Everna May “Tude” Gurnsey, died Friday, March 15, 2008 at Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, at the age of 83.
          She was born in Yuma County , Colorado on June 8, 1924, the fifth of eleven children, born to Charles Frank and Bertha (Spellman) Chartier.  Tude attended country school near her home for many years, and during World War II, she moved to California , where she worked in the factories and helped support the war effort.  She later returned to the area and in June of 1945, Tude was united in marriage to Clarence “Max” Guernsey.  Together they farmed and ranched in Dundy County for the rest of their lives.
          Tude enjoyed life on the farm, and took particular pride in the livestock that she and Max raised together.  She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens and canned countless jars of homegrown fruits and vegetables that she often shared with family and friends.
          Perhaps Tude’s greatest love, was that she held for her family.  Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren made her heart swell with pride.  She enjoyed fishing, and always looked forward to family dinners, even more so, if she was the one doing the cooking!  Her down-to-earth approach and willingness to help a neighbor or a friend in-need, was her way of life, and she will be deeply missed by those who came to know here.
          Preceding her in death are her parents, Frank and Bertha Chartier; her husband, Max; brother, George; and sisters, Madge and Jean.
          Survivors include her children, Dick Guernsey and wife, Connie of Parks, NE, Cheryl Bentley and husband, Dick of Benkelman, NE; sisters, Phyllis Lowe of Crete, NE, and Shirley Trembley of Globe, AZ; brothers, Dallas Chartier and wife, Sharon of Benkelman, NE, Bob Chartier and wife, Masie, and Keith Chartier and wife, Margie, all of Laird, CO, Bill Chartier and wife, JoAnn of Longmont, CO, Don Chartier of North Platte, NE; five grandchildren, Julie Burrell and husband, Todd of Benkelman, NE, Max Bentley and Ve of Yuma, CO, Carol Warning and husband, Darwin, and Steve Guernsey and wife, Tabitha, all of Benkelman, NE, Jenny Wildeman and husband, Jordan of Hayes, KS; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
          A graveside service with inurnment will be Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 10:30 (MDT) at the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman , Nebraska , with Rev. Brian Fong officiating.  There will be no visitation or viewing.
          In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be given to the Dundy Count Home-Owned Carnival.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          Leon Baney, Jr., of Benkelman, Nebraska died Friday, March 21, 2008 at the North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado, at the age of 86.
          He was born in Dundy County , Nebraska , north of Benkelman, to Leon and Vera ( Crosby ) Baney and attended country school near his home.  After finishing with school, Junior worked with his dad on their farm.
          On July 22, 1942, Junior was united in marriage to Alice S. Richard at St. Francis , Kansas .  This union was blessed with one son, Arlin.
          After marriage, Junior and Alice returned to the family farm north of Benkelman.  In 1952, they moved to Benkelman, where Junior continued to farm and worked as a carpenter and truck driver for several years.  He then worked at Krotter and Sailors Lumber Yard.  In later years, he worked for Floyd and Thelma Pettit helping with their gravel and farming operation. 
          Junior was a member of the United Methodist Church of Benkelman, and a member of Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M.  He enjoyed traveling and sightseeing and was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends.  His ability to fix things enabled him to enjoy a hobby of restoring antique furniture.   He was a loving husband and father, and was a man of his word.  He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and will always be remembered for his quiet, gentle way.
          His parents, Leon and Vera Baney, precede him in death.
          Survivors include his loving wife of more than 65 year, Alice Baney of Benkelman , NE ; his son, Arlin Baney and wife, Connie of Hudson, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
          Visitation will be Monday, March 24, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, March 25, 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 .  Memorials may be given in his name to the United Methodist Church .
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          Leon Dale Schrader was born March 11, 1923 to John and Lola (Passmore) Schrader in Benkelman , Nebraska .  Leon passed away unexpectedly in his home on March 22, 2008.  He had just celebrated his 85^th birthday with family and friends.
          Leon grew up on his family’s farm 5 miles northwest of Benkelman.  He attained his elementary education at a country school 3 miles from his home, and graduated in 1942 from Benkelman High School .     
          Leon married Josephine G. Rowe on February 18, 1947.  To this union three daughters were born, Linda Kay, Joan Ilene and Kaylene Lynn.  Leon and Josephine made their lifelong home in Benkelman.   
          Leon enjoyed being with his family and friends, telling jokes and putting a smile on everyone’s face.  He always saw the comical side of things, and loved to laugh, especially at himself.
          Leon was self-taught in the electrical and air-conditioning trade and opened an appliance store know as Schrader Electric.  Eventually, he made farming his full-time occupation and developed his farm into one of the first irrigated crop grounds.  All of his working years were spent farming a portion of the Schrader homestead.  Many who knew him were very impressed with his knowledge, wide range of talents and skills, and his vision to see a solution where others couldn’t.  He was successful in life, business, and family.        
          Leon had a passion for guns.   He enjoyed attending gun shows and could discuss the statistics of any weapon produced.   He was also an excellent marksman and many marveled at his skills.
          Leon loved to entertain his company by waiting on them, visiting, and sharing a meal.  He joked about having a prime rib taste on a hamburger budget.  Friends and family were usually given the pleasure of hearing his varied music selections he enjoyed playing on his keyboard.  One song would lead right into another until either his audience left or he ran out of selections.  He sang in a baritone voice that was infectious and sounded throughout the house.
          Leon had several canine companions later in his life, which he doted on and bragged about like they were family.  These friends accompanied him on many adventures and were by his side in his day to day routine.
          All of his children and grandchildren looked up to him.  He taught them everything he could, to pass down all that was a part of him.
          Leon was preceded in death by his wife Josephine, his daughter Linda Merklin, parents John and Lola, his sister Marie Kauffman, and his brother Howard Schrader.            
          He is survived by two daughters Joan Krutsinger and husband Bobby of Benkelman, NE, Kaylene Pracht and husband Eugene of Broken Bow, NE; son-in-law Wayne Merklin of Cordova, AK; two grandsons Kerri Merklin and wife RaChell of Sacramento, CA, and Jerami Merklin and wife Christine of Denton, NE, four granddaughters, Jill Albrecht and husband Edd of Cozad, NE, Molly Horner and husband Trevor of Benkelman, NE, Katie Partch and husband Randy also of Benkelman; Jennifer Schukei and husband Shane of Broken Bow, NE; eleven great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
           Visitation will be Wednesday, March 26, 2008 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.  Funeral services will be Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery .
            Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          Rawleyce Ionne Rife, of Stratton , Nebraska , died Tuesday , April 8, 2008 at Community Hospital in McCook , Nebraska , at the age of 79.
          She was born November 7, 1928 in the Eden Precinct north of Stratton in Hitchcock County , Nebraska to Guy F. and Florence H. (Long) West, and attended country school near her home.  She was a graduate of Wauneta High School .
          In 1953, Rawleyce was united in marriage to Daniel J. Rife at Cheyenne , Wyoming , and they settled on the family farm west of Stratton.
          Preceding her in death are her parents, Guy and Florence West; brother, Arwyn West; granddaughter, Larrissa Dawn Rife; brothers-in-law, Richard May and Bob Dahnke; and great-nephew, Kyle May.
          Survivors include her loving husband, Daniel Rife of Stratton, NE; daughters, Becky Evers and husband, Mike of Kearney, NE, Debra Guinn and husband, LaMoine of Oberlin, KS, Brenda Donohue and husband, Jon of McCook, NE, Mary Boone and husband, Gregg of Elizabeth, CO; sons, Don Rife and wife, Melba of Stratton, NE, Dan Rife, Jr., and wife, Sovia of Schaumburg, IL; sisters, Lois May, Melba Richter and husband, Warren, and Mary Ellen Dahnke; brother, Ron West and wife, Julie; sisters-in-law, Lois West, Alice Weidrich and husband, Rev. Robert Weidrich; sixteen grandchildren, Michelle Warren, Tim Evers, Sarah Drackley, Chad Rooney, Carrie Rooney, Lindsay Dunagan, Laurie Donohue, Shannon Donohue, Tyler Donohue, Jarrod Leggott, Thomas Rife, Brooke Rife, Jed Boone, Wes Boone, Visca Rife, and Aaron Rife; eight great-grandchildren; Riley Evers, Ashton Evers, Hayden Rooney, Claire Rooney, Levi Drackley, Emily Drackley, Maxine Warren, and Ava Donohue; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
          Memorial services will be Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. (CDT) at Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with Rev. Brian Fong officiating.  Services will conclude at the church.
          A private family interment will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery prior to services.  There will be no public viewing or visitation.
          In lieu of usual remembrances it is suggested that memorials be given in Rawleyce’s name to Community Healthcare and Hospice of McCook.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

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          Robert K. McEvoy, of Greeley, Colorado, died December 13, 2007 at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley , at the age of 83.
          He was born September 2, 1924 at Benkelman , Nebraska to Jack and Anne ( Ewing ) McEvoy and attended school in Benkelman.  He proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy and received his honorable discharge in 1946.  He was united in marriage to Lodema E. Lavell.
          A memorial service with military honors will take place Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. (MDT) at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with Marcine Farmer, PMA, officiating.  Services will conclude at the chapel.  A private inurnment will be held at the Benkelman Cemetery.  There will be no visitation or viewing.
          Local arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. 

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          Michael A. Vrbas, 29, died Thursday, April 24, 2007 at his home in Stratton , Nebraska .  His family will gather for a private memorial service on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.  
          Cards and letters of condolence will reach them at Forch Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 97 , Stratton , NE   69043 , or may be left on-line.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Mike’s name.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

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          Violet M. Stahly, of Stratton, Nebraska, died Sunday, April 27, 2008 at El Dorado Manor in Trenton, Nebraska, at the age of 93.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 29, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Stratton.
          A funeral service to honor her life will be Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the church with Rev. Brian Fong officiating.  Interment will follow services at Rose Hill Cemetery near Stratton.  Memorials may be given in her name.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

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          Jerome C. “Joe” Kirkpatrick, 62, died Friday, May 9, 2008 at his home in Benkelman , Nebraska .  He was born May 8, 1946 at Denver , Colorado to A.C. “Jack” and Helen M. (Schott) Kirkpatrick and attended school in Benkelman.
          He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp. in Vietnam .  After receiving his honorable discharge, Joe returned to Benkelman where he worked at various jobs throughout the area; including Justice Feed Mill, Benkelman Elevators, and Miller Manufacturing in Stratton.
          Joe was an avid gardener and enjoyed the summer months when he could be outside working in his garden, and caring for his yard.  He enjoyed fishing and camping, and visiting with his friends and neighbors. 
          Preceding him in death are his parents, Jack and Helen Kirkpatrick; brother, Davey; sisters, Judy and Penney; 2 infant sisters; and one niece, Jackie.
          Survivors include his companion and special friend of 25 years, Susan McKillip of Benkelman, NE; son, Jerry Kirkpatrick of Goodland, KS; daughter, Stacy Gorham of Fresno, CA; step-sons, Tony McKillip and wife, Beth of McCook, NE, and Tom McKillip and wife, Kelly of Trumble, NE; sister, Nacy Chada and husband, David of Ogallala, NE; brother-in-law, Larry Wilson of Paxton, NE; ten grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
          Visitation will be Monday, May 12, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.  Funeral services will be Tuesday , May 13, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. (MDT) in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Brian Fong officiating.  Interment with military honors will follow services at the Ogallala Cemetery in Ogallala , Nebraska at 2:30 p.m.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          Gordon Bradley Towne, 78, died Friday, May 9, 2008 at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska.
          He was born in Vinton, Iowa on December 22, 1029 to Paul McBain and Thurla Gretchen (Healy) Towne.  He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from November 24, 1950 to November 23, 1954.
          On November 17, 1967, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Ann Berger.  He was the pastor of an interdeominational church in the Denver area where he was the pastor for four years prior to moving to Benkelman.
          Preceding him in death are his parents; a grandson, Damon Towne; and one brother, Stanley Towne.
          Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Towne of Benkelman, NE; children, Duane Towne of Denver, CO, Bradley Towne of Salem, OR, Andria Towne and Cynthia Towne, both of East Point, GA, and Philip Towne; four grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends.
          A memorial service to celebrate his life was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. (MDT) at Faith Bible Chapel West in Edgewater, CO - 2098 Pierce Street, 80214.  Inurnment will be in Fort Logan National Cemetery.  Memorials may be given in his name.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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          Eulah J. Zahl Adkinson, was born August 24, 1914 to Frank and Vina (Frear) Linderman in a log cabin near the Niobrara River at Carnes,Nebraska. Eulah was baptized at Carnes, and attended school near her home.
          Following graduation from Rock County High School in Bassett, where she was Valedictorian of her class, Eulah then taught school for several years. She furthered her education at Wayne State College.
          She was united in marriage to Willard A. Zahl in 1938 and this union was blessed with three children; Patsy Balcom Waters, Carol Haight Huff, and Billie Dale Zahl.
          Eulah loved to reminisce about old times, and of mowing hay with horses before she was in first grade; or of draining the radiator and cranking an old Model T Ford when driving to high school. She really enjoyed the annual deer hunts with family and friends.
          She was known to be hardworking, capable, and self-reliant. She thrived on country life whether it was cooking for her family, cooking for the hay men, working in the hay field, or gardening. She was often teased about having to have 100 quarts of everything in the cellar before winter set in. Eulah helped with every aspect of ranching. As a widow, she climbed up to work on a windmill and when finished, donned her fancy attire to attend her educational sorority, Delta Kappa Gamma.
          She was proud to have had the opportunity to teach even though she had to ride a horse to get to school most of the time, and was later undaunted in driving miles and miles of gravel roads to teach in Rock County, Mills, District 1, KeyaPaha County, Holt County, and Newport Grade School. She loved her students and believed in giving the best to educate them.
          After the death of her husband, Willard, Eulah was united in marriage to Harold Adkinson in 1978. Their retirement years were lived in Bassett, and they enjoyed traveling and visiting their friends and families.
          Eulah departed this life on May 21, 2008, at the age of 93, after a brief stay at the McCook Community Hospital.
          She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Willard Zahl in 1975, and Harold Adkinson in 1997; sister, Ilene Cline in 1984; and one brother, Dale, who gave his life for his country during World War II.
          Survivors include her daughters, Patsy Waters of Fort Collins, CO, Carol Huff (George) of McCook, NE; son, Bill Zahl (Linda) of Stratton, NE; step-daughters Glenda Gurney (Lyle), Betty Adkinson, & step-son Dale Adkinson (Shirley); grandchildren, Rhonda Balcom Fraser (Scott), Tami Knuth (Brad), Merlyn Haight II (Emmy), Brendan Zahl (Trina), Travis Zahl, Marci Sis (Aaron),and Kelsi Zahl. Step grandchildren include Brian Patterson (Shari), Roy Patterson (Becky), Gary Patterson, Becky Shedeed (Cory), Brenda Ebert (Derry), and Stacey Adkinson. She is also survived by eleven great grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren.
          Funeral services will be held Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.(CDT) at Community United Methodist Church in Stratton, with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Services will conclude at the church.
          Additional funeral services will be held Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. (CDT) at the United Methodist Church in Bassett, Nebraska, with Rev. Bonnie Forney officiating. Interment will follow services at Bassett Memorial Park Cemetery.
          No visitation is scheduled. The casket will be open at both churches prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton, and Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett.

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          Mary Leona Haller of Stratton, Nebraska, died Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the El Dorado Manor in Trenton, Nebraska, at the age of 100 years.
          She was born September 18, 1907 at Huntingburg , Indiana to Joseph John and Mary Magdalena (Grabber) Heilers.  She moved to Nebraska with her family at an early age and attended school in Lawrence , Nebraska for 7 ½ years before moving to the Stratton area in 1919.  She finished the ½ year of school and completed the 8^th grade.
          On May 13, 1931, Leona was united in marriage to Paul M. Haller at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton.  They lived on a farm south of Stratton for 46 years before moving to their home in town.  Leona enjoyed her flowers, making many quilts and doing embroidery work.
          She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton; the Alter Society; and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for more than 62 years.
          Preceding her in death are her parents Joseph and Mary Heilers; her husband, Paul Haller; son, Frank Haller; sisters, Augusta Andrijeski, Elenora Reiman, Rose Farschon; brothers, Leonard, Henry, and Aloys Heilers.
          Survivors include her children, Delores McKain of Trenton, NE, Marj Grimm and husband, Bob of McCook, NE, Pat Glebe and husband, Vern of Stratton, NE, Albert Haller and wife, Brenda of Grand Island, NE, Midge Forbes of McCook, NE; 38 grandchildren; 78 great-grandchildren; 33 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends.
          A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stratton with Rev. Fr. Sean Redmond celebrant.  Interment will follow services at Rose Hill Cemetery near Stratton.  Visitation will be Friday, May 30, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the church, with a rosary being recited that evening at 7:30 p.m. (CDT).
          Memorials may be given in her name.
          Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Stratton.

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          Roseanel Lee Ransom, age 79, passed away peacefully at Capital Hospice in Arlington , Virginia , on June 6, 2008, with her husband by her side.
          She was born July 13, 1928 in Indianapolis , Indiana and was the daughter of the late Lee and Hannah (Michaelson) VanStrom.
          Rosenael graduated from Lincoln High School in Lincoln , Nebraska , and was a member of the National Honor Society.  She furthered her education at the University of Nebraska and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi.  She devoted her life to being a wonderful homemaker, mother and wife.  She was a member of her beloved church, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Dale City for 33 years.  Rosie enjoyed travel, friends, her church, and most of all, her family.
          Survivors include her husband of more than 54 years, Darwin Ransom of Woodbridge, VA; sons, Roger Ransom and wife, Rhonda of Lebanon Church, VA, Elmer Ransom and wife, Catharine of Arlington, VA; daughters, Nancy Ransom of Woodbridge, VA, Laura Ransom and husband, Kevin McGrath of Maple Valley, WA; and six grandchildren, Nicole, Joshua, Hannah, Donna, Connor and Nickolas.
          The family will receive friends on Tuesday , June 10, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Mountcastle Funeral Home in Dale City , Virginia . 
          A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Dale City .
          The family will gather again to receive friends on Friday, June 13, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM (MDT) at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.  Interment will follow the viewing at 6:00 PM (CDT) at Rose Hill Cemetery near Stratton with Carole Coates officiating.
          If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 14999 Birchdale Ave. , Woodbridge , VA 22193 .
            Local arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

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