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A memorial service for Dora A. Hale, age 96, will be held on Monday, July 6, 2015 at
10:00 AM at the Crawford United Methodist Church with Pastor Dusty Sprague
officiating. Inurnment will be at the Crawford City Cemetery. Dora passed away on
June 25, 2015 at Crawford, Nebraska.
The daughter of Henry and Minnie (Wright) Soester, Dora was born at the family home
in Dawes County on November 9, 1918. Her childhood was spent on her parents’ farm
near Squaw Mound. She attended a rural school through the 8th grade then worked for
her room and board during her high school years in Crawford. After graduating, she
was employed at the Crawford Bakery.
Dora was an active 4-H member as a child and attended the first 4-H camp held at the
Crawford City Park. She later served as a 4-H leader. She was also a member of the
Squaw Mound Band under the direction of Bill Schmidt and often told of the band
traveling to the State Fair in Lincoln in the back of a truck.
On July 23, 1938, she was united in marriage to Ellis Hale. Two children, a son Emmett
and a daughter Pam were born to this union.
Ellis and Dora farmed 80 acres southeast of Crawford for a few years before moving
across the road to a larger farm which they rented until 1956. At that time, they moved
to Crawford where Dora lived until her death.
Dora worked as a janitor at the Crawford telephone office until going to work in 1960 as
a secretary at the Fort Robinson Historical Museum. Her interest in local history made
this position very enjoyable for her. She retired from the Fort museum in 1990 but later
spent many hours as a volunteer at the Crawford Historical Museum.
Throughout her life, Dora was involved in community service. She was active in the
Methodist Church, Squaw Mound Homemakers Club, Royal Neighbors, the Foster
Grandparent program, RSVP and many other organizations. For several years, she
and Ellis organized the served Christmas dinners for those who had no other place to
go. Anyone who wished to attend was welcome.
Dora enjoyed gardening and sharing her produce with others. She especially liked
raising flowers and always had a beautiful yard. Sewing, cooking, traveling, and
attending music jamborees were also favorite activities.
Survivors include her son, Emmett (Jan) Hale of Crawford; daughter, Pam Schuetz of
Cheyenne, WY; granddaughters, Brenda (Ron) Fanning and Wendy Pino; great-
grandchildren, Chris (Jaime) Schuetz, Kevin Pino, and Cody Harris; great-great-
granddaughter, Jayda Schuetz all of Cheyenne; sisters-in-law, Edith Soester of OK and
Verna Soester of Lusk, WY and numerous other relatives and friends.
Dora was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ellis; brothers Kenneth,
Howard, and Raymond; son-in-law Joel Schuetz and grandson Dennis Schuetz.
Memorials are suggested to the Crawford Methodist Church, Crawford Historical
Society, Crawford Fire Department, or the donor’s choice. Memorials may be sent to
Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Chamberlain Chapel of Crawford is in charge of arrangements.