Helen Louise Green Adams, 85, peacefully went home to be with Dad on April 24, 2011, at the home of her daughter, Jeannette Pearley.  Helen was born January 26, 1926, in Alliance, Nebraska, to the late Joseph and Sophronia (Kenney) Green.  She was raised in Alliance, Nebraska, with her siblings, Ruby, Alton, William, Douglas, Lola, Ernest, and Dorothy, all of whom preceded her in death.

Helen met the love of her life and soul mate, Joseph William Adams, Sr., and the two were joined in Holy Matrimony on June 23, 1946.

Helen’s first employment outside of the home was domestic work, cleaning dormitories, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Helen was as an outreach worker for the former Lincoln Action Program.  Through this program, Helen was encouraged to complete her education.  She began working on her degree in 1968.

In 1973, Helen took a job as Coordinator of Parent Involvement for Head Start and Follow Through in the Federal Programs Office of Lincoln Public Schools.  Her job status was changed to Consultant for Community Resources in 1977.  She completed her Bachelor of Science in Education degree and graduated with DISTINCTION from UNL in 1979.  In 1980 she began her job as an educator at Elliott School.  She continued teaching until her retirement in1999.

She was a lifetime member of the Parent Teacher Association and Harris Farley Ladies Auxiliary 131 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Nebraska State Education Association-Retired, Lincoln Education Association-Retired, and Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was also a former Girl Scout Board member.  She was awarded the YWCA Tribute to Women Award in 1992 and the Community Action at Work Award in 2010.

Helen was preceded in death by both parents and all her siblings. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Barbara and Roosevelt Nix of Holland, Ohio; Jeannette Pearley of Lincoln; Lori and Ronald Banks of Centennial, Colorado; Dorothy “Mickey” Forrest of Denver, Colorado; Margaret and Hollis Booker of Aurora, Colorado; and Lovie and Norman Magruder of Las Vegas, Nevada; sons and daughters-in-law Joseph and Carol Adams and Roger Adams, both of Lincoln and Melvin and Linda Adams of Columbia, Missouri.  She has 19 grandchildren including Joanna Davis-Yoakum, Rochelle Nix, Rolonda Nix, Brian, Wayne, and Joe Alan Adams, Angela Wenz, Michael Adams, Diane Adams, Aaron Adams, Ashlee Forrest, Georee Forrest, Ronald “RJ” Banks, Kayla Banks, Tara Duncan, Rashad Booker, Heather Szabo, Holly Booker, and Michael Broadus.  She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Mary Givehand of Nebraska City, and one brother-in-law, William Goodwin of Lincoln. 

Many nieces and nephews including Carolynn Goodwin, Barbara and Richard Miller, Delores Davis, Gracie Green, Carolyn Green, Louise Griffin, and Douglas Greene, as well as a host of other relatives and friends also survive her. The family respectfully request that any memorial gifts be directed to Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and HoriSun Hospice.

The family would also like to thank Amber and the staff of Home Instead and HoriSun Hospice for all their support.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Jennifer Lynn (Griess) Spady, 37, Lincoln, died Saturday, April 23, 2011, after a long struggle with cancer.  She was born on April 26, 1973, in Henderson, Nebraska to Morris and Talitha (Huber) Griess.  Jennifer grew up in Sutton and graduated from Sutton High School in 1991.  She married her husband, Scott Lee Spady, on November 7, 2009. 

Jennifer enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.  She was a devoted, loving wife and mother and was very proud of her three sons.

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Scott L. Spady; sons, Colby, Austin and Myles Dawe of Bee;  parents, Morris and Talitha Griess of Sutton; grandmother, Marie Huber of Sutton; brother, LaRoy Griess of Sutton; sister, Sandra Dunning and her husband Paul and their daughters, Hannah and Brianna, of Doniphan, as well as many dearly loved aunts , uncles, cousins, in-laws, friends and other relatives.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her grandparents, Martin and Esther Griess, and Gideon and Verna Huber.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home. 

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 1800 S. 84^th Street, Lincoln, with Pastor John Kunze officiating.  A reception at the Messiah Lutheran Church will be held immediately following interment at Fairview Cemetery in Lincoln. 

Condolences or personal reflections may be sent to 5120 NW 9^th Street, Lincoln, NE 68521 or online at www.wyuka.com

Wayne Kenneth Kendall age of 79 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on Friday, April 22, 2011 at his home in Lincoln.  He was born on December 12, 1931 in Clarinda, Iowa to Guy B. and Beulah B. (Heller) Kendall.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954.  He worked as a heavy equipment operator for over 40 years.  Wayne married Shirlene Willett Rust on September 8, 1974 in Lincoln. 

Wayne is survived by his wife, Shirlene of Lincoln; daughters, Kelli Coffey of Lincoln; Kim (Mike) Matthews of Raymond, Nebraska; Anita (Ken) Pirnie of Franklin, Nebraska; Janeen (Gary) Schaffer of Lincoln; sons, David Rust of Guide Rock, Nebraska; Tom (Mary) Rust of Holdrege, Nebraska; brothers, Roy Kendall of Madrid, Iowa; Robert (Phyllis) Kendall of Clarinda, Iowa; sisters, Jean (Merlin) Davidson of Clarinda, Iowa; Shirley Thomas of Clarinda, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; many loving nieces and nephews and a host of friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Helen Fine, Eunice Brown, Margie Thompson; brother, Dean Kendall.

Cremation/no visitation.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or JDRF.

Sophie Ruth Ferguson age 89 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on Friday, April 22, 2011 in Lincoln.  She was born on February 17, 1922 in Chadron, Nebraska to Vellure and Nella Weaver.  She married Richard Donald Ferguson, who preceded her in death.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Wayne Weaver of Sidney, Nebraska; Sister, Patricia Beeken of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Children, Steve and Heather Rohde of Fox Lake, Illinois; Robert and Laura Ferguson of El Paso, Texas; Shan and Karie Ferguson of Rising City, Nebraska; grandchildren, Russell and Teri Ferguson of Lincoln; Frank and Jessie Felde, Jr of Gilbert, Arizona; Gabriel Rohde of Schaumburg, Illinois; Robert Ferguson, Jr of El Paso, Texas; Amanda Ferguson of El Paso, Texas; Brandon Ferguson of Rising City, Nebraska; Elena Ferguson of Rising City, Nebraska; 8 great-grandchildern.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Kathryn Ferguson; daughter, Robin Felde; brother, Ole Weaver; sister, Lylus Linden.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 25, 2011 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Burial will be in Wyuka Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Joan Marie Tews age 79 of Cincinnati, Ohio (formerly of Lincoln) died on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 in Cincinnati.  She was born on July 28, 1931 at home in Gladbrook, Iowa to Lawrence and Geneva Putney.  Joan was a beloved mother of Jane Elizabeth Tews Weed (Dan) and James David Tews (Rick Lochridge), fun and loving granny of Emily, John and David Weed and Brian and Kevin Tews, dear sister of Mark Putney, John Putney and Jean Secor.  Joan graduated from Gladbrook High School in 1949 and the University of Colorado, a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority in 1953.  She taught freshman English in Salinas, California.  She met Nebraska Senator David D. Tews, whom she married in 1959.  Joan worked as a real estate broker with Austin, ReMax and Woods Brothers Realty in Lincoln, Nebraska.  She was an entrepreneur and loved her Casey’s General Stores.  She later retired to Orlando, Florida.  Joan loved Vail, Colorado and traveling the world and especially hosting her friends and family in her home.  She was a very devoted mother to her children and grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 9:00 A.M. until service time at 10:30 A.M.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 10086, Toledo, OH  43699.

Alice Mary Minchow, age 73 of Lincoln died April 7, 2011. Born November 25, 1937 in Sac City, Iowa to Ira Wilber and Alice Olive (Bliss) Hill. Alice spent her time giving to others as a volunteer for the Friends of the Elderly and the Make-A-Wish foundation. Professionally she retired from owning and operating an employment agency.

Survivors include her husband: Darrell Minchow of Lincoln. Her son Anthony John Bonelli and his wife Leslie all of Lincoln. Granddaughter: Andrea Marshall and her husband John of Omaha. Grandson: Andrew Uithoven of Columbus, Ohio. Great Grandson: William John Marshall of Omaha. Step daughter: Tracey Minchow of Lincoln, granddaughter: LaTisha Minchow of Lincoln. Sister: Joy E. Ray of Lincoln, Brother-in-law: Richard Warman of Lincoln. Nieces, Nephews and many, many friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Brothers: Robert Hill and Babe Hill. Sister: Iris Warman.

Services will be held at Wyuka Funeral Home, Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. No public visitation.

Burial will be at Wyuka Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Make-A-Wish foundation in Alice’ name.

Joseph Dennis Backes age 60 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on Monday, April 4, 2011 at his home in Lincoln.  He was born on May 3, 1950 in Sturgis, South Dakota to Joseph and Patricia (Stocks) Backes.  He graduated from high school and attended a welding trade school.  He served in the U.S. Army.  Joseph worked as a car man welder for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 31 years. He married June Stokes on October 29, 2004 in Lincoln.  

Joseph is survived by his wife, June of Lincoln; daughters, Melissa Kolrud of Fargo, North Dakota; Jennifer Backes of Lincoln; step-daughter, Alesia Stokes of Lincoln; brother, John Backes of Wyoming; grandchildren, Tanya Kolrud, Dylan Kolrud, Kashies Walters, Gage Coulter and Hailey Langdale.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother James Backes.

Cremation/no visitation.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Burial will be at a later date in the Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, South Dakota.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Elva D. Fesler age 67 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at her home in Lincoln.  Born September 12, 1943 in Bartley, Nebraska to Thomas Dorwin and Frances (Lohr) Carpenter.  Elva was a devoted, hard working and kind person, she started working as a junior high student with her mother at the Bartley Municipal Telephone Company.  After moving to Lincoln she worked for Safeway from 1964 until the store closed in 1981.  Elva was a long time member of the Wyuka Cemetery and Wyuka Funeral Home family, where she held several positions as administrative assistant, bookkeeper and friend beginning in 1995. 

Survivors include her brother Wayne Carpenter and Cheryl Bales of North Platte, Nebraska.  Niece: Dawn LaRae Sikes and her husband Stewart of York, Nebraska.  Nephew: Thomas Carpenter and his wife Julie of Bartley, Nebraska.  Niece: Kimberly Rosenkranz and her husband Jim of Lakefield, Minnesota.  Sister-in-laws: Roberta Carpenter and Loretta Carpenter.  Great Nieces and Nephews plus a lot of very special friends.  Preceded in death by her husband: Harley Fesler, her parents and brother: Roger Carpenter.

Services will be held at Wyuka Funeral Home on Friday, April 8, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. with public visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. on Friday.  Graveside services will be held at the Bartley Cemetery, Bartley, Nebraska on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 11:00 A.M.

Memorials may be left for the People’s City Mission, Matt Talbot Kitchen or the Bartley Volunteer Fire Department.

Marion Virginia (Oliver) Baatz went home to be with her Lord, Saturday evening April 2, 2011.  She was born on November 4, 1927 to Paul Wesly Oliver and Margie Ann (Siedell) Oliver in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Marion attended Lincoln High School and from early childhood she was a member of Central Christian and Missionary Alliance Church where she sang in the choir.  She met the love of her life Howard Elmer Baatz while working together at Cushmans’ of Lincoln and they were married on Septenber 20, 1945.  Marion loved meeting new people, as well as her dearest friends and always had a way of showing others how special they were with her kindness and gentle nature.  She was gifted with crafting and made many gifts for family and friends.

Marion is survived by her son Monte A. Baatz and his wife Fran.  Granddaughters Nicki Clarke and husband Alex.  Gretchen Rathbun and husband Scott all of Lincoln.  Great Grandchildren Hailey Clarke, Gavin and Macie Rathbun also all of Lincoln.  Good family friends Tim Allen of Lincoln and Larry Nance of Lincoln.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband Howard and her parents.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Wyuka Funeral Home from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at Wyuka Funeral Home at 1:00 P.M.  Interment will be at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery following a reception with the family in the “Garden Room” at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the family for the Chet Ager Nature Center.