Ardys Mae Williams Young, age 89, of Lincoln, died on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 in Lincoln. She was born on June 5, 1922 in Phillips County Kansas to George Nathan Williams and (Minnie) Mina Bertha Johanna Hecht Williams. Ardys married Donald Earl Young on November 30, 1940 in Imperial, Nebraska. Ardys grew up in the Naponee and Franklin, Nebraska area surrounded by her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ardys and Donald lived in Holdrege, Nebraska for many years where their daughters were born. She was a stay-at-home mom and was devoted to caring for her family. She never sat still, always busy cooking, sewing, and cleaning for the family and helping her daughters with projects they were involved in. She was active in her Extension Club and church activities. Ardys worked at the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant after her children were older and in school. When the family moved to Lincoln in 1965, she went to work at Gold’s and Brandeis Department Store. She was the “salad lady” in the second floor cafeteria. Ardys was the first one to greet customers as they went through the line and always had a smile and kind words for the customers. When Brandeis closed, she worked for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln food service for a short time before retirement. She was a member of Second Baptist Church.
Ardys is survived by her daughters and son-in-laws, Carol and Harley Nelson of Lincoln; Shirley and John Horstman of Lincoln; Beverly and Keith Ludden of Augusta, Maine; grandchildren, Connie Nelson of Lake Havasu, Arizona; Cindy and Jason Richard of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Jeff and Kristy Horstman of Lincoln; Pamela and Matt Brigham of Seattle (Fife), Washington; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Rachel Buck of Lincoln, Korey, Kelsey, and Karsen Richard of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Kamden and Kasten Horstman of Lincoln, great-great-grandson, Mason of Lincoln; sister, Gladys Norton of Fort Collins, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Ruth M. Samuelson, and grandson, John Nelson.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the Second Baptist Church, 525 N. 58th Street, Lincoln with Pastor Steven Wisthoff officiating.
Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Lois Jean “Billie” Knaff, age 79, of Lincoln, died May 5, 2012. Born January 24, 1933 in Hazard, Kentucky to Richard and Alberta (Olinger) Baker. She taught for the Lincoln Public Schools before her retirement.
Survivors include her children and spouses: Daphne G. Knaff, Ronald W. Knaff, Carl B. and Teresa Knaff, James and Laura Knaff, Cassandra Knaff all of Lincoln. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 9th from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Interment will be in Wyuka Cemetery.
Carolina H. Olivas, age 90, of Lincoln, died May 2, 2012. Born in Balleza Chih, Mexico on August 24, 1921 to Bentura and Maria (Rodriquez) Herrera.
Survivors include her children, Lucrecia O. Casas of Richmond, CA. Manuel Olivas, Luis Olivas, Luisa O. Beltran, Leonor O. Saenz all of Lincoln. Leticia O. Villegas of El Paso, TX. Leoncio Olivas of Lincoln. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Brother: Damazo Herrera of Amarillo, TX. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lucio, 11 children, 2 sisters and 3 brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, May7, 2012 at the Cristo Rey Catholic Church, Lincoln. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and Sunday, May 6, 2012 from Noon until 9:00 P.M. with rosary services at 7:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home Chapel.
Interment will be in Wyuka Cemetery
Memorials may be left for the family.
Joan Dolores Carpenter Furr was born March 26, 1931. She grew up during the heyday of the American movie musical and she was heavily influenced by the musicals of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Deanna Durbin and Jane Powell. She had a huge crush on singer/actor Dennis Morgan and learned the entire dialogue of several of his movies, which she would happily recite given the slightest chance. But, it wasn’t Dennis Morgan who would show up later in her life, but Fred Astaire. Joan was born with an eye for beauty, an ear for music, an appreciation for both, and terrific taste. She was also born with a beautiful soprano voice that was so promising that she was admitted to the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where she studied vocal arts. Joan was also a talented dancer. She taught ballroom dancing at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio on Park Avenue in New York. When Fred Astaire came to New York and visited the studio, Joan was his dance partner. Along with her eye for beauty and beautiful voice, Joan was a beautiful woman. She and her best friend, Liz MacRae, could stop traffic in New York City in the 1950′s. They were part of the sophisticated and vibrant New York scene. Joan loved New York then, and she frequented museums, opera, and Broadway shows. During that time, Joan met pretty much every big film star in Hollywood. She was a regular at Sardi’s, The Colony, the Four Seasons, Twenty-One Club, Danny’s Hideaway, and El Morocco. It was an exciting time for her, but greater happiness would come later in her life. Joan’s sense of style and taste extended into her surroundings and wherever she lived she transformed the space into a place of beauty. Her love of design led her to The New School in New York where she completed a degree in interior design. Joan and her sister Jane opened a successful business togehter on new York’s Upper East Side. Joan did the design work, and Jane had the fun and challenge to do the actual work to bring her designs to life. Then Joan’s life changed forever when her friend Liz MacRae invited her to Lincoln for a visit. Liz introduced Joan and Houghton and it was obvious very quickly that they had fallen head over heels for one another. They were a match made in heaven with their mutual love of music, art and travel. Right from the beginning, they traveled the world, taking amazing trips to Africa, Asia and Europe, visiting their favorite city of Paris many times over the years. When they weren’t traveling, they loved entertaining in their home. Their home was filled with love, photo albums and mementos of their adventures together, beautiful things. The food was always great because both Joan and Houghton loved to cook. Joan also loved tennis and gardening. When Houghton got sick, their travels came to a halt and there were a rough few years until Houghton’s death, but Joan stayed by his side. A year ago, the family lost their sister Barbara. Now, all too soon, they’ve lost Joan. Wherever Joan is, she’s watching a classic movie, or redecorating, or listening to a Mozart piano concerto and turning the pages for Houghton. She is survived by her Sister: Jane Martin of Wilmington, DL. Brother: Richard Roessle of Lincoln, Step-daughters and Spouse: Lynn Furr; Susan and Victor Shousha of Paramus, NJ. Niece and Spouse: Joy and Brian Soudant of Wexford, PA. Nephew: Michael Pacicca of San Francisco. Grand nephew: Jackson Joseph Soudant, born January 31, 2012. Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband Houghton Furr, her parents and her sister Barbara Pacicca.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home Chapel.
The family is requesting memorials in lieu of flowers to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Joan. To contribute you can go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Richard A. McMurtry, age 80, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 29, 2012 in Milford. He was born July 10, 1931 in Anselmo, Nebraska to Roy and Florence (Hanke) McMurtry. Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served for over 2 years in Korea. He married Marjorie Ann Shields in McCook, Nebraska on August 23, 1959. Richard was a meatcutter for Safeway and Russ’s grocery for 50 years.
Survivors include his wife Marjorie of Lincoln, Sons and Daughters-in-law: Clark and Monica McMurtry of Brookshire, Texas; Keith and Becky McMurtry of LaVista, Nebraska. Daughters and Son-in-law: Cheryl McMurtry and Lori and Donald Hilligoss of Olathe, Kansas. Grandchildren and Spouses: Chris and Nanette McMurtry, Sarah and Zach Eder, Jacob Hilligoss, Kara Hilligoss, Andrew McMurtry, Ethan McMurtry, Braden McMurtry. Great grandchild: Story McMurtry. Sister: Lois Hill of Broken Bow, Nebraska; Brothers-in-law and Spouses: Rolland and Rosemary Shields and Harley and Elda Shields all of McCook, Nebraska. Maxine and Bob Patterson of Lawrence, Kansas. Preceded in death by Parents; Brother and Sister-in-law: Ray and Mary McMurtry; Sister and Brother-in-law: Iona and Al Kohler; Mother-in-law and Father-in-law: Nellie and Glenn Shields; Sister-in-law: Hazel Collins. Brothers-in-law: Bill Collins and Duane Hill
Services will be held Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at Southview Christian Church, 2040 S. 22nd, Lincoln. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with the family greeting friends from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Graveside services with military rites will be held at Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials may be left for Southview Christian Church or the Parkinsons Foundation.
Virginia L. Hamilton age 92 of Lincoln, Nebraska died on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at her home in Lincoln. She was born on September 22, 1919 in Newport, Nebraska to William Eugene and Vesta M. (Foxworthy) Farr.
Virginia’s wishes were to be cremated with no funeral service.
Virginia is survived by a son, daughter and granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband Merle.
Burial will be in the Orchard Cemetery.
Ruth E. Christensen 89, of Lincoln, formerly of Valparaiso, NE died April 27, 2012 in Lincoln. She was born November 25, 1922 in Valparaiso, NE to Nels and Esther (Olson) Nord. She married Clarence Christensen, Jr. on April 6, 1946, while teaching at Indian Camp country school. Ruth retired from Raymond Central Public Schools in 1986 after serving as secretary, bookkeeper, bus driver and substitute teacher for 30 years. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ceresco, where she was baptized and confirmed. Ruth was a dedicated community member, serving on many boards and supporting many organizations, including the Valparaiso Senior Center, Valparaiso Heritage Club, Valparaiso Woman’s Club, Eastern Star, WELCA and the Valparaiso Community Club. She was a strong advocate of the Valparaiso Library, and founded the Ruth Christensen Scholarship Fund at Raymond Central High School for future teachers. She loved history, genealogy, served and supported all churches in Valparaiso and in Ceresco.
Visitation: Visitation will be held at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 O Street, Monday, April 30, 2012, from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Service: Will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ceresco, NE, on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor John Sievers officiating.
Family Gathering: Family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cemetery: Valparaiso Community Cemetery.
Memorials: Immanuel Lutheran Church; Raymond Central Educational Foundation – Ruth Christensen Scholarship Fund; American Heart Association.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 66 years, Clarence; son, Dan and Sue Christensen of Holdrege, NE; daughter, Cynthia Christensen of Louisville, KY; son, John Christensen of Ceresco, NE; grandchildren Aaron Schneider (Jenny), Mikhaila Mauricio (Jacinto), Tim, Nathan (Tela), Rob (Andrea), and Alina Ukinski-Radnovich (Chris); and five great-grandchildren, Sierra, Emma, Adam, Josh, and Alejandro; and sisters-in-law Erma and Margaret Nord, Lincoln and Genevieve Christensen, Fremont, NE. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanne Schneider; grandson, Anders Ukinski; parents; brothers Walter, Carl, and Ivan; sister, Irene Nord; and infant sister, Dorothy.
Axton Alexander Nolte, 2 year old son of Wade Nolte and Jennifer Baker passed away on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at his home. He was born in Lincoln on June 9, 2009.
Survivors include his parents, Wade Nolte and Jennifer Baker of Lincoln; grandparents, Roger and Linda Nolte of Lincoln, Kimberly Romine of Lincoln, Chris Baker and Deb Plakas of Illinois; great-grandmother, Lenora D. Clark of Lincoln; great-grandparents, Lloyd and Phyllis Romine of Grand Island; Vern and Shirley Heckle of Alaska; uncles, Austin Nolte of Lincoln, Eric Baker of Illinois, aunt, Afton Baker of Lincoln, great uncles, great aunts, cousins. Axton was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Fred Clark; and great-grandparents, Marvin and Dorothy Nolte.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.
Memorials for Axton may be directed to the Bank of the West.
Sloane Michael Peterson age 31 of Lincoln died on April 24, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family, after his 2 1/2 year battle with colon cancer. He was born on September 3, 1980 in Hastings, Nebraska to Mike and Gay (Hines) Peterson. He attended school in Kenesaw and graduated in 1999 and McCook Community College graduating in 2001. Sloane was employed previously at HyVee and UPS and until January of 2012 as a Project Manager at Service Master.
Sloane is survived by his wife and best friend, Ashley (Renner) Peterson of Lincoln; parents, Gay Bogan of Lincoln; Mike and Meredith Peterson of Pinedale, Wyoming; brother, Colt Peterson of Vail, Arizona; niece, Kyrstin; grandparents, Evelyn Hines of Hastings; Bob and Ella Luft of Garland; in-laws, Ervin and Donna Renner of West Point; brother-in-laws, Ryan and Tyler Renner of Omaha, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Roman Hines and Vaughn Peterson.
There will be no visitation.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Duffy officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Karen E. Ehlers Bauman, age 66 of Loveland, CO formerly of Lincoln, died April 17, 2012 in Loveland. She was born October 5, 1945 in Billings, MT to Walter and Janice (Ireland) Ehlers. Karen was involved with Campfire Girls, Girl Scouts, Theta Rho and was very active in the churches she attended and really enjoyed Calvary Community Church. She loved to help people, which led her to work in nursing homes and child care. Karen won an award for putting in the most hours as a caregiver when she worked at a nursing home, she also was involved with the Foster Grandma Program. She loved spending time with her family, camping, fishing and swimming when she was younger.
Survivors include her husband Ron Bauman of Loveland, CO; Children, Tammy of Apple Valley, MN. Shawn of Palmyra, NE. and Aaron of Lincoln. Grandchildren, Max of Apple Valley, MN. Isaiha and Jaden of Lincoln. Brothers and Sisters-in-law: Wayne and Linda Ehlers and Gary and Dorothy Ehlers all of Lincoln. Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends. Preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. in Calvary Community Church, 4400 N. 1st Street, Lincoln.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 23, 2012 at Wyuka Funeral Home, 1:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. The family will be present from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. to greet friends.
Memorials may be left for the family for a later designation.
