Opal Margaret (Cox) Johnson, 99, died Monday, December 18, 2017 at Highland Park
Care Center in Alliance, Nebraska.

Opal Margaret Cox was born April 28, 1918 in Newell, South Dakota to Winfield &
Drucilla Cox of Vale, South Dakota.

Opal grew up in the Lead-Deadwood area. She got to witness Mt. Rushmore being built
and often told of the time she got to sit on Teddy Roosevelt’s nose while it was being
constructed. She also attended the first ever Sturgis Rally in August, 1938, her and Arthur
went on to attend the rally 48 times.

Opal was united in marriage to Arthur Johnson on November 1, 1939 in Vale, South Dakota.
They celebrated 69 years of marriage when Arthur passed in 2009.

On February 4, 1954 Opal & Arthur adopted their first child, a daughter, Dianne.
In July of 1965 the family doubled in size when they adopted Ronda, Edward & Darrell.
Opal spent her time being a busy farmer’s wife with 3 meals on the table every single
day and a roast beef dinner every Sunday after church. She was an accomplished seamstress
and a wonderful cook. She also loved scrapbooking and has many scrapbooks with
everything a history buff might want to see. She was also very involved with the
First Baptist Church.

Opal is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Arthur, her daughter Dianne,
her parents, her brothers, Gayle & Delmar and her great granddaughter, Patience Melton.

Survivors include her children, Edward Johnson of Scottsbluff, Darrell (Colette) Johnson
of Alliance, Ronda (Luis) Vallejo of Kansas City, MO and her son in law Monte (Linda)
Zillinger of Ft. Worth, TX, her grandchildren, Morgan, Tara and Trevor Johnson,
Ashley Newhoff, Lindsey (Christin) Riemer, Jessica and Paige Johnson, Aubrey, Kenna,
Chase, Lane, Avalon & Cross Vallejo, Candice (Carlos) Calderon, Eric (Amy) Zillinger,
and Courtney (Michael) Melton. She is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and
numerous nieces and nephews. Her brothers- in- law, Dale (Jeanne) Johnson
and Larry Brennan, and sisters-in -law Lucille Appleby and Gladys also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.  at the First
Baptist Church in Alliance with Pastor Paul Livingston officiating. Burial will be in
the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-7 p.m. at the
Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be sent to Highland Park Care Center, Regional West Hospice
or First Baptist Church.

Mary Helen (Kotschwar) Quick, 92, joined her husband and a host of family and friends
in the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Highland Park Care Center.

Mary Helen was born January 2, 1925, in her grandfather’s rural home south of
Maywood, Nebraska to Joseph and Jennie I. (Loghry) Kotschwar.  Her five-year-old
brother carried her, upside down, and handed the crying baby to his mother,
saying, “Doll”.  For her family, it was a name that stuck.  At the age of four, she had
eyes on her brother’s lovely red lunch pail, so she started to school.  For four years
she thrived under the guidance of “Miss Daisy” Novotny.  The unexpected loss of her
beloved brother, Cecil, in 1935 affected her deeply.  She graduated from Curtis High
School in 1941 and started teaching at the age of 16 in a rural school for $25 a month.

Her good friend, Evelyn Quick, talked Mary into going out with her brother, Cliff, when
he returned from the service after WWII.  They were married August 17, 1948 at Quick,
Nebraska.  Cliff’s first position as County Agent was at Stapleton where they maintained
life-long friends with many in the community.

In 1958 they moved to Alliance where they remained for the rest of their lives.  She was
an active member of the First Baptist Church and a charter member of the Happy
Homemakers Extension Club.  Mary was a devoted housewife.  Her house was always
impeccable and guests and grandchildren were always welcome at mealtime.  She was
often seen hanging her clothes out and doing chores in the yard.  Thanks to great
neighbors, Dave and Linda Ocken, Leanne and Darin Hill, and Sue Mashburn, she
was able to stay in her own home until age 90.

She is survived by her son, Cliff Jr. (Bonnie) Quick of Callaway, her daughter Marla
(Roger) Wade of Hemingford, and her son Monte (Tamara) Quick of Larned, Kan.;
grandchildren, Holly Wade, Aaron (Cara) Wade, Kyle (Sarah) Wade, Caleb (Cynthia)
Quick, Corrine Quick and Reagan Quick; and her great-grandchildren, Camden,
Bryce, Amelia, Vayda, Presley and Hattie Mae Wade, and Esther, Cora and Abigail
Quick.  She is also survived by her beloved sister Jennie Lou Cook, her sister-in-law
Gwen Quick and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her
parents; her husband; her brothers Cecil, Phillip, Paul and Chet and their wives;
her grandson Andrei Quick; brother-in-law’s, Eldon Cook, Aaron (Genevieve) Quick
and Bob Quick, and her sister-in-law Evelyn Hansen.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at the First Baptist Church
in Alliance, Reverend Paul Livingston will officiate.  Burial will be Wednesday,
December 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in
Maxwell, Reverend Doug Delp will officiate.

Memorials may be given to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 114, Alliance,
Nebraska, 69301, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Charlie Krantz, 48, passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at his home in Alliance.

He was born in Alliance to Charles and Barbara (Mitchell) Krantz on June 2, 1969 and was
named Charles Eugene.

Charlie was employed by St. Agnes Academy since 1998 being involved with the maintenance
and custodial duties of the school and parish center.  Charlie was a caring person and willing
to help anybody with anything at both the school and in the community.

He is survived by his sons, B.J. Krantz and Kyle Krantz, his brother, Wil Krantz all of Alliance,
his niece and nephews, Michael Krantz and Brandi Krantz of Amarillo, TX and Hunter Krantz
of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parent, his brothers, Ricky and Jim and his grandparents,
Jim and Edna Krantz and Ruth and Dale Mitchell.

Memorial services will be Saturday, December 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic
Church with Father Tim Stoner officiating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
A wake service will be Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may be sent in care of the family to 612 Platte Avenue, Alliance, NE  69301.

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

George R. Rippstein, 85, died Friday, December 29, 2017 at Highland Park Care Center.

He was born November 4, 1932 in Dayton, Kentucky to George and Clara M. (Maschinot)
Rippstein.

George grew up around cars and engines, so it was a natural progression for him to grow
up loving cars.  His background in mechanics lead to being an aviation mechanic in the
United States Marine Corp from 1952-1957.  He never lost his love of cars or planes.

He married Jacqueline M. Wimpffen on December 14, 1963 in Denver, CO.

George had a variety of interests, ranging from cars to sustainable energy, from railroads,
both real and model, to breeding and raising African Cichlids.  He also enjoyed gardening,
especially growing roses.  He was an adventurer, never staying in the same place for too long.
Every autumn found him at his favorite hunting spot in Colorado.  He enjoyed camping,
fishing and walking on the beach.

George especially loved his family, he took great pride and joy in the accomplishments of
his children.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his delight.  He was a
genuine man who could always be counted on.

He is survived by his children, Annette Rippstein of Pensacola, FL, Michael Rippstein of
Milford, and Kristina (Jim) Goodwin of Alliance.  He is also survived by his grandchildren,
Bernadette (Chris) Jelks of Fort Walton Beach, FL, Joseph (Nicole) Goodwin of Lincoln,
and Britton Goodwin of Milford; great grandchildren, Jiraiya Jelks and Quincy Jelks; his
brother, Lee (Barbara) Rippstein of Peoria, AZ; his niece Sharon (Alan) Woodall of
Naches, WA; nephews, Tim (Kathy) Rippstein of Seward, Terry (Peggy) Rippstein of
Glendale, AZ, and Greg (Linda) Rippstein of Phoenix, AZ; and his first wife, Sylvia
Rippstein of Fort Walton Beach, FL.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife,
his brother Louis, and his son Jeffrey.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel.
Pastor Dennis Gruber will officiate.  Burial with military honors will be in the Nebraska
Veterans Cemetery at Alliance.  Visitation with the family present will be at the funeral home
on Thursday, January 4, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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

Dorthy Mable Hamaker Meradith was born November 5, 1919 in Sioux County, Ne. to
Dave W. Hamaker and Hannah Belle Martin Hamaker. She had a brother Fred and
sister Ruth. She passed from this life on January 1, 2018 at age 98 at Highland Park
Care Center in Alliance, Ne.

Dorthy attended country school near her home and then graduated from Sioux Co.
High School in Harrison in 1937. She helped her parents on the ranch for a couple
years then moved to Crawford to help care for an elderly couple that everyone who
knew them called Grandfather and Grandmother Itzkeytch. She attended one year
at Chadron State College where she got a civil service typing certificate that lead her
to several jobs. She worked at Igloo, S.D. and then in Denver at the Army Air Force
Headquarters.

She met her future husband Dean Paul Meradith before he joined the 8th Calvary
where he served until the fall of 1945. When he came home from the army he asked
Dorthy to marry him and they were married on November 5, 1945 in the home of
the Itzkeytchs. They approved of Dean because Ben Itzkeytch had also served in
the 8th Calvary. They lived in Omaha for a short time and then moved back to the
Hemingford area where they farmed together until they retired and moved into
Hemingford in 1981. They had two sons Gary Dean And Ronald Eugene who gave
them much joy in their lives. Dean passed April 15, 1992.

Dot spent many volunteer hours caring for the “elderly” at the Hemingford Care
Center, helping in the public library and at the school. She was honored for her
service by the President’s Volunteer Service Award and recognized several times
for her various volunteer services. She made friends where ever she was-both
young and old. She was a long-time member of the Methodist Church and of
the Royal Neighbors and the Rebekah lodge.

Dot spent the last 5 months of her life in Highland Park care Center where she
made more new friends and teased “the girls”. She was preceded in death by her
parents, brother and sister, and husband, Dean.

Her survivors include sons Gary (Rosemarie), Ron (Yolanda), her grandson Kyle,
her granddaughters, Brenda (John) Morford, Monica (Mark) Johnson, Amanda
Meradith; and six great-grandchildren, Taylor (Jake), Telli, Meredith, Mason,
Morgan, and Leighton; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday January 6th at 2 p.m.  at the United Methodist
Church in Hemingford with Pastor Esther Achi and Tim Horn officiating.
Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday from 1-7 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home in Hemingford.

Memorials may be made to the Hemingford Methodist Church, the Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association or to any organization to care for children’s needs.

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

Margy C. Olson, 78, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Regional West
Medical Center in Scottsbluff surrounded by her family.

She was born March 30, 1939 in Loup City, NE to William and Ruth (Crowe) Christensen.
The family later moved to Chadron for her father’s job with N.P.P.D.  Margy graduated
from Chadron High School in 1957 and attended Chadron State College.  She worked for
Northwestern Bell for 12 years and for 30 years worked as her brother’s bookkeeper in his business.

On February 4, 1968 she married Robert Olson in Scottsbluff, NE.  To this union 3 children
were born, Jodi (JD) Sutphen, Amy (Shawn) Varner and Brad Olson.

While the kids were young Margy became a care giver for several families and formed lifelong
bonds of friendship.  She enjoyed helping at the schools, church and attending her children’s
activities. Later she enjoyed attending the activities of her grandchildren and watching
her grand dogs.

Margy is survived by the love of her life of 49 years, her husband, Robert, her three children,
her grandsons, Morgan Sutphen (Ashleigh Galles) and Peyton Sutphen, Drew Varner and her
granddaughter, Katelyn Varner.  She is also survived by her brother, Melvin Christensen of
Chadron, her sister, Jean (Bill) Marchant of Chadron, her nieces, Kim (Jeff) Metz of Angora
and Tori Marchant of Scottsbluff and her nephews, Bill Christensen of Rapid City, SD,  and
Brian (Janet)Fisher of Alliance and her great-nephews, Dillon and Logan Metz.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband’s parents, Clarence and Emma Olson.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.  at the United Methodist Church
with Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  The family requests casual attire. Burial will be in the
Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 5 from 1-7 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the Alliance Public Schools Foundation, the Save the Track Fund or Pillars for the Park.

Leo R. Wacker, 92, died Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Highland Park Care Center.

He was born April 17, 1925 in Minatare, Nebraska to Adam and Christina E. (Hurst) Wacker.

He married Rosie Haas on February 17, 1946 at Minatare, Nebraska.  They farmed several years
at Minatare, at Sheep Creek north of Henry, and in 1953 began farming in Alliance.  He was a
member of the United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his children, Coni (Ron) Sagehorn of Omaha, Jeff (Nancy) Wacker of
Parker, TX and Tim Wacker of Alliance.  He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 9 great grand-
children and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife,
5 brothers and 4 sisters.

Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

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

Leona Fern Sulzbach Marsh, 85, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at
the Hemingford Community Care Center following a long debilitating illness.

She was born October 26, 1932 to Frank and Lena (Sherlock) Berry of Angora,
Nebraska.  She was one of eight children.  Leona attended school in Angora
through her elementary years and graduated from Alliance High School in 1951.

She married Donald Sulzbach on November 11, 1951.  They lived northeast of
Alliance where they famed and ranched.  Three children were born to this union.
Following Don’s death, Leona later married C.J. “Bus” Marsh on March 16, 1979.
They lived west of Alliance where they farmed and ranched until their retirement.

Leona is survived by her husband C.J. “Bus” Marsh of Hemingford; her sons, Dwain
(Sharon) Sulzbach and Daryl (Gwen) Sulzbach, all of Alliance; her daughter, Donna
Sulzbach of Wright, WY; step-sons, David (Tammi) Marsh of Fremont, Brad (Debra)
Marsh of Clarksville, GA, and Pete (Becky) Marsh of Colorado Springs, CO; and her
step-daughter, Melanie Marsh of Lewisville, CO.  She is also survived by her sisters,
Belva (George) Krejci of Alliance and Twila (Jed) Lockaby of Newton, KS; her grand-
children, DJ Sulzbach, Levi (Allyson) Sulzbach, Timothy Finnell, Nichole (Kevin)
Ylander all of Alliance, Zackery (Randi) Sulzbach of Omaha, and Justin (April)
Sulzbach of North Platte; and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews,
and great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband
Don, her sister Thelma Jones, brothers, Kenneth, Leroy, Charles and Dale Berry,
and her step-daughter, Denise Marsh.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Nebraska
Veterans Cemetery at Alliance.  Pastor Kent Griffen will officiate.

Memorials may be given to the Hemingford Community Care Center, the Nebraska
Veterans Cemetery, or Jane’s Closet.

Edward A. Becker, 88, of rural Chadron, died Monday, January 8, 2018 at Highland
Park Care Center in Alliance where he had been a resident since suffering a stroke
on July 30, 2017.

Ed was born April 24, 1929 at Alliance to Edward M. and Thelma (Zoble) Becker.
He subsequently became the big brother to Arlene Minor, Maxine Morris and Charlene
Hebbert.  Three other sisters, Irene Lowe, Darlene Bonifield and Delores Valentine
preceded him in death, as well as his parents and two brothers, who died as babies,
and a baby grandson, Joseph Cawiezell.

Ed attended country school near their Ashby ranch and then attended St. Agnes Academy,
where he played football and basketball before graduating in 1948.  Following graduation
he joined his dad in ranching.

On July 14, 1953 he and Sally Lowe were married at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance.
He then became associated with Lowe Cattle Company.  Ranching was his first priority in
life but he enjoyed rodeo as a past time. Calf Roping was always his best event but he took
a turn at riding barebacks and saddle broncs and even bull dogging.  At the age of 30 he
began tripping steers. He qualified for the NFR in Steer Roping six times. In 1973 he won
the Average at Laramie, WY the first year the Finals were held there.

In 1983, after Dean and Nancy were well established at Lowe Cattle Company, Ed and Sally
bought a place east of Chadron and he was able to rope more and they both began to enter
Old Timers Rodeos all over the West.  In 1989, they went to Arizona for two weeks and in
time bought their own place, rodeoed, made new friends and enjoyed the warm weather-but
were always home by calving time…just in case he was needed.

His family includes his wife, Sally, of 64 years; his daughters, Brenda Booth of Casper, WY,
Joan (Bill) Bolln of Chadron, Nancy (Dean) Edelman, who live on and manage the family
ranches in Ashby, NE, Luanne (Chuck) Cawiezell of Lingle, WY, Julie Roland of Tyndall, SD
and Kerry Becker and her partner Michelle Wright of Riverton, WY.  He was always so proud
of all his girls because as he told people, “They all know how to work.”  They also raised grand-
children and great-grandchildren whom he enjoyed as well; Cory and Mark Brennan and their
children, Collin and Rylee;  Kelli and Jack Rhembrandt and three boys, Tameron and Dillan
Sayaloune and Blake Rhembrandt; Traci and Butch Hollibaugh and  daughter Laney Klemke;
Dean and Ann Lehmkuhler and their girls Eva and Abby, Lander, WY;  Andrew Roland, USMC,
Indian Head, MD;  Jill and Trevor Eppert and TC;  Jake Edelman, Ashby, NE.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic
Church in Chadron.  Father Tim Stoner will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Grant County Rescue or the
Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL, 33607.

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

Michael Wade Mockerman, 61, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, January 9, 2017
at his home in Alliance, NE.

He was born July 19, 1956 in Salina, Kansas to Linford Adam and Eleanor Louise
(Johnson) Mockerman.  His father’s career took his family to several locations
before moving to Gordon, NE where they lived before moving to Alliance prior
to his senior year in high school.

A year after his graduation Mike hired on with Burlington-Northern Railroad
and retired in February 2016 after 41 years of service. Mike loved the northern
panhandle Pine Ridge area where he enjoyed his hobbies of hunting and fishing.
He also liked to read Steven King books and watch any kind of western movie.

He is survived by his wife, Donita, whom he married on May 6, 2004, and his
children, Amanda Mockerman of Alliance, Matt (Michaela)Mockerman of
Omaha, Sarah (Craig) Sleicher of Kearney and Kristina (Matt) Kruid of
Pleasanton and his grandchildren, Madison Stickney, Evelyn Mockerman,
Eleanor Mockerman, Davis Sleicher, Jocelyn Sleicher, Taylor Frank, Henry
Kruid and Charlotte Kruid.  He is also survived by his parents, Lin and Ellie
Mockerman of Pierre, SD, and his sisters, Jodi Schwinler of Pierre, SD and
Sandi (Steve) Crile of Chadron and his mother-in-law, Carol (Lewis) Penn
of Sturgis, SD, his nephews and nieces, nephews Adam Smith, Stephen Crile,
John Crile, Cali Crile, Molly Schwinler, Megan Schwinler, and Merlin Schwinler.

Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 14 from 1-5 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral
Home with the family being present from 2-4 p.m.  Memorial services will
be Monday, Jan. 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alliance Eagles Club.

The family will designate a memorial to honor Mike’s charitable nature and
memorials may be sent in care of the family to 904 Emerson Avenue, Alliance, NE  69301.

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

Funeral mass services for Richard Lyle Serres, age 87, of Chadron, NE will be Monday,
January 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chadron with Father
Tim Stoner officiating.  Burial will be at Bodarc Cemetery, north of Harrison, NE.

A memorial has been established for the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department.
Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Richard Lyle Serres of Chadron passed away January 12, 2018 at his home.

Richard was born January 21, 1930 in Crawford, NE to John Paul and Ida Mae
Serres.

On June 2, 1951 he was united in marriage to Beverly Jean Coleman at Ardmore, SD
by Father Beaver.  They lived on a ranch in northern Sioux County until 1955 when
they moved to Chadron where they built their home and resided together until his
death.

He was a member of the St. Patrick’s parish and was active in the church. He worked
for C&NW Railroad for many years until retirement.  He enjoyed woodworking and
being with family and friends.

Survivors include: Sons: Steven (Billie) Serres and Richard (Susan) Serres of
Chadron, NE; Daughters: Crystal (Dan) Jordan of Harrison, NE; Cherry (Matt)
Martin of Alliance, NE; Caron (Charles) Ward of Mt. Vernon, WA; Colette (Doug
Brueckner) of Chadron, NE; 20 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Mavis Arlene McLean, 82, died Sunday January 14, 2018 at Highland Park Care Center
with her family by her side.

Mavis was born January 2, 1936 in Chadron, Nebraska to Lyle and Ruth Collons.

She married Charles McLean on December 23, 1956 in Chadron.  In 1970, Mavis graduated
from Chadron State College. She was employed by the City of Alliance as head Librarian
from 1975 until her retirement. She took great pride in being the librarian at all three
locations.  Mavis loved reading and playing bridge.  She belonged to various clubs
throughout her life including the Friends of the Library, Eagles, Knight Museum, Sallows
Military Museum, Carnegie Arts Center, Alliance Arts Council and the Soroptimist Country
Music Association to name a few.

She is survived by her children, Marci (Jim) Moran of Alliance and Darci (Anthony)
DeLaTorre of Cheyenne, WY; her grandchildren, Nicholas (Jessica) Moran, Rebecca
(Allen) Schrader, and Seth (Merecedes) DeLaTorre; and her great grandchildren,
Addison and Emeri Schrader, and Cora and Eloise Moran.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Charles W. McLean
and her sister, Marlene Allen.

Celebration of Life and graveside services for Mavis and Charles will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Friends of the Library, Regional West
Hospice or the Alliance Senior Center.

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

Nona V. Roten, 82, formerly of Alliance, passed away Sunday, January 14 at her home
in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

She was born October 1, 1935 in Northport, Nebraska to Harold and Retha (Mitchell)
Woodhams.

Nona grew up a farm girl in northeastern Colorado.  She was active on the farm and in 4-H.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado A&M (now known as Colorado State
University). She settled in Alliance in the 1950’s where she taught PE and health in the
Alliance school system.  Nona met Joe Roten after Joe’s children from a previous marriage
told him about their wonderful teacher.  Joe asked her for a date.  They later married on
August 31, 1962.

Nona was active in her children’s activities including Cub Scouts, sports, band, and scholastic
competitions.  Nona was a volleyball referee, Sunday school teacher, and treasurer for the
First Baptist Church for thirty-five years.  One of her most rewarding activities was being
a mentor for the Moms of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS).

In July 2017, Nona and Joe moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to immediate family.

She is survived by her husband, Joe, their children, Troy (Flora) Roten and Nolene (Todd)
Metzger all of Colorado Springs, her grandchildren, Brandon Roten, Allison Roten, Taylor
Metzger and Abby Metzger and her sister, Joan (Chuck) Powell of Sedgwick, CO.

Her parents preceded her in death.

Memorial services will be Saturday, January 20 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church
with Pastor Paul Livingston officiating.

The family would prefer memorials in lieu of flowers be given in Nona’s name to the
Alzheimer’s Association or to the American Heart Association.

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

Daren Wade Sever, 76, passed away on Monday, January 15th, 2018 in Alliance,
Nebraska surrounded by his family.  Born in Dupree, South Dakota on March 1st,
1941 to Wade and Peggy Sever (Wood), Daren spent his early years in Lantry,
South Dakota with his close family.  Sister Sheila joined the family in 1950.
Daren’s mother instilled a love of music and dancing in her son that would last a
lifetime.  Peggy brought Daren and Sheila to Alliance, Nebraska in 1957 where
Daren attended Alliance High School until he enlisted in the Army in 1958.
Daren’s love of travel probably began with that first trip to Baltimore, Maryland
where he was stationed until 1963.

After returning to Alliance, Daren worked for the CB & Q Railroad where he gained
immediate success and was soon promoted and transferred to Kansas City and
eventually Burlington, Iowa in 1967.  It was there that he met Peggy Lee Thomas
and they were married in July of 1968.  The young couple welcomed their first child,
Stephanie Renee, in 1969 and their second daughter, Andrea Zola, in 1973.  During
this time, Daren’s career with the Burlington Northern Railroad moved the family
around from Burlington to Chicago to Washington state; while in there from 1972
through 1983, the family lived in Seattle, Vancouver, Brier, and Bothell.  Living in
Washington was one of the highlights of Daren’s life, particularly Seattle, where his
flair for dressing up matched with the city scene.  It was also in Washington where
he adopted the Seahawks as his team. Again, the railroad called, and 1984 ushered
in a year of change as the family moved back for a short time to Alliance and then
back to Chicago and finally Daren settled permanently in Alliance in 1985.

This time signaled a year of transition as Peggy moved on and Daren stayed in
Alliance and began a new chapter.  While Daren loved the city life, he also appreciated
the small-town life of Alliance.  Between Nebraska football and meeting new people,
Daren made his big heart known around the town.  Anyone who knew him, knew that
his heart and ears were open to all.  Daren and Frank Martinez formed a life partnership
in 1986 and lived happily in the Meadows trailer park until Frank’s death in 2004.
Daren and Frank loved to entertain friends and family with amazing food and drink.
In 2001, Daren retired from the railroad and began enjoying the retired life.  Later,
Tony Martinez became a treasured friend and companion.  Together they enjoyed
karaoke and Halloween parties. He belonged to several organizations in Alliance
including the American Legion, the VFW, and the Eagles Club where he served as
Conductor and Chaplain. Recently, Daren found joy in his family, especially his grand
and great-grandchildren.  He would often travel to Washington and Mississippi to visit
with his daughters and grandchildren; together they played games like Uno, Yahtzee,
Monopoly, and Texas Hold’em.  It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that his family
says goodbye.

Daren is preceded in death by his father Wade Sever, mother Peggy Wood, step-father
Ralph Wood, partner Frank Marquez, and brother-in-law Jack Wilson.  He is survived
by his daughters Stephanie Hagerty (Pat McNeil) of Hattiesburg, MS and Andrea Coomes
(Jason) of Vancouver, WA and step-son Troy Wilson of Burlington, IA; his sister Sheila
Wilson of Alliance; his grandchildren Chantell Heupel (Steven), Colton Coomes, Bianca
Hagerty (Mack), and Travis James; his great-grandchildren Skyeler and Emmett Heupel;
and his niece Amber Wilson of Denver and nephew Jerad Wilson of Alliance.

Memorial services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Alliance at 2:00 p.m. on
Thursday, January 18th with inurnment at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery.  A celebration
of life will follow at The Gathering Spot in Alliance.

Memorial donations can be made to the Veterans State Cemetery at Alliance Foundation,
P.O. Box 902, Alliance, NE  69301 or the Alliance Eagles Club.

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

Laona M. Perrin, 89, died Monday, January 15, 2018 at Skyview of Bridgeport Care Center.

She was born July 18, 1928 in Formoso, Kansas to Lewis S. and Elizabeth (Markey) Currie.

Laona married Rex Shannon at Miltonvale, KS in 1946.  After his passing, she married Alvin
Leisy on August 25, 1949 in Gordon.  Together they lived in the Alliance area where Laona
worked as a secretary at the Good Samaritan Village and later as office manager at Box Butte
General Hospital.  Alvin passed away in 1986 and on June 2, 1996 she married John L. Perrin.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she was a deacon and elder,
Gideon’s International, the Box Butte General Hospital Auxiliary and P.E.O.

She is survived by her children, Rex Leisy of Broadwater, Robert (Diane) Leisy of Greeley,
CO, and Alvin (Karol) Leisy of Leoti, KS; daughter-in-law, Cindy Leisy of Scottsbluff;
and her step-children, John (Mary) Perrin, Bob Perrin and Rex (Diana) Perrin.  She is also
survived by 10 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren and 8 step
great-grandchildren; and her brother, Lewis Currie of Oregon.  She was preceded in death
by her parents, 3 husbands, her son Ron, a grandson and 2 sisters.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian
Church of Bridgeport.  Pastor Jonathan Berosek will officiate.  A luncheon for friends and
family will immediately follow the funeral services at the church in Bridgeport.  Graveside
services will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Alliance Cemetery.  A reception will follow the graveside
service at the First Presbyterian Church of Alliance.  Visitation will be at the Bates-Gould
Chapel on Sunday, January 21 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN,
37214-0800, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Christian Charles Nuss, 40, formerly of Alliance, died Monday, January 8, 2018, in
Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was born November 28, 1977 in Casper, Wyoming, to James and Sharon (Regan)
Nuss.  Christian grew up in Alliance and graduated from Alliance High School in 1996.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Psychology from the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2000, where he was also a member of the Chi Phi
Fraternity. He later earned a Masters of Business Administration from Regis
University in Denver, Colorado in 2006.

Christian truly enjoyed working, starting out at a very early age mowing his grandfather’s
lawn, and began his own lawn service business by the time he was 10 years old. He spent
his high school years and summers working for Elliott Farms in Hemingford, and completed
an internship with Cenex Harvest States in South Dakota. He began his professional career
in the Denver, Colorado area and later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. He obtained his gaming
license and became a Certified Information Privacy Professional, most recently working as a
privacy program manager with MGM Resorts International and a security consulting manager
with Accenture.

He was a supporter of humane societies, volunteered with the MGM lion habitat, coached co-
workers, and mentored high school students in privacy issues surrounding use of social media.
Christian had a contagious smile, and touched the lives of friends and colleagues from
coast to coast. He enjoyed spending time with his family, participating in events with the
Las Vegas Corvettes Association, gambling, golfing, and watching football.

Christian was preceded in death by his grandparents, Emil C. and Helen M. Regan, and Dr. A.G.
and Bonnie Nuss. He is survived by his son, Regan Nuss of Parker, Colorado; parents, James
and Sharon Nuss of Alliance; brother Allen (Kristin) Nuss and nephew Kallen Nuss of
Cheyenne, Wyoming.

A memorial service will be Saturday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church
with Father Tim Stoner officiating.  Inurnment will be Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Agnes Academy Foundation in Alliance,
or to St. Mary’s School Foundation in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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

Funeral services for Darrell R. Larsen, 82 of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Friday,
January 26, 2018 at 2:00PM at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 702 E. 9^th St.
in Chadron, Nebraska with Pastor Peter Bertram officiating.

Burial will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, Nebraska.

Mr. Larsen passed away on January 19, 2018 at his home  in Chadron , Nebraska.

He was born on October 23, 1935 in Rushville, Nebraska.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

 Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Ila Rae Jackson, 71 of Hemingford, passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 at Box Butte
General Hospital.

She was born August 29, 1946 in Wray, Colorado to Ray and Eva (Orcutt) Neitz.

On June 6, 1964 she was united in marriage to Lonnie Jackson.

She is survived by her sisters and brother, Anita (James) Lentz, LaRonda (David) Minich
and Joleen (Monte) Sample all of Hemingford, David (Cheryl) Neitz of Boston, MA and
Marlinda (Dean) Rubenthaler of Gothenburg, NE and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie, her son, Lonnie, Jr., her parents and
her sister, Janet Hudnall.

She had lived in the Denver area for many years before moving to Fort Morgan, CO.
Following the death of her husband, she moved to Hemingford 10 years ago.

Memorial services will be celebrated with friends and family on Saturday, January 27, 2018
at 2 p.m.at the Minich farm, 1/2 mile west and 1/2 mile north of Hemingford Nebraska located
on County Road 71 northwest of Hemingford. A time of fellowship and refreshment will be
held following.

Memorials may be given to The Heart Foundation in memory of Ila Jackson.

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

James (Kip) Joule Jr. passed away at the age of 77 on Jan. 18, 2018, at Regional
West Home of the Hills Hospice.

James was born Dec. 5, 1940, and raised in New Jersey, the son of Dr. James
and Madeline Joule His enormous love and respect of nature developed living
along the Jersey shore and working summers for charter boat captains at Brielle
Basin. He graduated from Manasquan High School in 1957.

He earned a B.S. from Penn State University then served two years in the U.S. Army.
He continued his education earning a B.A. from Western Washington State College
and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Houston where he was awarded the
Albert R. and Alma Shadle Fellowship for his research. James was an associate
professor of Biology with the University of Colorado in Denver for 10 years where
he published numerous scientific articles and an ecological methods book.

James changed career paths focusing on his writing by freelancing for USA Today
and other publications. He served as the general assignment/sports editor of The
Goodland Daily News in Kansas, senior editor for RJR Publishing Company of
Long Island, NY, managing editor of The Russell Daily News in Kansas, and
managing editor of The Alliance Times-Herald in Nebraska. His life long love
of writing resulted in two published novels, “Getaway Money” and “Obelia Venom.”

In his later years, James served as president of both the Alliance Police Board
and the Park and Tree Board, and volunteered at the Alliance Mission Store for
several years. He also found great pleasure talking with Alliance residents as he
drove the van working for Alliance Public Transit. He continued his pursuit of
knowledge completing an AA degree and many additional classes with Western
Nebraska Community College.

Throughout his life, he pursued various interests. James was a gifted high school
and college track athlete. He was inducted into the Manasquan High School Hall
of Fame for his contribution to the 1957 champion track team. James remained
competitively active earning a 2^nd degree Black Belt in taekwondo and numerous
Master’s track and field championships in running, field events, and decathlon.
James also enjoyed participating in chess tournaments and performing with local
theater groups. His most momentous role was playing the lead in Alliance’s Main
Street Players’ “Scrooge.” James never missed an opportunity to travel extensively
throughout the United States and various other countries.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years Vicki Lynn Joule, his brother William (Jackie)
of Sea Girt, N.J., three children James III, Barton, and Camyla, and five grand-
children Ethan, Autumn, Kesleigh, Gavin, and Preston.

James was preceded in death by his mother Madeline and father James Sr.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, James asks that you celebrate life and enjoy dinner
with your loved ones.

Marie T. Hess, 73, died Thursday, January 25, 2018 at her home.

She was born June 24, 1944 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to John and Mary (Daugherty) Berry.

Marie spent the majority of her life living in Alliance.  She worked for Pepsi for a number of years
before getting a job as a clerk at BNSF.  Some of her jobs included work as a time keeper and parts
deliverer, until she retired after 30 years.

Marie was a master chef when it came to making scrambled eggs and toast.  She was one of the
last customers (final day) to purchase a hamburger at the Taste Lunch counter (near the theatre)
before they closed down.

The only social media account Marie believed she needed was one with God, which she checked in
and posted on daily.  She was an active member of Holy Rosary Church, where she taught faith
formations and was a Eucharistic Minister for a number of years. Her other favorite thing was
spending time with her grandkids and doting on them.

She is survived by her children, Deana Hess, of Alliance, Robert (Emily) Hess of Jacksonville, NC,
and Michael Vera of Alliance; grandchildren: Ethan Mehne, Evan Mehne, Bethany Hess, Alexis
Hess, Adam Hess and Charlie Hess; and her great-granddaughter, Mya Mehne.  She was
preceded in death by her parents and her infant great-grandson, Tristan.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, February 7 at 10:00am at the Holy
Rosary Catholic Church. Father Tim Stoner will officiate.  Wake services will be held Tuesday,
February 6 at 7:00pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church or the St. Agnes
Academy Foundation.

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