- Maiden Name: Downs
Martha M. Smith of Cozad passed away Friday, November 12, 2021 at Meadowlark Pointe Assisted Living at the age of 93. Martha Mae (Downs) Smith was born on June 13, 1928 on a farm north of Lexington Nebraska. She was born to Mark and Hazel (Hodgeson) Downs and was the oldest of five siblings. Her homestead was busy and therefore she undertook many roles that later developed into a love-hate relationship with chickens and turkeys.
She attended a one-room school house in rural Lexington until she moved into town with her younger sister and two friends during her high school years. She graduated from Lexington High School and soon began work in Cozad, NE as a telephone switchboard operator. Through this job she met many friends and eventually found a lifelong love in Dale (Buck) Smith. His outgoing personality was a perfect balance to her classic and genuine approach to life. They were married on August 21, 1948 after he returned from service during WW2. They made their home in Cozad and raised three children in the home Buck built from the ground up. During these years Martha, was also lovingly know as Mike or Aunt Mike to her friends and family.
Later on in life, Martha worked at Hecox Dental where she was trained as a dental assistant. She dedicated much of her time to Parkview church where she created the floral arrangements for many special occasions. She also enjoyed crafting and cooking for her friends and family. She took great pride in preparing for holiday get-togethers and her meals were always perfectly served and perfectly set. She also enjoyed hosting card nights with her beloved friends and made it a priority to meet up with her siblings every July in Wyoming for Frontier Days. She spent many hours watching her five grandkids and enjoyed teaching them to cook, craft and play cards. After the passing of her husband she moved her residency to Meadowlark Pointe where she loved visits from her family and especially her four great grandchildren. Her legacy will live on through the memory of her service to others, her beautifully crafted projects and most profoundly her recipe book. She was loved deeply and cherished by all who knew her well. She was preceded in death by her husband Dale (Buck) Smith, her brothers Lowell Downs, Jim Downs, a sister LaVonna Beardsley and a son-in-law Gregg Bostelman.
She is survived by her son Craig (Jeana) Smith of DesMoines IA, her daughters Joni Bostelman of Grand Island and Cecily (Alan) Clark of Cozad, 5 grandchildren, Chelsey Smith of Des Moines, IA, Blake (Claire) Bostelman of Doniphan, Lucas Bostelman of Grand Island, Sheana (Cody) Smith of Hastings and Gretchen (Eric) Love of Gretna, and 4 great grandchildren. It was Martha's wish to be cremated. Private family service will be held at a later date.
- Date Posted: 2021-11-11
- Maiden Name: Cooney
ita M. Hinds, 93, of Lexington, Nebraska, died on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the Lexington Regional Health Center.
Rita was born October 4, 1928 to Thomas & Margaret (Mittman) Cooney at the family farm southwest of Overton. She attended country school approximately ½ mile east of the family farm and graduated High School in Lexington in 1946.
After graduation, Rita worked at the ASCS office, the Dawson County Sheriff’s office and Dawson County Motors.
She was literally swept off her feet when she married John Hinds on July 5, 1954 in Overton, as John was a pilot and flew his own plane. To this union two sons were born, Colin & Thomas. During this time she was a stay at home wife and mother where she was involved in her children’s activities and upbringing being a den mother for the Cub Scouts.
In the early 1970’s, she became a nanny for several families in the Lexington area. She thoroughly enjoyed her job as a nanny and has kept in touch with the families to this day.
She loved to volunteer and give her time and talent to various organizations and clubs. She belonged to the St. Ann’s Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Altar Society, St. Ann’s Study Club, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Lexington Woman’s Club, Tri-County Hospital Auxiliary, Christian Woman’s Club, a member of the Dawson County Historical Society, Lexington Chamber of Commerce, St. Ann’s Booster Club, KRVN Rural Radio Association member and was involved in various Veteran’s functions and fund raising events. She directed numerous funeral luncheons at St. Ann’s Church throughout the years and was referred to as the “funeral lady”.
She enjoyed her yearly trips to the Scottish/Irish Highlander Festival in Estes Park, Colorado and loved her Saturday night road trips to destinations and restaurants unknown.
Rita is survived by her sons, Colin (Janet) Hinds of Lexington and Thomas (Stephanie) Hinds of Elm Creek; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, three sisters, and a daughter-in-law.
Mass Of Christian Burial will be Monday, November 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating. The Mass will be livestreamed via the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home Facebook page.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 6-7 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington-301 E. 6th St.
Interment will be in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery at Lexington.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the St. Ann’s Catholic Church or Donor’s Choice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
- Maiden Name: Kring
LaVere A. (Harvey) Brinkman, 91 of Lexington, Nebraska passed away Friday, August 02, 2019 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.
LaVere was born April 23, 1928 in Lexington to Albert and Mina (Fellers) Kring. She attended school in Lexington and graduated with the class of 1946. After graduation she completed her studies at the Midwest Academy of Cosmetology in Lincoln, Nebraska. LaVere was a hairdresser in Lexington for forty-two years.
On June 7, 1948 she was united in marriage to Teddy M. Harvey at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington. To this union two children were born, Tammy and Ted. Teddy preceded her in death on March 19, 1989.
On February 14, 1990 LaVere was united in marriage to Bill Brinkman in Lexington.
LaVere was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lexington where she served on various committees as well as volunteered in the kitchen and taught Sunday School. She was a member of the Soroptimists, Lexington Investment Club, a volunteer for Meals On Wheels.
LaVere enjoyed gardening, cooking and supper club. She loved attending her kids' and grandkids' activities. She was an avid Husker fan.
She will be deeply missed by her daughter Tammy Hutt of Kansas City, Missouri; son, Ted (Kelly) Harvey of Lexington, five grandchildren; Tessa (Chae) Menard of Kansas City Missouri, Tara (John) Kammerer of Overland Park, Kansas, Tawna (Ryan) Rhone of Omaha, Nebraska, Ashley (Drew) Anderson of Kansas City, Missouri and Jake Harvey of Lexington; thirteen great-grandchildren; Madison, Evan, Alia, Alex, Claudia, Sophie, Maya, Madden, El, Faith, Claire, Emerson and Nash and sister Irene Rachow of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.
LaVere was preceded in death by her parents, husband Teddy, brothers; Virgil Kring and Glenn Kring and sister Inez Carpenter.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Pastor Rob Kuefner officiating.
Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church or the Lexington Volunteer Fire Department.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
John Ayers, 90, of Albion, Mich., a native of Lexington, died Feb. 16, 2019. Following graduation from the University of Nebraska, in 1956, he began managing his father’s store, Ayers Clothing in Kearney. Among those surviving is a sister, Delphine (Lee) Sanks of Kearney. A celebration of Life will be held this summer on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Albion, Minn. Memorial donations in memory of John may be given to St. James’ Episcopal Church, 119 West Erie St., Albion, Minn. 49224. Arrangements are by the Baxter Funeral and Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Rd, Battle Creek, Minn. 59037.
- Date Posted: 2014-07-27
Leo Allen Fagot, 85, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2014, at his home near Lexington.
He was born March 29, 1929, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Ralph and Matilda (Welter) Fagot. He attended school at Lexington where he graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1946. He served stateside during the Korean Conflict from March 2, 1951, until his honorable discharge on March 1, 1953.
He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Isabell Ives on October 25, 1974, in Lexington. She preceded him in death on August 28, 2006. Leo welcomed Isabell’s children, Gary and Linda in to the family.
Leo farmed his entire life. He loved being outdoors with nature, watching the crops being planted in the spring, watching them grow, and harvesting the fruits of his labor.
Leo was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington, the Knights of Columbus, Eagles Club, American Legion and Farm Bureau.
Leo is survived by one sister, Veronica Scholl of Kearney, Nebraska; stepdaughter, Linda (Jerry) Gosnell of North Platte, Nebraska; stepson, Gary Yarnell of Greeley, Colorado; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death, in addition to his wife, by three sisters, Virginia O’Meara, Bernadette Stenberg, Clementine King, and Mary Jane Pesha; as well as two brothers, Ralph and Dwight.
It was Leo’s wishes that his body be cremated. There will be no visitation.
Inurnment will be held Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery at Lexington.
A Mass will be held for Leo at 6:00 p.m., following the graveside, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington.
Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. To share online condolences with the family, please visit: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
- Date Posted: 2014-09-11
Duane W. Hatfield, 86, of Cozad, Nebraska, former Lexington resident, passed away peacefully at home with his daughters by his side, Thursday, September 11, 2014.
Duane was born July 20, 1928, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Charles and Ethel (Sherman) Hatfield. He graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1946. On June 18, 1946, he was inducted into the United States Navy and served his country until being honorably discharged on April 15, 1948. Upon his return from the Navy, he married the love of his life, Jeanie VanAuken on March 30, 1952, in Lincoln, NE. Four daughters were born to this marriage; Marylouise, Marthajane, Melanie and Melinda.
Duane was involved in the farming business his entire life. He enjoyed gardening, yard work and making his favorite Horseradish.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Duane is survived by his daughters; Marylouise Hatfield of Greenville, NC; Marthajane Staight of Casper, WY; Melanie and husband Jim Johnson of Cozad, NE: and, Melinda and husband Ron Erpelding of Lincoln, NE; one sister, Jean Larson of Lexington, NE; three grandchildren; Chase, Max and Mallory; two great-grandsons, Marshall and Major; as well as four nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanie; brother-in-law, Shorty Larson; and, nephew, Bill Larson.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Reverend Dyton Owen officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.
There will be no visitation.
Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, the MS Foundation or Central Plains Home Health and Hospice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
- Date Posted: 2015-12-06
- Maiden Name: Zwick
Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Hofferber, 87, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2015, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington.
Betty was born July 24, 1928, in Seward County, Nebraska, to Richard and Louise (Abrahams) Zwick. She moved with her family to the Buffalo, Nebraska area as a young girl of 10. She graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1946. Following graduation, she taught school for a couple of years. She also worked at Farmer’s State Bank for several years.
She was united in marriage to Donald Hofferber on April 17, 1949, at Buffalo. Three sons were blessed to this marriage; Timothy, David, and Kent. She was a stay-at-home mom raising three sons, all within very close age of each other. She enjoyed attending all of their school activities.
Betty was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was active in the Altar Guild, L.W.M.L., Lutheran Layman’s League, and a past member of the board of directors. She also belonged to the Golden Hours Extension Club.
She loved playing bridge, gardening, sewing, baking, and cooking; but, her greatest joy was having family over, and spending time with the grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was such a dear lady who will be so very missed.
Survivors include her three sons; Tim (Patricia) Hofferber of Lincoln, Nebraska, Dave (Kathy) Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska, and, Kent Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska; four grandchildren; Drew (Mary) Hofferber of Lincoln, Nebraska, Brett Hofferber of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jennifer (Trevor) Soncksen of Lexington, Nebraska, and, Jamie (Ruben) Vasquez of Lexington, Nebraska; four great-grandsons; Jonathon & Thomas Vasquez, and Liam & Landen Soncksen; two great-step-granddaughters, Madison of Cozad, Nebraska, and Joscelyn of Lexington, Nebraska; one brother, Richard (Eveline) Zwick of Seward, Nebraska; one sister, Armelda Schreiber of Stockton, California; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Bill (Fran) Hofferber of Lexington, Nebraska; three sisters-in-law, Jan Hofferber of Cozad, Nebraska, Georgia Speak of Kearney, Nebraska, and Sandy Zwick of Albert Lea, Minnesota; also surviving are nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don in 2011; sister, Edith Wobig; and, brother, Leland Zwick.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 10, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Rob Kuefner and Pastor Bill Ohlmann officiating.
Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexngton.
Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or Donor’s Choice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
- Date Posted: 2018-04-22
- Maiden Name: Hofferber
Peggy Lou Hofferber Michel, 89, of Kearney, Nebraska, former Lexington resident, died Friday, April 20, 2018, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Care Facility in Kearney.
She was born November 2, 1928, to Fred and Blanche (Benton) Hofferber in Dawson County, Nebraska. She grew up on a farm outside of Lexington with her parents, her brothers, Benton and Larry, and sisters, Ruth and Sandra. Peggy was a graduate of Lexington High School where she met her husband of 68 years, Eugene Michel.
She married Eugene Michel on April 23, 1948. Two children were blessed to this marriage; Eric and Gwen. They lived their married life in Lexington, Nebraska spending their retirement years between their cabin on Johnson Lake and their home in Casa Grande, Arizona until 2014, when they moved to Kearney.
Peggy worked many years for physicians, Dr. Olson, Dr. Elfeldt, and Dr Weston. Peggy and Eugene were able to retire early and enjoy over 30 years of retirement together. During their retirement they enjoyed inviting their siblings and spouses or their children and families to travel with them. The children and grandchildren have very fond memories of her.
Peggy was a member of the Bonneville Daughters of the American Revolution, and the First Presbyterian Church.
She was a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will never be forgotten.
Peggy is survived by her children; Eric (Donna) Michel of Kearney, Nebraska, daughter, Gwen (Ken) Rittgarn of Casa Grande, Arizona; one sister, Sandra Gashue of Long Beach, California, one brother, Larry Hofferber of Prescott, Arizona; four grandchildren, Chad (Lisa) Michel, Mindi (Dave) Rasmussen, Nathan Rittgarn, Amy (Stuart) Miller, and five great-grandchildren.
Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, her parents, a brother, (Benton), and a sister (Ruth).
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington, Nebraska with Pastor Eddie Mariel officiating.
Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.
There will be no visitation.
Memorials are suggested to First Presbyterian Church or Lexington Fire Department.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be charge of assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
- Date Posted: 2009-02-11
David Laurence Stuckey, age 80, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Feb. 11, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Funeral Services will be held at the David C. Gross funeral home in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Saturday Feb. 21, 2009. There will be no visitation as David chose to be cremated.
David is survived by his sister, Helen Barrett of Lexington; one daughter, Gretchen Miller of Morgantown, W.Va., and two sons, William Stuckey of Bowie, Md., Joel Stuckey of San Jose, Calif.; six grandchildren, Graham of Morgantown, W.Va., Rachel of Morgantown, W.Va., Caroline of Morgantown, W.Va., Christopher at the US Merchant Marine Academy, Great Neck, N.Y., Alexandra of Bowie, Md., and Toby of San Jose, Calif.; one great-grandchild and four step-children.
His parents; four brothers; James, Robert, John (Jack) and Dean; a sister, Ruth, and second wife, Janice, preceded him in death.
David was born June 13, 1928, at Lexington City General Hospital to G.E. (Ed) and Gertrude (Memmott) Stuckey. He grew up on a farm north of Lexington and attended Lexington High School where he was a star basketball player. He graduated in 1946 and attended Hastings College for three years and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a degree in business administration.
In 1951 he was inducted in the U.S. Army where he spent two years. He was stationed in Hawaii and Indiana. In Dec. 1956 he married Jane Ann Fortmann of Bardonia, N.Y., at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington. They were divorced in 1982. He re-married to Janice M. Bracken in 1983 in Buffalo, NY.
David was a bank examiner for the State of Nebraska and later became a co-owner of the Ravenna Bank in Ravenna and a housing appraiser for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development in Buffalo, N.Y. He retired from this job and moved to St. Petersburg.
Memorials are kindly suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Lexington Community Foundation or donor's choice.
- Date Posted: 2009-03-16
Nyle Forrest Pierce, 80, of Ontario, Ore., died Monday, March 16, 2009, at Presbyterian Community Care in Ontario. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Overton Cemetery in Overton, Nebraska with the Rev. Todd Karges officiating. Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2009, from 4-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.Nyle Forrest Pierce, 80, of Ontario, Ore., died Monday, March 16, 2009, at Presbyterian Community Care in Ontario. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Overton Cemetery in Overton, Nebraska with the Rev. Todd Karges officiating. Visitation will be Friday, March 20, 2009, from 4-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.Graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1946.
