Willard Leroy Buskirk, 68, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at his rural Alliance home.

Leroy was born in Scottsbluff, NE on March 3, 1949 to Willard C. and Betty J. (McCormick) Buskirk.

On November 18, 1972 he was united in marriage to LeaAnn Ofe at the First Baptist Church in Alliance.

Leroy was a lifelong area farmer.  He was very active with the Box Butte County 4-H
program and enjoyed his hobbies of shooting, pheasant hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his children, Jeff (Sonya) Buskirk of Kearney, Jeremy Buskirk (fiancée’ Jodi) of
Norfolk, NE and Jennifer Suurvarik of Black Hawk, CO, their mother, LeaAnn Buskirk
of Black Hawk, CO, and his grandchildren, Dane, Izabella, Elena, Ryder and Jheir.
He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Sandra Sanders of Julesburg, CO,
Paula (Byron) Sharman of Sidney, Jim (Renee) Buskirk of Hemingford, Irene (David) Webb
of Julesburg, CO and Marianne (RD) Sutphen of Lakeside and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be Saturday, October 28 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church with
Pastor Kent Steinke officiating.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Box Butte County 4-H for the Reserve Champion Swine
Showmanship award. The Buskirk family has funded this award for 30 years.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home
in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Darrel Leistritz, 87 will be held on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 10:30AM at Lakeside
United Methodist Church in Lakeside, Nebraska with Pastor Myron Kugler officiating.

Mr. Leistritz passed away October 23, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home
in Alliance, Nebraska.

Darrel was born September 10, 1930 in Antioch, Nebraska.

A memorial has been established for Diabetes Association for Research.
Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com. 

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Josephine Bartels, 97, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017 at the Hemingford
Community Care Center.

She was born on November 18, 1919 in Alliance to Otto and Ella (Snoddy) Matz.

On November 28, 1940 she was united in marriage to Clifford E. Bartels.
Three children were born from this union, Beverly, William (Bill) and Donald Chris.

Helen worked for L.B. Murphy’s, Production Credit Association and the Guardian State Bank.
She was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church and was active in the
Lydia Circle. She and her husband were also members of the Panhandle Country
Music Association.

She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Winters of Cody, WY and her son,  Chris
(Susan) Bartels of Alliance, her grandchildren, Anthony (Denise) Lettini, Chris
(Wendy) Bartels, Jodene Lettini, James (Jen) Bartels and John Bartels (Liz Jensen)
and her great-grandchildren, Hannah, Hailey, Harmony, Addie, Ava, Gino and
Gianna.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, her son, William,
her son-in-law, Stan Winters, her sisters, Ella (Floyd “Slim”) Kosmicki, Ruth (Elmer) Brown,
Billy (Les) Myers, John (Jenny) Matz and Charlie Matz.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Evangelical
Lutheran Church.  The Reverend Richard E. Mueller and Reverend Martin T. Schnare
will officiate. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitation will be Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church or School or to a charity
of the donor’s choice.

Kaelia Shae Nelson passed away October 29, 2017, at the age of 21 in Peru, Nebraska.

Kaelia was born September 17, 1996, in Alliance, Nebraska, to Mark and Shardel Nelson.
She attended school in Alliance through the 6th grade. From 7th grade on she attended
Hemingford High School, from where she graduated in 2015. She was a member of the
National Honor Society, a 2-time state track qualifier, and a member of the relay team
that still holds the Hemingford 4X800 school record set in 2015. She rode and raced
motocross when she was in grade school,following in her brothers’ footsteps, and she was
a runner up in her motocross class in 2008. In high school Kaelia was active in
cheerleading, volleyball, track, and cross country. During the summer she enjoyed spending
time at the lake camping and taking boat and jet ski rides.

Kaelia competed in scholarship pageants in the Miss America System. She held the titles of
Miss Chadron Outstanding Teen 2011, Miss Alliance Outstanding Teen 2012, and was 1st
runner up in 2012 for Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen. In 2015 Kaelia was crowned
Nebraska’s Homecoming Queen and represented her state in Memphis, Tennessee,
competing for the title of America’s Homecoming Queen and finishing as 2nd Runner Up.
She was Miss Alliance in 2017, competed this past June at Miss Nebraska, and was recognized
as the largest fund raiser for Children’s Miracle Network at the Miss Nebraska pageant.
In September of this year she was crowned Miss Chadron, and would have competed again
at Miss Nebraska in June of 2018. Kaelia’s platform was mental illness. Kaelia had written and
published a book relating to mental illness.

Kaelia was a beautiful young lady who always wanted to bring support and joy to others.
Kaelia looked up to and had a great deal of respect for her two brothers. She often did things
to show her respect and appreciation to them; military themed dance routines and cheer
formations named “The Rig” after drilling equipment come to mind. Her dog Charlie was a
comfort to her and would make the trips to see her at college.

Kaelia attended Nebraska Wesleyan University for a year and a half. She was a Gold Rush
Dance Team member and was in the Delta Zeta Sorority. She transferred to Peru State College
in January of 2017. She was on the cheer squad and was one of their flyers for Peru State College.
She was also involved in the Peru State Education Association (PSEA) and held the position of
Secretary. Kaelia had a glow and energy that would light up the sideline or the stage. She loved
working with children and had worked with programs that aided children in need. She was a
junior at Peru State College with a major in education.

Kaelia was preceded in death by her grandfather, Glenn Nelson, grandmother,  Betty Nelson,
great grandmother, Alice Worley, great aunt,  Shirley Stutzman, great uncle,  Cecil Stutzman,
and longtime family friend and pageant seamstress,  Myrna Loibl.

She is survived by her parents Mark and Shardel, brothers Zachary and Kelby and sister-in-law
Ashley Nelson of Alliance. Grandparents Rolland and Pat Skinner of Hay Springs, Uncle Brett
and Aunt Tina Skinner of Hay Springs, Aunt Keri and Uncle Craig Wyatt of Chadron, Uncle Kirk
and Aunt Deb Nelson of Columbus, and Uncle Rick Nelson of Scottsbluff. Cousins Tosha Skinner
and fiancée Nick Toste, Ethan and Mia Skinner, Bryanna Scheuler, Jace, LaRee (Trent Colburn
and children), Cole (Sammy), and Blaine Wyatt and fiancée Cait Wiseman, Derek Nelson, Devin
Nelson along with his son Mason, fiancée Bailee, and their son Ryker, Bethany Nelson, and Paige
Miller, as well as numerous other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The service commemorating her life will be held Saturday, November 4, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at St.
John’s Lutheran Church at 2090 Emerson Avenue in Alliance, Nebraska. Pastor Tim Stadem will
officiate.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 1-7 p.m. at the
Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be given to the family to be divided between a mental illness organization,
the Miss Nebraska Organization, and the Peru State College Cheer Team.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home
in charge of arrangements.

Burr “Gene” Underwood, 89, died Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Ponderosa Villa
in Crawford, Nebraska.

He was born June 8, 1928 in Alliance, Nebraska to Burr and Cleo (Miller) Underwood.

He married Jessie L. Hopkins on June 8, 1952.

Gene was a lifetime area rancher, ranching west of Alliance before he and his wife
moved to Crawford in 1989 where he ranched until his retirement.  Gene loved rodeo
and always enjoyed watching the Fort Robinson Rodeo.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Alliance Roping Club.

He is survived by his sons, Brad (Tobie) Underwood of Crawford, Rod (Kim)
Underwood of Alliance, Greg Underwood of Crawford and Sid Underwood of Alliance.
He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in
death by his parents, his wife, his daughter Cheryl, an infant son and his sister.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the United
Methodist Church in Alliance.  Pastor Gideon Achi will officiate.  Burial will be in
the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Crawford Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 220 Elm St.,
Crawford, Nebraska, 69339.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.
Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

John Allen Dafney, 58 passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at his home in
Fort Collins, Colorado.

John was born April 7, 1959 in Alliance, NE, the youngest of 5 children to Nick and
Leila (Hawley) Dafney.

As a youth John enjoyed baseball, wrestling and was an active member and officer in
Demolay.  John graduated from Alliance High School in 1977.  After his high school
graduation, John attended the University of Wyoming and Colorado State
University where he studied Criminal Justice.

John worked for a legal firm for a brief time before his health deteriorated and
prevented him from pursuing his career.

John enjoyed his family and friends, and was always up for a lively discussion on
current events and social issues.  He had a fun-loving personality and independent
spirit.  His desire to put a smile on the faces around him was infectious.

Preceding John in death were his parents, brother-in-law and great nephew.
Survivors include his brother Mike (Helen) Dafney of Alliance, NE; sisters Marina
Garner of Hyannis, NE; Janice (Kevin) O’Connor of Alliance, NE; and Judith (Jerry)
Toler of Siloam Springs, AR; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, November 11 at 10:00am at St. Matthew’s
Episcopal Church with Father Coke McClure officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to St. Matthews
Episcopal Church, the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive #900,
Arlington, VA 22202 or Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, 375 Kings
Hwy N, Cherry Hill, NJ  08034.

Nancy Beal, 78, passed away Monday, November 13, 2017, at her home in
Alliance, NE.

A rosary will be held at 9:30 AM, Saturday, November 18th followed by a Mass of
Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance with Father
Tim Stoner officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
Memorials may be given to St. Agnes Academy Foundation, Holy Rosary Catholic Church,
or to a charity of the Donor’s Choice.

Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Nancy was born April 15, 1939, in Alliance, NE to Cecil and Agnes (Newberry) Beal.
She graduated from St. Agnes Academy in1957 and attended St. Mary’s College in
Leavenworth, KS.  She entered Sisters of Charity in Leavenworth, KS in 1965 and taught
in various schools in Montana, California, and Kansas.  Nancy later returned to Alliance
where she worked for Wegner Chevrolet-Oldsmobile-Cadillac, Palmer Monument Company,
Box Butte County Attorney and Williams Jewelers until her retirement. She was a member
of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  Nancy was known for her quick wit and sense of humor.
She will be missed by those who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her sisters: Margie (Art) McCarty of Omaha, NE,  Molly (Willard) Rieck
of Colorado Springs, CO;  sisters-in-law: Connie Beal of Alliance, NE,  Fran Beal of Lincoln, NE;
and brother-in-law Richard Stull of Bridgeport, NE; numerous nieces and nephews,
and many friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Edward McNulty,
Duane Beal, and Michael Beal, and sister, Dorothy Stull.

Hazel Grace Little Hoop-Catches, 9 months, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday,
November 14, 2017 at Box Butte General Hospital.

She was born on January 26, 2017 in Denver, CO.

She is survived by her parents, Andrea Paige Little Hoop and Joseph James Catches
and her sisters, Milla and Paisley Little Hoop-Catches. She is also survived by her
grandparents, Norman and Christina Little Hoop of Alliance and Martin and Judy
Catches, Sr. of Chadron, her great-grandmother, Wilma Red Nest of Alliance along
with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be Monday, November 20 at 2:00 p.m. at the Indian Mission
Church of God with Reverend Don Mink officiating.  Traditional Lakota services will
be conducted by Lonnie Little Hoop and Ricky Gray Grass.

Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

A two night wake service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Beverly “Bezzy Jane” (Jorgensen) Benda of Hemingford, NE passed
peacefully on November 24, 2017 at Highland Park Care Center in
Alliance, Nebraska.  She was 87.

Beverly was born on September 18, 1930, in Curtis, NE to Carl
and Fern Jorgensen.  In 1948, she graduated from the Nebraska
School of Agriculture in Curtis, NE.  There, she met the love of
her life, William B. Benda.  They married in 1948.  Together,
they raised their family and farmed just east of Hemingford,
which was home for 69 wonderful years.

She was very active in the United Methodist Church of
Hemingford, teaching Sunday School, leading Junior High Youth
Group, serving in The Women’s Society, and singing in the choir
for services, funerals, and weddings.  Discovering a love for
music in high school through playing the snare drum and
violin, she continued to enjoy the latter as part of an orchestra
in Chadron.  A hard-working farm wife, she drove trucks during
harvest, made runs for parts, and cooked meals for hired hands.
She loved to sew and crochet, raise flowers, bake, square-dance,
and travel with the Alliance Travelers.  She always delighted in
her family and loved to host extensive gatherings for the holidays,
and she was ever-devoted to her grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.

Beverly is survived by her sisters, Shirley Todd of Scottsbluff, NE
and Carolyn “Sus” Peden of Gothenburg, NE; her daughter Cheryl
Harms and spouse Edwin of Bridgeport, NE; her son Rick Benda
and spouse Gina of Hemingford, NE; her daughter Jody Osler and
spouse Doug of North Platte, NE; her six grandsons Brian Benda
and spouse Kimberly of Alliance, NE, Jeff Benda and spouse Kalie
of Castle Rock, CO, Matthew Benda and spouse Kristin of Tulsa, OK,
Eric Harms and spouse Amber Hill of Boulder, CO, Mike Osler
and spouse Sarah of Des Moines, IA, and Chris Osler and spouse
Casey of Parker, CO; her three granddaughters Kristine Benda and
spouse Josh Sole of Rapid City, SD, Kayla Cox and spouse Justin
of Sioux Falls, SD, and Sally Andersen and spouse Rob of
Des Moines, IA; and eleven great-grandchildren.  She is preceded
in death by her loving husband, parents, and brothers Marvin and
Jerry Jorgensen.

A funeral service will be at 1:30, Wednesday, November 29 at the
Hemingford United Methodist Church with Pastor Esther Achi
officiating. Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.  Coffee
and cookies will be served in the Church Fellowship Hall afterward.
All are welcome to join in the celebration and memory of Bezzy
Jane’s life.

Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Bates-Gould
Funeral Home in Hemingford.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to the Hemingford
United Methodist Church or the Hemingford Volunteer
Firefighters Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Lena Ann “Annie” Barrett, 74, passed away November 24, 2017
at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.

She was born January 24, 1943 in Gaffney, South Carolina
to Herman L. and Artie (Hambright) Barrett.

She was united in marriage to J. Daniel Jones in 1960.  Following his
death, she was later united in marriage to Eugene Simmons.
Annie worked for many years as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
She moved to North Platte, NE from South Carolina 35 years
ago and then later moved to the Sandhills region before moving
to Hemingford to help take care of her grandchildren.

Annie is survived by her children, Deborah Rosentrater of
Hot Springs, SD, Cynthia Jones (Chuck Long) of Hemingford,
Samuel Jones of Seward, NE, Cheryl “Davey” Stone of Gaffney, SC,
her step-children, Joe Simmons of Scottsbluff, Jennifer Blackwell
of Rapid City, SD, George (Shannon) Simmons of Crawford and
Michael (Dawn) Simmons of Topeka, KS, 15 grandchildren,
25 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and both of her husbands.

She was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church, Hemingford
American Legion Auxiliary and was a Girl Scout Leader.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, November 28 at 10:00 a.m.
at St. Bridget Catholic Church with Father Tim Stoner officiating.

Memorials may be sent in care of the family to
6960 Cherry Road, Hemingford, NE  69348.

Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Harry L. Jensen, 90, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at Skyview of Bridgeport.

He was born on April 17, 1927 at Mirage Flats, NE to Soren Chris and Ida K. (Andreasen) Jensen.
Harry served in the U.S. Army for two years beginning in 1945.

On June 27, 1955 he was united in marriage to Neva Jane Sherlock.

Harry worked as a self-employed contractor for many years in the Alliance area.
He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the VFW.
For 20 years he served as a Scout Leader with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

He is survived by his sons, Robert Jensen and David Jensen of Alliance and Mark
(Wendy) Jensen of York, NE, his granddaughter, Brooke (Kyson) Denker of Lincoln, NE
and his brother, Roger (Carolyn) Jensen of Scottsbluff along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, and his brothers and sisters,
Harvey, Wilfred, Elna, Katherine, Iva (Ray) Stoulp, Darius and Gladys.

Funeral services will be Thursday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church
with Father Tim Stoner officiating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
A Rosary service will be Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the church.
Visitation will be Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Regional West Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Bentley James Bendickson, the three month old son of Gerald and Megan Bendickson
passed away unexpectedly Friday, November 24, 2017.

He was born on August 17, 2017 in Alliance, NE.

He is survived by his parents, and his sister and brothers, Jessica, Joshua and Jordan.
He is also survived by his grandparents, John and Arlen Loutzenhiser of Alliance and
Susan and John Aimonetto of Edgemont, SD and his great-grandparents, Ron and Henrietta
Loutzenhiser of Hemingford and Bruce and Betty Bendickson of Edgemont, SD along
with numerous aunt, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 1, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist
Church with Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Hazel R. Roth, 94 of Laramie, WY passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the
Laramie Care Center.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Shepherd
of the Hills Lutheran Church in Hyannis, NE.

Interment will be in the Hyannis Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church in Hyannis.

Mullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Battin, 75 of Alliance passed away Friday, November 17.

Survivors include her children: Brenda Sims of Pampa, TX; Ben & Leann Johnson
of Alliance and Beverly & Steven Arellano of Sidney, NE.  Brothers: Richard
Hoevet, Scottsbluff, NE; Dan Hoevet, Omaha, NE and Ray & Sheri Hoevet, Casper,
WY.  Sisters: Neoma & Ronald Clark and Doris Rising, Alliance, NE.  Sisters-in-law
Sarah Johnson, Chadron, NE and Marilyn Straight, Boone, IA.  Five granddaughters
five grandsons, seven great-granddaughters, three great-grandsons and several nieces
and nephews.

Memorial graveside services are planned for a later date in the Bethel Cemetery
near Crawford.

Memorial contributions may be made in care of the family for future designation.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of arrangements.

Lisa C. Penaluna, 35, passed away on Monday, December 4, 2017
from injuries she received in a motor vehicle accident north of Alliance.

She was born on October 4, 1982 at Scottsbluff, NE to Eric E. and Nancy
C. (Lorenzini) Nixon. She attended Cottonwood School from Kindergarten
through 8th grade where she kept Mrs. Williams very busy and everyone
at home on the run. Lisa then attended Hemingford High School where
she graduated in 2002. While in high school she was involved with 4-H,
basketball, FFA and other activities. Following high school she enrolled
at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, NE for a year and
a half.  She loved helping with the livestock on her family’s home place
and was a faithful member of the Open Door Church.

On March 17, 2007 she was united in marriage to Corey William Penaluna
at the Open Door Church south of Chadron. To this union, two sons,
Cody Robert and Levi Daniel were born. Corey passed away October 11, 2013.

Lisa was a stay at home Mom and was devoted to her two sons and was
active in groups that they were involved in.  She belonged to MOPS when
they were pre-school age as well as now being active in AWANA and the
Boy Scouts programs and their school activities.

She is survived by her sons, Cody and Levi, her parents, Eric and Nancy Nixon
of Chadron, her brothers, Riley Nixon of Chadron, Curtis Nixon of Hemingford
and Lance Nixon of Alliance and her grandmothers, Harriet Lorenzini of
Alliance and Xenile Nixon of Chadron.  She is also survived by her father-in-law,
Bill Penaluna of Alliance, her brother-in-law, Jeff Penaluna of Rodeo, CA,
an aunt, Winnie Rust of Alliance along with other aunts, uncles, cousins,
nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her infant sister, Brenna
Christine Nixon and her grandfathers, Americo J. Lorenzini and Eugene Nixon.

Memorial services will be Friday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Evangelical
Free Church with Pastor Art Smith officiating.

Interment will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials for Lisa’s sons may be sent in care of the family to 801 Cottonwood
School Road, Hemingford, NE  69348.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral
Home in charge of arrangements.

Mary Louise West, 81, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2017 at
Hemingford Community Care Center.

She was born in Box Butte County, NE on December 2, 1936 to
Virgil and Carrie (Chapman) Wessel.

On October 21, 1955 she was united in marriage to Floyd M. West.

She is survived by her daughters,  Linda (David) Hayes of
Goldsboro, NC, Brenda (Marty) Patrick of Alliance and Rhonda
(Neal) Swisher of Torrington, WY, son-in-law Grant Manewal,
Holland, MI, and her grandchildren, Allen Hayes, Curtis Hayes,
Wesley Hayes, Jerrold West, Justen West, James Patrick,
Katie Patrick, Zachary West, Johanna Swisher and Joshua Swisher,
along with 14 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister, Doris West of Eaton, CO and her
brothers, Earl (Patsy) Wessel of Oilton, OK and Dennis Wessel of
Arlington, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband,
her son, Richard West and her daughter, Saundra Manewal, her sisters,
Maxine Speelman and Arlene Dunbar, and her brothers, Cecil Wessel,
Ralph Hiner and Everett Hiner.

Funeral services will be Thursday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m.  at the
Bates-Gould Chapel with Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  Burial will be in
the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-7 p.m.
and Thursday until service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to Jane’s Closet at Box Butte General
Hospital or to the Hemingford Community Care Center.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com

Walter R. Young, 95, passed away Friday, December 15, 2017 at Highland
Park Care Center.

He was born July 19, 1922 to Howard and Bessie Young.  Walter was raised
on the family ranch south of Lakeside, Nebraska.  He went to Lakeside for
grade school and then attended the Agricultural School at Curtis, NE.

He married Helen Patton on January 1, 1943.  They moved to the ranch
south of Bingham.  A son, Gale and a daughter, Connie were born.
Walter loved ranching, horses, cattle and his family.  Walter retired
from ranching in 1979 and at that time moved to Alliance.  He then
worked for several years for the Johnson Feed Store.

Walter is survived by his wife, Helen, his son, Gale (Lynda) Young
of Torrington, WY, his grandchildren, Michelle (Dan) Okamato of
Kearney, NE and Galen (Loralee) Young of Alliance, his step-
grandchildren, Bill (Yvonne) Bargeron of Worland, WY and Dawn
(John) Nordin of Camano Island, WA, 6 great-grandsons and
numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter,
Connie and a brother.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 20 at 10:30 a.m. at
the Bates-Gould Chapel.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Betty Helen Preiss, 93, of Alliance passed away on Sunday, December 17,
2017 at Highland Park Care Center.

Betty was born October 7, 1924 in Omaha, NE. to Soloman and Helen
(Bronson) Spracklin. She was one of seven children and grew up on a
farm and then in Omaha. During WWII, she worked in a plant making
dried eggs for the soldiers. After a mail carrier was blown up, her future
husband found a letter on Omaha Beach with only her address
recognizable. John wrote her and then the correspondence continued
until the war was over. Upon returning to Nebraska, John met Betty in
person and they were married January 4, 1946.

Betty loved fishing, camping, gardening, bingo, and putting puzzles
together. She was a loving wife, wonderful mother, and friend to many.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, John Preiss Jr., son,
Kenny Preiss, granddaughter, Amanda Preiss, her parents, 3 brothers,
and 2 sisters.

She is survived by a daughter, Juanita (Larry) McCracken, a son, Terry
(June) Preiss, daughter-in-law, Carrie Preiss all of Alliance, her brother,
Gerald (Kathy) Spracklin, 9 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial will be next week on Friday,
December 29, 2017 10:30am at Bates Gould Chapel with Jeanie Sedivy
officiating. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the American Legion Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Joseph John Kulas, 93, passed away Monday, December 18, 2017 at Box Butte
General Hospital in Alliance.

He was born March 19, 1924 in Alliance to Anton and Bessie (Krejci) Kulas

From 1944 to 1946 he served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII.
He was stationed in the Philippines in the south Pacific and was involved
with the occupation of Japan immediately following the end of the war.

On June 26, 1951 he was united in marriage to Eleen Ruth Prochazka at
St. Bridget Church in Hemingford. Joe was a lifetime Box Butte County farmer.
He was also an accomplished carpenter and enjoyed playing the accordion.
For a number of years he played the accordion as a member of the Sunshine
Trio with Lori White and Lee Messersmith.  He also played at area nursing
homes along with his wife to entertain the residents.  He was a member of both
St. Bridget and Holy Rosary Catholic Church’s, Knights of Columbus and
the Panhandle Country Music Association.

Joe was a devoted family man. He is survived by his children, Gary (Patty)
Kulas of Alliance, Mary (James) Yardley of Hemingford and Alma (Lee) Jerke
of Alliance, his grandchildren, Sarah Jeffers, Amber Yardley, Tyler (Amy) Kulas,
Ashley Yardley and Brandon Jerke, and his great-grandchildren, Owen, Bayden
and Loagen Meyer.  He is also survived by his brother, Bernard Kulas of Alliance
and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Eleen, an
infant son, his grandson-in-law, Bill Jeffers, his brother, Leo, his sister-in-law,
Dorothy Kulas and his niece, Anita Kulas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 22 at 10:00 a.m. at. St. Bridget
Catholic Church with Father Tim Stoner officiating.  Burial will be in the Hemingford
Cemetery with military honors.  A wake service will be Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at St.
Bridget Catholic Church.  Visitation will be Thursday from 1-5 p.m. at the Bates-Gould
Funeral Home in Alliance and continue at the wake service.

Memorials may be given to St. Bridget or Holy Rosary Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.