Edna Fern Ham was born February 24, 1918 to Reece W. and Mayme E. (Morrison) Hardwick on a farm twelve miles north of Parks, in Dundy County , Nebraska .  She attended grade school near her home in District 24 and graduated from Parks High School in 1934.  Fern loved growing up on the farm and enjoyed taking piano lessons.  Playing the piano was always a great source of enjoyment for her. 
          On March 15, 1939, Fern was united in marriage to Lyle Cecil Ham.  This union was blessed with four children; Gloria Jean, Gary Lee, Linda Fern, and Sandra Kaye.  On December 27, 1970, Lyle was killed in a tragic accident at the train-crossing near their home, devastating Fern and changing her world.
          Fern used her artistic talents to create many beautiful paintings for her family and friends.  Her drawing of the Benkelman United Methodist Church graces the cover of the church’s stationary.  She was a talented bowler who enjoyed going to tournaments locally and at the state level.  Fern also enjoyed playing bridge, especially with her marathon partner, Bula Adkinson.  Her cooking talents drew rave reviews from family, friends, hired men, church members, and many others. 
          One of her greatest joys were visits from her grandchildren – she was their “town mom”.  She was a very active member of Benkelman United Methodist Church , the Doane Extension Club, and was a 4-H Leader for many years.  She also continued a family tradition with her lifetime membership in the Order of Easter Star – Holly Chapter No. 233.
          Fern passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2008 at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman , Nebraska .  She was 89.
          She is preceded in death by her parents, Reece and Mayme Hardwick; her husband, Lyle Ham; brothers, Francis Hardwick and Bob Hardwick; sisters, Erma Dunn, Louise Stamm; and grandson, Daniel Jesse Jones.
          Survivors include her son, Gary Ham and wife, Rita of Parks, Nebraska; daughters, Jean Krug and husband, Henry, Linda Cunningham and husband, Ron, all of Benkelman, Nebraska, Sandra Jones and husband, David of Osmond, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Ruby Ham, Eula Ham, Kathleen Ham, and Norma Hardwick; brothers-in-law, Everett Stamm and Lawrence Ham; eleven grandchildren, including, Brenda Lutz and husband, Scott; Steve Krug and wife, Lana; Karey Graves and husband, Todd; Michael Ham and wife, Erin; Mark Ham and wife, Julie; Natalie Campbell and husband, Chuck; Brett Cunningham and wife, Natalie; David Jones and wife, Lisa; Sara Reinoehl and husband, Jared; Darbi Eschmann and husband, Alan; and Shauna Jones; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
          Alzheimer’s disease took Fern from her family twelve years ago.  Her precious jewels were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her love of life, family, music and art will live on in their hearts.  
          Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating.  Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery .
          Friends may sign the guest book at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
          Memorials may be given in her name.  Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          Everett B. Stamm, 89, a lifelong resident of Dundy County, departed this present life, and entered into his new life, on Thursday, January 31, 2008, at Chase County Hospital in Imperial, Nebraska.
          He was born January 30, 1919 to Ernest John and Zella Blanche (Bernard) Stamm, and lived with his parents on the Jake Rossmiller farm three miles northwest of Benkelman, and later moved to the Heiner farm in the Pleasant Valley area.  In 1929, his parents purchased the Hickman farm which became the family farmstead.  It was there, Everett and his brother, Gene, grew to manhood.
          Everett loved the soil and at the age of seven, he began helping his father farm.  He drove four head of horses on a cultivator, and later six head of horses on the planter and picked corn by hand.
          On December 8, 1940, he was united in marriage to Louise Hardwick, and they moved into the house his parents had lived in during their early life.  To this union, two daughters were born, Janice Louise, and Anita Jean.
          In 1945, Everett and Louise purchased the Elmer Edwards farm and he pursued his life desire of being a farmer and a rancher.  Some 28 years later, they sold the home place to Glen and Betty Ellis and built their home in Benkelman.  Throughout the years, Everett enjoyed his horses, and especially the horses he and his brother, Gene, raised and raced.  In 1982, Everett bought his first race horse, and began racing horses, even raising some for a few years.
          Everett lived by a philosophy of his mother and grandfather, which was to “pay as you go”, and he always emphasized to his daughters and grandchildren, that they walk in the integrity of their words.  Everett received Jesus as his Savior and in his later years knew he could get help through prayer.
          Preceding him in death are his parents, Ernest and Zella Stamm; his loving wife, Louise; brother, Gene Stamm; and granddaughter, Kristina Lea Wilson.
          Survivors include his daughters, Janice DeWester and husband, Gary of Wauneta, NE, Anita Wilson and husband, Laddie of Olatha, KS; sisters-in-law, Inez Stamm and Norma Hardwick, all of Benkelman, NE; six grandchildren, Shari Brubaker and husband, Tony, Shana Wilson, Bobbie Kistner and husband, David, Michelle Harchelroad and husband, Brian, Teresa Wynn and husband, David, Chad DeWester and wife, Jennifer; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
          Everett was respected and loved by all who knew him, and will be greatly missed by those who call him dad, grandpa, uncle, and friend.
          Funeral services will be Monday, February 4, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman , Nebraska , with Rev. Brian Fong officiating.  Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery .  Visitation will be Sunday, February 3, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.  Memorials may be given in his name.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          James A. Mutschler, 71, of Stratton , Nebraska , died Tuesday , February 5, 2008 at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman , Nebraska .
          He was born December 11, 1936 at Geneva , Iowa to Fred and Maria (Sailer) Mutschler, and grew up in the Geneva area where he attended school.
          James proudly served his country in the United States Army and after receiving his honorable discharge began his career as a bricklayer.
          He was united in marriage to Lois Afseth and lived near Cheyenne , Wyoming with his family.  After his retirement in 2006, he moved to Stratton.
          Preceding him in death are his parents, Fred and Maria Mutschler; his wife, Lois in 2002; brothers, Elmer Mutschler, Lester Mutschler, and Marvin Mutschler; and one sister, Dorothy Dohlman.
          Survivors include his daughters, Deborah Erickson of Cheyenne, WY, Julie Hayes and husband, Robert of Carpenter, WY; his son, Michael Erickson and wife, Allissa of Culbertson, NE; sisters, Frieda Emerson of Eula City, CA, Ann Wekurt of Iowa Falls, IA; brothers, Rich Mutschler of Lacrosse, WI, Ed Mutschler of Bradford, IA; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
          A memorial service with military honors will be held Friday, February 8, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. at the Weiderspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes in Cheyenne , WY .  No local services are planned.  Condolences will reach the family at P.O. Box 293 , Culbertson , NE 69024 .
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton, and Weiderspahn-Radomsky Chapel of Cheyenne .

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          Alda Jane Pearson, 88, formerly of Stratton and Palisade, Nebraska , died Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.
          She was born December 10, 1919 at McCook , Nebraska , the youngest of seven children born to Archibald and Mamie (Mar) McKillip.  She spent her childhood on the family farm in Hayes County .
          Jane was united in marriage to Hugh Pearson on January 3, 1938.  They made their home, for most of their life, in Palisade.  Jane lived the last 10 years at Grandview Retirement Center in Stratton, and recently moved to Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.
          Preceding her in death are her parents, Arch and Mamie McKillip; her husband, Hugh Pearson; brothers, Fay McKillip, Bud McKillip, and Arden McKillip; sisters, Virginia Felker, Lucille Fugate, and Rosella Wickie; and daughter-in-law, Lynn Pearson.
          Survivors include her son, Jack Pearson of Littleton , CO ; daughter, Judy Gigax and husband, Danny of St. Peters, MO; five granddaughters, Stacy Payne and husband, Rob, Tori Pearson and Katie Gigax all of the Denver, CO area, Allison Gigax of St. Joseph, MO, and Megan Gigax of Leawood, KS.  Jane was also the step-great-grandmother of Greg and Shelby Payne, Children of Stacy and Rob.
          A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton with Rev. Sean Redmond celebrant.  A private inurnment will follow services at the Palisade Cemetery .
          A Rosary for the deceased will be recited at Holy Family Catholic Church in Palisade, Nebraska on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  There will be no visitation or viewing.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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           Evelyn L. Wolaver, 69, of St. Francis, KS, died Thursday, February 7, 2008 at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, NE, after numerous complications associated with lung cancer.
          She was born December 3, 1938 at Carnegie, OK to Jack and Maudie (Perkins) Gandy.  After graduating from high school, Evelyn married Ralph L. Wolaver, and to this union, five children were born; Kim, Kay, Kathy, Ralph, Jr., and Greg.
          Evelyn worked several jobs during her life, but enjoyed her career as a credit manager for a building supply company.  Evelyn and her family moved to Saint Francis 2 years ago.  She loved her family and was always there for them, even as she battled and survived bouts with four various types of cancer.  She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
          Evelyn is survived by her husband, Ralph L. Wolaver of Saint Francis, KS; her five children, Kim McGinnis, also of Saint Francis, KS, Kay Noonan of Benkelman, NE, Kathy Wolaver of Tulsa, OK, Ralph Wolaver, Jr., of Crowley, CO, Greg Wolaver of Thornton, CO; a grandson, whom they adopted, Dylan Wolaver of Saint Francis, KS; and one brother, Jack Gandy of Kansas City, KS.  Evelyn also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives and friends.
          No local services are planned.  The family will have a private service at a later time.
Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          Opal Louise Neff, of Arvada, Colorado, died Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette , Colorado , at the age of 78.
          She was born October 22, 1929 at Max, Nebraska to Ernest and Pearl (Lundbery) Lang.  As a teenager, Opal moved with her family to the Denver , Colorado area, where she lived most of her life.
          She worked for many years as a lab technician in the dental profession, and later was employed by J.C. Penney Co.  She was a devoted Denver Broncos fan, and also loved spending time with her grandchildren and her granddogs.  She enjoyed traveling with her family, but always sought the comfort of her home when she wasn’t traveling with her family or busy with work.
          Preceding her in death are her parents, Ernest and Pearl Lang; and two brothers, Ray Lang and Floyd Lang.
          Survivors include her daughters, Sandy Mohan and husband, Frank, Susan Boles, Cindy McQuillan and husband, Mark; son, Jim Underwood, Jr.; sisters, Leora Luvass and Esther Shuffield; brothers, Robert Lang and Leroy Lang; two grandsons, Christopher Harris and Brandon Mohan; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
          Graveside services were held Monday, February 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. (MST) at the Benkelman Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Fink officiating.  It is suggested that memorials be given in her name to the SPCA or to Denver Hospice.
          Condolences will reach the family at Forch Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 683 , Benkelman , NE 69021 , or left online here on the funeral home web site.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          William Eugene "Bill" Pankonin, of Benkelman, Nebraska, died Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, at the age of 60.
          He was born October 2, 1947 to Edward and Gladys (Pollard) Pankonin at Grant , Nebraska .  Bill attended country school near Enders , Nebraska until the 6^th grade, then attended school in Enders for his 7^th and 8^th grade years.  He finished the rest of his schooling in Imperial, Nebraska .
          On February 12, 1966, Bill was united in marriage to Sharon Mae Snyder.  This union was blessed with four children; Donald, Sandy, Melinda, and Kristie.  Bill and his family made their home in Chase County, Nebraska, where he worked as a farmer.  It was here, where Bill also began Golden Glove Boxing, in 1967 at Grant, and Valentine, Nebraska .
          On May 1, 1980, Bill married Clara Bea Nichols.  They made their home in Benkelman, and soon Bill adopted Clara’s son, Todd.  Bill worked as a farmer, truck driver, mechanic, and a road worker for Dundy County .Bill loved his family very much, and looked forward to spending time with both his family and friends.  He participated in Golden Glove Boxing for two years, and later became interested in building and working on race cars.  He raced in Benkelman for several years and won numerous races and trophies.  Bill was also a gun enthusiast, and enjoyed reloading and shooting his rifles.  He will be deeply missed by those who came to know him.
          He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Marie Pankonin.
          Survivors include his wife, Clara Pankonin of Benkelman, Nebraska; daughters, Sandy Vandike and husband, Denis, also of Benkelman, Melinda Pankonin of McCook, Nebraska, Kristie Mae Pankonin of Benkelman, Nebraska; sons, Donald Pankonin of Imperial, Nebraska, Todd Pankonin of Benkelman, Nebraska; sisters, Gladys Shafer of McCook, Nebraska, Mattie Parrett of Norton, Kansas; brothers, Jim Pankonin and wife, Joyce of Imperial, Nebraska, Dick Pankonin of Minatare, Nebraska; twelve grandchildren, Philip, Lauren, Victoria, Michael, Christopher, Tyler, Kyle, Brandon, Bradly, Sydney, Michael, and Dakota; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
          A memorial service to celebrate his life will be Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman , Nebraska , with Rev. George Mathews officiating.  Services will conclude at the church with a private inurnment taking place at a later date.  There will be no visitation or viewing.  Memorials may be given in his name.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.    

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           Earnest Earl Amsberry, 85, longtime resident of Snyder, died Thursday, February 14, 2008, at the Colorado Plains Medical Center in Ft. Morgan, Colorado.
          He was born April, 24, 1922 in St. Francis , Kansas to Alfred and Susanna (Talmon) Amsberry. He served his country in the US Marines during WW II.
          Earnest married Betty Billington on December 20, 1945 in St. Francis , Kansas . The Amsberrys moved from Bird City , Kansas to Snyder in 1950 and in 1964 Earnest started his own hay business in Snyder. He attended the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brush, was a member of the VFW and was involved with the Young Farmers.
          Through the years Earnest and Betty also sponsored children through the Christian Children’s Fund. He enjoyed tinkering with and working on his haying equipment. He invented and implemented ways to make the haying equipment work better. His family was very important to him especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
          He was preceded in death by his parents, grandchildren, James Patrick Brown, Sean Shelton and Wendy Shelton, great grandchild, Jessica Stone, one brother, Howard Amsberry and one sister, Irene Clark.
          Survivors include his wife, Betty Amsberry of Snyder, CO, one son, Alden Amsberry of Littleton, CO, two daughters, Linda Shelton of Thornton, CO and Susanne Brown of Thermoplois, Wyoming, two brothers, Leonard Amsberry of Goodland, Kansas and Lee Amsberry of Bird City, Kansas, three sisters, Vera Sumner of Brush, CO, Dorothy Hammers of Englewood, CO and Darlene Brubaker of Bird City, Kansas, ten grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
          Visitation for Mr. Amsberry will be 2:00 – 5:00 PM Monday at the Heer Chapel in Brush.
          There will be two Funeral Services. The first service will be Tuesday , February 19, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brush. Then on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 there will be a funeral service at the Forch Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 AM in Benkelman, NE. Interment with military honors will follow this service at the Benkelman Cemetery.
          Memorial Gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Heer Mortuary of Brush and Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          Iris Josephine Gummere of Stratton , Nebraska , died Saturday, February, 23, 2008 at McCook Community Hospital in McCook , Nebraska , at the age of 96.
          She was born February 27, 1911, at Culbertson , Nebraska , the daughter of Joe and Rena (Brown) McNiece, and grew up in the Culbertson area.  She lived for three years in Upland , California before returning to Culbertson, where she graduated from high school in 1930.
          On February 27, 1931, Iris was united in marriage to Ralph I. Gummere at Los Lunas , New Mexico .  They lived on the Gummere homestead south of Stratton , Nebraska until 1965, when the moved to Stratton.  In 2000, Iris moved to Grandview Retirement Center , where she continued to serve and enjoy the people of Stratton.  She was recognized as Volunteer of the Year four times while being an active member of the Grandview community.
          Iris was a member of the United Methodist Church for more than 84 years, having joined at the age of 12 in Upland , California .  She belonged to the United Methodist Women, sang in the church choir, and was the Sunday school secretary for many years.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the MGR Club.  Iris worked at the Farmers Store and the Bell Café in Stratton.
          Iris’s favorite hobby was sending greeting cards to all of her family and friends.  She also enjoyed embroidery work, quilting, mending, and flower gardening.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a special joy to her, and she enjoyed many special times with them.  
          Preceding her in death are her parents, Joe and Rena McNiece; her husband, of 57 years, Ralph Gummere; infant daughter, Bernice Mavis, brothers, Dale McNiece, Winston McNiece; and sister, Josephine Petersen.
          Survivors include her three sons, Earl Gummere and wife, Dorothy, Beryl Gummere and wife, Sharon, Wallace Gummere and wife, Gloria, all of Stratton, Nebraska; sisters, Eileen Moore of McCook, Nebraska, Mavis Petersen of Kearney, Nebraska, Jesslyn Stubbs of Culbertson, Nebraska; brother, Jack McNiece of Sun City, Arizona; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
          Visitation will be Monday, February 25, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Stratton.
          Funeral services will Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Stratton, with Rev. Brian Fong, and Rev. Kevin Fink officiating.  Interment will follow services at Rose Hill Cemetery near Stratton.
          It is suggested that memorials be given in her name to the Gideon’s or to Grandview Retirement Center .
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

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          Lucille Ora Bradley, of Benkelman , Nebraska , died Friday, March 7, 2008 at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, at the age of 95.
          She was born August 27, 1912 in Greenfield , Iowa to Frank and Wynona (Hoop) Birt and attended elementary school in Williamson , Iowa .  She graduated from high school in Prescott , Iowa .  Lucille went on to further her education at Business School in Grand Island, Nebraska, and it was here, where she met her future husband, William C. Bradley while at the Lawrence Welk Dance Academy.
          Lucille and Bill were united in marriage on August 29, 1936, and to this union, three daughters were born, Carol, Jeanine, and Charlene.
          Lucille was an active member of the United Methodist Church .  She was a leader in the Women’s Club, the UMW, and the Rebekahs, being a 50-year member of both.  In addition to being a homemaker, Lucille was an Avon representative for many years.  She enjoyed playing cards and participating in other activities, in both the assisted living center, and at the nursing home.  She especially enjoyed watching and reading about the Colorado Rockies baseball team, and could always tell you when the games were on TV, who they were playing, and when.  She will be remembered as a kind, caring, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
          Preceding her in death are her parents, Frank and Wynona Birt; her husband, William Bradley; brothers, Irwin and Joe; and daughter, Carol.
          Survivors include her daughters, Jeanine Wallace and husband, Norman, Charlene Fanning and husband, Lynn, all of Centennial, CO; grandchildren, Lori Howell and husband, Dr. Walter Howell of Greensboro, NC, Mark Wallace and wife, Kelly of McKinney, TX, Todd Wallace and wife, Susan of Highlands Ranch, CO, Kimberly Nock and husband, Bob of Eagle, CO, Kristal Mangham and husband, Bradley of Highlands Ranch, CO, Tony Larsen and wife, Shannon of Las Vegas, NV, Rodney Larsen and wife, Teresa of Arapahoe, NE; eighteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
          Visitation will be Monday, March 10, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Brian Fong officiating.  Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery .
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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