Obituaries

Lynnelle Kathleen (Rap) Cairns died in hospital in Macksville, New South Wales, Australia on 19 May 2026. Lynnelle was born i n A insworth t o L arry a nd L ola (Lotspeich) Rap where she lived until the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., where Larry and Lola attended Nazarene Bible College. She later graduated from Longmont High School in Longmont, Colo. She attended Northwest Nazarene College (now University) for two years, then transferred to Hannibal-Lagrange College (now University) when Larry and Lola accepted a pastoral assignment at Hannibal Church of the Nazarene. Upon graduating from HLC, Lynnelle attended Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Mo., where she earned a master's degree in English. During her college career, Lynnelle served summer mission trips to the Philippines and Russia. After marrying, Lynnelle moved to Australia with her husband. While in Australia, Lynnelle lived in Morwell, and Werribee in the state of Victoria, later moving to C offs Harbour, N SW. W hile a t C offs Harbour she completed her English teaching certificate and then taught s econdary s chool at C hristian s chools i n C offs H arbour, a nd Nambucca Heads, NSW where she lived until her death. Lynnelle was preceded in death by her parents Larry and Lola Rap; sister Londa; and Lola's second husband Ron Nelson. She is survived by her children Catherine and Chai; brother-in-law Hal Paul; n ephew J oshua P aul; a unt E laine ( Lotspeich) F ling; m any cousins; and Ron's children. A celebration of life was held for Lynnelle on June 13, at the Nambucca Christian Life Centre in Nambucca. Internment will be in a private ceremony where her ashes will be scattered at sea.

Funeral service for Manford P. Peters, age 90, of Ainsworth, was held on Tuesday, June 16, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth. Burial followed in the East Park Cemetery near Ainsworth. Manford Peters died Wednesday, June 10, at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth. Survivors include wife Annette of Ainsworth; children Loren Peters and wife StarrLinn of Jackson, Kevin Peters and wife Diane of Wayne, Janelle Guericke and husband Doug of Alexandria, S.D., Troy Peters and wife Paula of Ainsworth, Aaron Peters and wife Marti of Emerson, and Shawn Peters and Missi of Allen; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren; sisters Maureen Osbahr and husband Myron of Wakefield, Yleen Johnson and husband Bruce of Wayne; sister-in-law J udy P eters of S outh S ioux C ity; a long w ith n ieces, nephews and other family members. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the family in his name for a future designation. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Arthur “ Arch” J ames F erguson, 8 6, o f Wood L ake, p assed a way a t h is home on June 2. Arch w as born on January 12, 1940, in Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada. At the age of eight, his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Wood Lake, a place he would proudly call his home for the remainder of his life, aside from a few years spent in Omaha. He g raduated f rom N orth O maha H igh School in 1958 before attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. During his college years, Arch distinguished himself in athletics, excelling i n w restling a nd f ootball. H e graduated f rom U NO in 1963, then returned to the Sandhills to the family ranch, where he would build a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. Arch honorably served in the United States Coast Guard from October 2, 1962, until March of 1963. Following his discharge, on June 1, 1963, Arch w as united in marriage to the love of his life, Jackie Huntley, in Omaha. Together they were blessed with four children: Bobbie, Jimmy, Mike, and Kathy. Arch’s impact on the wrestling community spanned more than five decades. As a coach, mentor, and supporter of young athletes, he helped shape generations of wrestlers, teaching far more than techniques on a mat. He instilled discipline, perseverance, and character i n a ll w ho h ad t he p rivilege o f l earning from h im. H is dedication to the sport earned him induction into the Nebraska Wrestling Hall of Fame, one of many honors recognizing a lifetime of service. Few people possess the unique ability to be firm, tough, maybe even loud at times when coaching young athletes to their full potential, then turn around and be patient, quiet, and gentle to earn the trust of a horse. Arch understood that success came from building confidence, earning respect, and bringing out the best in those around him. His gift for knowing exactly what was needed in each moment made him an exceptional coach, horseman, mentor, and friend. Arch p ossessed a r emarkable g ift w ith h orses. K nown b y m any a s a true “horse whisperer,” he trained exceptional cutting and rope horses while passing his knowledge of horsemanship to his children and countless young riders. Many of those lessons carried on into successful rodeo careers and lifelong passions. His love for the western way of life was reflected through his involvement with the Nebraska H igh S chool R odeo A ssociation a nd t he N ebraska C utting Horse Association. His contributions to ranching and the cowboy way of life were further recognized in the Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame. A devoted member of the Wood Lake community, Arch gave generously of his time through the fire department, the Shriners, and the Masonic Lodge. He believed strongly in service, fellowship, and helping others whenever he could. Arch will be remembered for far more than his impressive accolades. He was ornery in the best way, hardworking, quick witted, and never short on laughter or stories. That unmistakable laugh could carry across an arena, and his presence was often larger than life. He was known for his tough love, honest advice, and homemade moonshine, affectionately known as “The Recipe”. Whether sharing a jar of Recipe, a c ompetitive g ame of c ribbage, a h orse l esson, o r word o f encouragement, Arch had a way of bringing people together and making them feel like family. May we honor him by living our lives sharing our talents a nd passions w ith others, serving our family and our country, and “living life like somebody left the gate open.” Preceding him in death are his parents; wife Jackie; and brothers Erv and Rodney Ferguson. Left t o c arry h is l egacy are h is c hildren, Bobbie (Todd) G raff o f Ainsworth, J immy F erguson of J ohnstown, M ike (Sara) F erguson o f Wood Lake, and Kathy (Justin) Hammond of Valentine; sister Donna (Jim) Marvin of Omaha; five grandchildren, Josh (Krista) Graff, Brady (Becca) Graff, Sheyenne (Trent) Solida, Hayes Hammond, Lauren Ferguson; four great-grandchildren Mesa, Kreed, Ivy and Ryle; and a slew of extended family and friends. A b ook s igning w ith family receiving f riends w ill b e held on F riday, June 1 2, at t he Johnstown Fairgrounds H all from 4 u ntil 7 p .m. A memorial service w ill b e o n S aturday, J une 13, a t t he J ohnstown Fairgrounds Arena starting at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wood Lake Fire Department or the Wood Lake Wrestling Club and may be sent in care of W illiams & K uehn F uneral H omes, 2 41 W est 4 th A ve., R ed Cloud, NE 68970. Online condolences, photos, & memories can be left on Arch’s page for the family at www.wkfuneralhomes.com.

Jean Alvina Burkinshaw, 93, of Long Pine passed away peacefully on May 25 at her home in Long Pine. Jeanie was born on February 15, 1933, to Charles H. and Alma M. (Gaskins) Luehrs in Chadron. She graduated from L ong P ine H igh S chool i n 1951. Jeanie and Stanley Burkinshaw married on August 3 , 1 952. S tanley j oined t he A ir Force and Jeanie and their four kids followed him around the world until he retired from the military in 1972. In 1975, they bought a gas station in Ainsworth and one in Long Pine. Jeanie and Stanley transformed the Long Pine station into Jeanie’s Restaurant. They ran Jeanie’s for 20 years until they finally retired. They spent many winters in Weslaco, Texas, and loved their snowbird lifestyle. Jeanie enjoyed an interesting life and was always up for a new adventure. Jeanie is survived by two daughters, Connie Roark of Keaau, Hawaii, and Carmen Thieman and husband Steve of Norfolk; daughter-in-law Lisa Burkinshaw of Ainsworth; son-in-law Bob Arehart of Creighton; along with six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members. Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Alma; her husband Stanley; daughter Cathy Arehart; son Kippy Burkinshaw; grandson Michael Champagne; granddaughter Tabitha Arehart; great-granddaughter Willow Arehart; brothers Donald Luehrs and Charles Luehrs Jr.; sister Donna Mae Benson; and son-in-law Dennis Roark. A memorial service was held on Monday, June 1, at Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. The services and vocal selections were conducted by C indy B ooth a nd Kay F rancavilla w ith t he s ongs o f “ Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” The dismissal CD selection of “On Eagle’s Wings” by Tracy Wakefield was played. Inurnment followed in the Grandview Cemetery in Long Pine. Memorials are suggested to the family in Jean’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Douglas Duane 'Buggy' Walton was born February 26, 1952, to David R. and Esther F. (Zillig) Walton in Scottsbluff. He was one of eight siblings. Doug passed away at the age of 74 at Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth on May 3.

Beverley Alice McBride was born February 5, 1938, i n G erman V alley, on t he Shady N ook Ranch, near Brewster. She w as t he s ixth c hild o f Oliver a nd E lla M ae (Ahrens) McBride.

Marie E lizabeth S mith w as b orn o n June 3 , 1933, i n C olome, S .D., t o L loyd E dgar a nd Grace Jeanette (Fladebo) Carley. She graduated from A insworth H igh S chool i n 1951. On May 17, 1951, Marie was united in marriage t o L eland “ Lee” Smith a t t he S t.

Phyllis Lorene Boller was born to Henry and Goldie (Lewis) Boller on January 19, 1937, in Ainsworth. S he g rew u p i n the S andhills south of Ainsworth and attended elementary school i n t he c ountry. P hyllis a ttended Ainsworth High School and graduated in May o f 1 954. O n October 3 , 1 954, s he w as united in marriage to Harold E. Kaiser. Two children were born to this union, a daughter, Bunny and a son, Kevin. She assisted Harold in managing Kaiser Radio and TV in Ainsworth until 1961 when they moved to the Calamus River area to the ranch owned by P hyllis’ parents. I n 1969, they moved to their home south of Ainsworth and raised dairy heifers. Phyllis began working at the S & S Store and eventually became the first woman manager in this chain of farm stores. A t the annual meetings, upper management requested that she teach hydraulics to all store managers. Her adventurous spirit led her to take f lying l essons a long with h er husband, H arold. T hey both obtained pilot licenses and owned their own plane for a few years. Following retirement from S & S Stores, winters were spent in Arizona until Harold’s passing in 2000. Long-time friend, Anna Mae Kastrup also lost her husband, Arne, and Phyllis and Anna Mae became the “Traveling Grannies.” They made many happy memories traveling to see family and friends and attending country music festivals. Phyllis eventually sold her place and moved into Anna Mae’s house in Ainsworth, where they lived in the summer. During the winter months, they traveled to Texas and lived in Wintergreen Estates. Phyllis continued to travel to Texas for the winters after Anna Mae’s passing in 2012. Her cousin, Marvin Boller, and wife, Edie, along with numerous special friends in Wintergreen Estates, provided assistance for h er t o s tay i n Texas. S he w ould return t o A insworth during t he summer and live in her motor home on her son Kevin’s place. She loved attending the Senior Center and playing bridge with her friends in Ainsworth. When her health failed and long-term care was needed, there was no facility that would accept both Phyllis and her very special cat, “Miss Kitty.” Her bridge playing special friend, Myrna Jakob became her answer to prayer when she graciously agreed to care f or both P hyllis and M iss K itty. M yrna p rovided m uch-needed companionship and superb care in her own home until Phyllis’ passing on May 12, 2026. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Goldie Boller; her husband Harold; her granddaughter Lisa Pozehl; and her longtime friend, Anna Mae Kastrup. She is survived by son Kevin of Ainsworth; daughter Bunny and husband Allen Pozehl of Gretna; granddaughter Kara and husband Anthony Fine of Rochester, Minn.; granddaughter Kim and h usband J ordan R hodes o f P apillion; a nd s ix great-grandchildren Connor and Jackson Rhodes, Henry, Lily, Alfie and O liver F ine; b rother R oy a nd w ife Mary B oller o f S an A ntonio Texas; nieces, nephews, along with numerous cousins and special friends in both Ainsworth and at Wintergreen Estates in Texas.

Dr. Craig Kelly, a dedicated veterinarian, devoted family man, and lifelong, passionate Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, passed away peacefully on May 17 at the age of 76. Born to Grace and Marvin Kelly, Craig lived a life d efined b y c are, h umor, a nd a n extraordinary commitment to his community. He attended the University of Nebraska for his undergraduate studies, forever cementing his loyalty to the Cornhuskers, before earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from Colorado State University. Dr. Kelly owned and operated Westfield Small Animal Clinic in North Platte, where he touched countless lives. His clinic was a place where people found not just exceptional medical care for their beloved pets, but a listening ear, a warm smile, and gentle reassurance. He had a rare gift for comforting families during tough times, and the profound impact he made on the North Platte community will be felt for generations. When he w asn’t c aring for his patients, C raig w as safely w rapped i n Nebraska R ed. On a utumn S aturdays, his loyalty t o t he H uskers w as absolutely unshakable. He wore his gear with pride, cheered on the team through every win and loss, and truly lived the spirit of “Go Big Red.” His infectious energy on game days was a staple of the weekend, bringing joy and lively camaraderie to everyone around him. Above all, Craig loved his family beyond belief. He was a deeply devoted husband, an incredibly proud father, and a loyal friend. He led by example, teaching those around him the value of patience, the importance o f h ard work, a nd w hat i t m eans t o s how u p unconditionally for the people - and pets - you love. He was bigger than life. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Kelly; sister Chris Hallock; children Tina Kurtenbach, Scott Kelly and Tim Kelly; and his six cherished grandchildren, Simon, Taylor, Ryan, Jillian, Lincoln and Mattea. He was preceded in death by his parents Grace and Marvin Kelly and brother Gary Kelly.

Memorial service for Phyllis Lorene Kaiser, age 89, of Ainsworth, was held o n T uesday, M ay 1 9, a t Hoch F uneral H ome i n A insworth. A private family burial occurred before the memorial service in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Phyllis Kaiser passed away Tuesday, May 12, in Ainsworth. Survivors include daughter Bunny (Allen) Pozehl of Gretna; son Kevin Kaiser of Ainsworth; two granddaughters and six great-grandchildren; brother Roy (Mary) Boller of San Antonio, Texas; along with nieces, nephews and other family members. Memorials have been suggested to the Ainsworth Senior Center in Phyllis’s name. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.