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Clifford Watts, 74
(Apr. 23) RAPID CITY, S.D. - Clifford Harry Watts, 74, died Sunday, April 21, 2002. He was born June 2, 1927 at Omaha. His parents were Mollie (Lessert) and Claude Watts.
Following his mother's death, he was raised by his grandmother, then by an aunt and uncle. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, then attended Chadron State College. He married Dorothy Diane Severns of Cody on April 17, 1948. He worked in the banking industry for 20 years and as a stockbroker. He opened Taco John's at Alliance in 1976, and was the current owner of Taco John's at Chadron at the time of his death. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He is survived by his wife, Diane of Rapid City; daughters Mollie Kathleen Pettigrew of Rapid City and Janice Calvert of St. Cloud, Minn.; sons Craig Watts of Petaluma Calif., and Chris Watts of Milford, Iowa; and eight grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, at Osheim-Catron Funeral Home.
Mr. Watt's funeral will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 25, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with Rev. David A. Cameron officiating.
Opal B. Powell, 92
(Apr. 23) ALLIANCE - Opal B. Powell, 92, died Sunday, April 21, 2002, at Highland Park Care Center. She was born Aug. 4, 1909, at Morrill County to Johnnie and Sara E. (Wright) Chambers.
She was married to Lloyd A. Powell Nov. 28, 1925, at Alliance. She had lived at the Goodstreak Community north of Bayard for six years before moving to Angora for ten years and then to Bridgeport where she remained before moving to Alliance two years ago. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church, a lifetime member of the Eagles Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, the Angora Softball Team, and was affiliated with the Aging Office of Western Nebraska where she was involved with many senior citizen programs. She is survived by her son, Johnnie Powell of Montrose, Colo.; daughters, Darlene Worth and Jurene Green, both of Alliance; daughter-in-law, Lucille Powell of Bridgeport; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her niece, Hazel Shoopman of Pocetello, Idaho. Her parents, husband, four brothers, two sisters, and one son preceded her in death.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department, or the donor's choice. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Bernadine Briggs, 39
(Apr. 23) CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Bernadine Laree Briggs, 39, died April 21, 2002, at Cheyenne. She was born July 8, 1962, at St. Joseph' s Hospital at Alliance. Her parents were Dick and Lorraine Boness.
She was married to Jon Briggs on March 21, 1981. She graduated from Alliance High School 1980, and attended Laramie County Community College at Cheyenne. She was formerly employed at The Guardian State Bank at Alliance and then worked for Equality State Bank after moving to Cheyenne. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cheyenne and a former member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She is survived by Jon, daughters Erika and Erinn, and son Jon Thomas; parents Dick and Lorraine Boness; parents-in-Iaw Dave and Phyllis Briggs; brother Brett, his wife Teresa and their children Zachary, Lacy, Joshua and Megan; sister Brigit, her husband Jeff, and their children Derek and Matthew Harris; brother Bill, his wife Teresa, and their children Tarrel, Taylor Blythe. She also is survived by her grandmother, Louise Boness; aunts and uncles, Tom and Peg Romick of Alliance, Mary Lou and Jack Roberts of Gordon, Gene and Alta Holthus of Cheyenne, Cecil and LaVonne Wessel of Brush Colo., Eldon and Dorothy Holthus of Mitchell, Ivan and Marge Holthus of San Diego, Calif., Paul and Marlene Holthus of Culbertson, Neal and Jackie Holthus of Gering, Frank and Wiletta Dye of Alliance; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jake Boness, George and Lena Holthus, and her uncle, Wendell Holthus.
Rosary services will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 25, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 26, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Bryan Ernest officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the family at the First National Bank at Alliance. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Clarence L. Johnson, 69
(April 23) HAVERHILL, Mass. - Clarence L. "Johnny" Johnson, 69, died Saturday, April 10, 2003, at his home. He was born at Alliance Neb., March 31, 1934, to Dewey and Marie (Zuerlein) Johnson.
He graduated from Alliance High School and attended college at Trinidad, Colo. He retired from the Air Force in 1976, after 24 years of service. He was in the Korean War and served two tours in the Vietnam War. He earned a Korean War Medal, Vietnam War Medal and a United Nations Service Medal. He married Elisabeth Ruhrmund Heck at Rharinen, Germany, on June 23, 1971. He was employed as an Electronics Inspector at the former AT&T, and enjoyed computers and leather craft, and was an avid reader. His wife was the love of his life and his children and grandchildren his joy. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of the home; daughters Ramona Johnson and Adelheid "Heidi" (Ralph) Bergeron of Haverhill; one son, Raimund (Susan) Heck of Groveland, Mass; and grandchildren Ronny, Andre and Mario Bergeron, and Janine and Gabrielle Heck He also is survived by his sister, Gladys Arrants and nephew Rick (Pam) Arrants of Alliance; niece Carolann (Richard) Blanco of Loveland, Colo., and several other nieces and nephews.
His remains were cremated and there will be a memorial service at 8:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. A memorial has been established to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Condolences to his family may be made at www.farmerfuneralhomes.com.
Kent A. Piihl, 38
(April 23) ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Kent A. Piihl, 38, died Sunday, April 20, 2003, at the St. Cloud Hospital. He was born Oct. 24, 1964, at Alliance, to Gary and Karen (Sherlock) Piihl.
He was a 1982 graduate of Alliance High School, and attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force. He then attended San Antonio College, Department of Allied Health Mortuary School at San Antonio, Texas. He was employed by the Roy Akers Funeral Home at San Antonio for six years. He then moved to St. Cloud, Minn., where he was employed in the lab at the St. Cloud Hospital. He is survived by his daughter, Lauren of Vienna, Va.; and special friend Jill Miller of St. Cloud. He also is survived by his parents, Gary and Karen Piihl of Alliance; twin brother Kevin L. Piihl of Tucson, Ariz.; brother and sister, Kirt J. Piihl of Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Kelly A. Adamson of Sidney; and grandmothers Lila Piihl and Ann Sherlock of Alliance. He was preceded in death by his brother Kory Piihl on May 27, 2000; an infant sister Kimberly Piihl in 1962; and grandfathers George Piihl and Pat Sherlock.
A memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 29, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Alliance. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A wake service will be at 7 p.m., Monday, May 28, at the church. Benson Funeral Home at St. Cloud is in charge of arrangements.
Sr. Margaret Mary Schneider, 88
(April 23) ALLIANCE - Sister Margaret Mary (Ludgardis) Schneider, 88, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at Good Samaritan Health Care Center. She was born June 9, 1914, in Orrin, N.D. to Jacob and Margaret (Gericn) Schneider.
She professed her final vows as a Sister of St. Francis on August 17, 1937, at Stella Niagara, N.Y. On her reception day she received the name of Sister Ludgardis. In the 1960's she returned to using her baptismal name. She lived and worked in Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colo.; St. Francis and Holy Rosary Missions in South Dakota; Rushville and O'Neill, and St. Louis, Mo. She was the second oldest of 13 children. Her survivors include her sisters and brothers, Sr. Margaret Schneider of O'Neill, Anthony Schneider and wife Irene of Devils Lake, N.D., Agnes Hamon and husband Mike of Devils Lake, Magdalene Rose Schneider of Rugby, N.D., Raphael L. Schneider and wife Nettie of Rugby, Francis Schneider and wife Gloria of Minnewaukan, N.D., sisters-in-law Mary Schneider of Rugby, Gloria Schneider of Esmond, N.D., Lydia Schneider of Devils Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister Katherine (Mrs. Otto) Krenzel, three brothers Joseph, Jacob and Rudy, one sister Martha and one brother John who died in infancy, and brothers-in-law Otto Krenzel and Leo Schneider.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at Marian Residence, with Frs. Bryan Ernest and Vince Parsons officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery. Rosary services will be at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Marian Residence. Memorials may be given to Marian Residence. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Minnie Ellen Rusk, 80
(Apr. 24) ALLIANCE - Minnie Ellen Rusk, 80, died Sunday, April 22, 2001 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center in Alliance. She was born in rural Alliance to Melvin and Bertha (Sisley) Colerick on March 20, 1920.
She attended school in the Alliance area and graduated from Alliance High School in 1938. On June 30, 1938, Minnie married Charley Rusk. The couple had three children, Charla, Roger and Doug. Minnie lived most of her life in the Alliance and was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church where she served devotedly in the women's organizations. She was an Elder and Deaconess in the church and an active member all her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, a grandson, Mark, her parents, brothers Donnie, Earl, Harlan and Ben.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Charla and Gary Augustin of Axtell, her son and daughter-in-law, Roger and Jolene Rusk of Douglas, Wyo, son, Douglas Rusk of Chicago, Ill., grandson and wife, Bruce and Sara Augustin of Atlanta, Ga., granddaughters and their husbands, Kim and Earl Anderson of Helena, Mont., Sharyn and Scott Polley of Cody, Wyo., Paige and Terry Rider of Douglas, Wyo., seven great-grandchildren, sister Eva and husband Maurice (Bill) Toline of Central City, sister Marlene and husband George Finnell of Brady, brother, Dale and wife Arlis Colerick of Omaha, brother Lyle and wife Caryle Colerick of Farmington, N.M., brother-in-law, Don Garrett and sister-in-law, Irene Homrighausen of Alliance, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 26 at the First Presbyterian Church in Alliance, with the Rev. James Kidd officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Presbyterian Church or to Good Samaritan Health Care Center. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eva B. Gray, 81
(Apr. 24) CHADRON - Eva B. Gray, 81, of Chadron died Sunday, April 22, 2001, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. She was born April 16, 1920, at Sioux County. Her parents were Earl and Ivy Nation.
She is survived by her husband, John Gray of Chadron; three sons, Terrill Gray of Gurley, Dan Gray of Bridgeport and Kendall Gray of Rapid City, S.D.; two daughters, Louella Wright of Hillrose, Colo., and Glenda Spinar of Cole Camp, Mo.; 19 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She also is survived three brothers, Melvin Nation of Harrison, Merlin Nation of Everett, Wash., and Elvin Nation of Marysville, Wash; and three sisters, Frances Roberts of Chadron, Anita Robinson of Sedalia, Mo., and Mildred Widel of Blackwater, Mo.
Mrs. Gray's funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 26, at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, with Dale DeRaad and Dwight Craig officiating. Burial will be in Crawford Cemetery. Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.
Gordon L. Larson, 85
(Apr. 24) NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Gordon L. Larson, 85, formerly of Chadron, died Sunday, April 22, 2001, at Riverside Region Hospital in Newport News, Va. He was born March 12, 1916 on a farm north of Whitney. His parents were Lenus Carl and Ruth Elizabeth (Simpson) Larson.
He lived most of his life in the Chadron area, and graduated from Chadron High School in 1934. He then attended college at Sioux Falls, S.D. He spent many years in the real estate, insurance and loan business as owner of L.C. Larson and Son, retiring in 1981. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, served on the Boards of Directors for Chadron Hospital, First National Bank, Chadron City Schools, and Nebraska Children's Home Society at Omaha. He had served as a Trustee for the Chadron State Foundation and Mayor for the City of Chadron. He was a Master Mason and member of the Samaritan Lodge, the Tehama Shrine, Elks, VFW, The American Legion, and President and District Governor for the Kowanis Club. He married Margaret Mae McAndrew on June 27, 1942 at Lubbock, Texas.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; one son, Kenneth Larson of Chadron; two daughters, Judy Cohen of Lincoln, and Nancy Hansen of Yorktown, Va.; and four grandchildren. He also is survived by one sister, Edna Dohrmann of Sioux city, Iowa.
Mr. Larson's funeral will be at 2 p.m., Friday, April 27, at the First Baptist Church at Chadron, with Pastor Red Romell officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Robert D. Minich, 80
(Apr. 24) HEMINGFORD - Robert D. Minich, 80, died Monday, April 22, 2002, at Box Butte General Hospital at Alliance. He was born to Charles and Edith (Smith) Minich on July 10, 1921, at Friend.
He moved to Hemingford with his family in 1928. He attended rural school and graduated from Hemingford in 1938. He farmed with his father until he entered the service in October of 1942. He was a bulldozer operator with the army engineers. His tour of duty included New Briton, Hawaiian Islands, Guadalcanal and the invasion of the Philippines. He was wounded and received the Purple Heart GO 3 Hq 37th, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star Cir 136 WD 45, 1 Bronze Arrowhead Pacific Theater. After that he was sent to Korea as occupational Troops. He then returned home and was discharged from the service in 1945. He married Devona Christensen at Sidney on Oct. 23, 1951. He loved to farm and loved his animals, but most of all he loved being with his family. He was a loving father, grandpa, great-grandpa and special friend. He is survived by his son Michael and his wife Melody Minich of Scottsbluff; grandsons, Scotty Minich and his fiancˇ Regina Rossignol and Troy Minich all of Alliance; and great-grandchildren, Riannon Turner, Cody and Katelynne Minich all of Alliance. He also is survived by brothers Lyle and his wife Dorothy Minich, and Kenneth Minich all of Hemingford; and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents, wife Devona, one brother and two sisters preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 25, at the Congregational Church at Hemingford, with Rev. Walter Cline and Rev. Michael Stein officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Hemingford Cemetery. Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Laverne Lewis, 73
(April 24) ALLIANCE - Laverne Lewis, 73, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at Rapid City Regional Hospital, Rapid City, S.D. She was born Nov. 12, 1929, at Gordon to George W. and Vera B. (Hill) Avis.
She was a member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She is survived by her children, Linda Lewis of Alliance; Brenda Lewis of McCleary, Wash.; Patti Krul of Hemingford; and Deb Steadman of Montesano, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. She also is survived by her brother, Kenneth Avis of Denver, Colo. Her parents and one grandson preceded her in death.
Mrs. Lewis' funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with Wally Baird officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Memorials may be given in care of the family at 1221 Duncan, Alliance, NE 69301. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Florence Lepard, 96
(April 24) LINCOLN - Florence Lepard, 96, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003. She was born March 16, 1907, to Jacob and Florence (Howard) Kreis at Oakdale, Tenn.
She and her husband, Ransom Lepard, were residents of Alliance where he worked for the railroad. He preceded her in death. She was a member of Southern Heights Presbyterian Church and Starcraft Chapter No. 307 OES. A 63 year member of OES, she was a Past Worthy Matron of Aloyah Chapter OES. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Paul (Janet) Lepard of Lincoln and Dr. David H. Lepard of Vienna, Va.; grandchildren, Kent (Beth) Lepard of Carmel, Ind., and Jennifer (Sean) Fortune of Lincoln, Brian (Jenina) Lepard of Lincoln, and Julie (Joe) Miller of Clemmons, N.C.; great-granchildren Greg, Brandon, Andrew and Kate Lepard, Troy and Shannon Miller, and Elizabeth, Crystal and Bailey Fortune; and family friend Alan Kousen of Vienna, Va.
Mrs. Lepard's memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, April 25, at Southern Heights Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Bump officiating. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 24, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Inc., in care of the funeral home, 6800 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
