tom Manion of Alliance, and Maurice Manion of Cushing, Okla.; four sisters, Sister Coronata Manion of Alliance, Dorothy Kunzman of Alliance, Eleanor Manion of Costa Mesa, Calif., and Donna Goldstedt of Chadron; and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents, two brothers, and one sister preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Fr. Bryan Ernest officiating. Graveside services with military rites will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Mirage Flats. Wake services will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Memorials may be given to the church or to the St. Agnes Foundation. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Drexel "Sonny" Smith, 75
(Jan. 20) STURGIS, S.D. - Drexel Harrison "Sonny" Smith, 75, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003, at Fort Mead Army Hospital. He was born on Sept. 30, 1927, at Stanton, Neb., to William H. and Viola (Bristol) Smith.
He grew up in Nebraska and Missouri until age nine, when he moved to Winner, S.D., where he lived until he was 18 years old. In 1946, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a Sergeant in the 537th Field Artillery Battalion at Camp Carson, Colo., until his honorable discharge in 1949. He returned to Winner where he worked as a mechanic, truck driver and construction worker. He married Wanda L. Mason on Aug. 15, 1956. They lived in the Hay Springs, Gordon and Alliance area where he was a mechanic and truck driver. He is survived by his wife, Wanda; children, Mrs. Randy (Ann) Smith of Monroe, Conn., Roxane (Alan) Forster and Eugene "Spike" (Shelli) Smith of Alliance, Ivy Smith of Anaheim, Calif., Rev. Drexel "Skip" (Susan) Smith of Black Canyon City, Ariz., and Penny (Jerry) Fey of Moscow, Idaho; 15 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his mother of Rapid City, S.D., five sisters and three brothers. He was preceded in death by his father, one brother and one son, Randy.
Mr. Smith's funeral will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel at Sturgis. Interment with full military honors will be at Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis.
Bob C. Duncan, 65
(Jan. 21) HEMINGFORD - Bob C. Duncan, 65, passed to his new life Jan. 19, 2002, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 22, 1936, to Calvin and Mildred Duncan in Hemingford at the home of grandfather James Osborn.
He lived in the Hemingford area most of his life. He graduated from Hemingford High School in 1955. He then moved to California working in an airplane manufacturing company returning to Hemingford one year later. He then attended trade school in Milford where he graduated in the auto-body repair and drafting field. He married Tressa Branson Nov. 8, 1957, in Rapid City, S. D. He returned to Hemingford in 1958, and was employed by Chuck's Repair as a mechanic. He later went to work for Co-op Oil Company as a fuel delivery driver during the day and ran Bob's Body Shop at night. He worked for the Hemingford Utilities several years until becoming manager of the Hemingford Cooperative Telephone Company. He retired in 1996, after 29 years with that company. He was involved in various organizations in the community including Cub Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, Hemingford Credit Union Board including credit committee, and the Hemingford Village Board. His desire for helping people led him to join the Hemingford Volunteer Fire Department in 1958, where he was a leading figure in the transformation of the local fire department into one of the best in the state, a distinction officially recognized in the late 1970's by state fire officials. He was also the chief architect for the upgrade of the departments communication system. His leadership role included 16 years as chief and serving as president of the Pine Ridge Mutual-Aid Association. Although he spent countless hours for the fire department he always stressed that it was a team effort taking little credit for himself. He retired in 1991. He is survived by his wife, Tressa; sons Daniel and wife Nancy of Loveland, Colo., and Douglas and wife Cindy of Omaha. He also is survived by his mother Mildred (Duncan) Mazanec of Alliance; brothers and wives, Gary and Sharon Duncan of Denver, Colo., Roger and Nancy Mazanec of Alliance, and sister-in-law Mina Duncan of North Platte; granddaughter Brooke Duncan and grandson Bobbie Duncan. His father, brother Donnie Duncan, two infant brothers and step-father George Mazanec preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Evangelical Free Church in Alliance with Pastor Robert Reuss officiating. Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday at Bates-Gould Funeral Home in Hemingford. Memorials may be given to the Evangelical Free Church in Alliance, Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association or to a charity of the Donor's choice. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
