Obituaries

A memorial service will be held at a later date for Shirley Ann West, age 87, of Johnstown. Shirley West passed away Friday, September 11, at The Bellflower at Whispering Ridge Assisted Living Facility in Omaha.

Barbara Lorrayne (Stern) Nordstrom, born on October 2, 1945, near Johnstown, passed away on September 9.

Myrtle (Doering/Dunse) Collins, 96 years of age, passed away August 27, at Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth. Myrtle was born Feb 9, 1930, to Howard and Amy (Casey) Doering of rural LaValle, Wisconsin. She lived in Wisconsin until 1978 when she moved to Nebraska to help take care of her parents. She i s survived b y h er d aughter L ois (Morris) o f H oner, H ighland, W is.; sister-in-law Darlene Doering of Loveland, Colo.; along with many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is also survived by Frank’s children and their families Franklin (Penny) Collins, Eileen Olson, Sidney (Vicki) Collins, Nathan Collins and Iva (Wayne) Bussboom. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank Collins; brothers R olland, A lvin ( Mary) a nd C arl Doering; s ister M arjorie (Richard) Kneifel; and her precious cat Patchy. Brad Dugan will officiate a Zoom Memorial Service at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, September 13. Zoom 358 032 8125 Password 434 712 Holmes Funeral Home of Valentine was entrusted with assisting the family. A f ull obituary a nd o nline g uest b ook c an b e found a t www.HolmesFH.com.

Lance William Lippold, born October 17, 1 962, i n A insworth, p assed a way peacefully on August 28, in Santa Ana, Calif., at the age of 63. Lance most recently lived in La Mirada, Calif., a nd t ouched the l ives o f m any through his caring heart, kindness, and genuine ability to connect with others. He h ad a m usical spirit and a l oving nature; he had a way of making people feel welcomed and seen. Those who knew Lance will remember his warmth, his generosity of spirit, and the happiness he brought into the lives of others. Lance a ttended Ainsworth P ublic S chools a nd g raduated f rom h igh school in 1981. He then attended and graduated from Doane College in 1985, where he was awarded the prestigious Fulbright scholarship to study in Germany. His careers were multi-faceted; his first job was clerking in his father's pharmacy. He later held administrative positions at EyeMasters, ITT Technical Institute, and The Art Institute. Most recently Lance achieved the position of Captain at Jay's Catering Company, and he was also a longtime caregiver providing respite care. His eclectic careers had the common denominator of connecting with co-workers a nd b ringing h is own c ompassion a nd humanity t o t he people and places around him. Music w as i ntegral i n L ance's l ife. H e w as a g ifted s inger, p ianist, percussionist, and composer. He l oved t o p erform a nd w as a talented actor, t ouring w ith t he Nebraska Caravan in New York for a season. He was also deeply introspective, always seeking to find meaning and connections, and his faith was an important part of who he was. Lance h ad a g rateful h eart, a nd h e w anted t o b e k nown a s a h appy man. In remembering him, may we honor that wish by celebrating the joy, music, love, kindness, and connections that made him who he was. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Lance is lovingly remembered by his daughter EveAnne (Nathan) Vega and granddaughter Elaine Elise Vega; step-daughter Laura Berlinger (Brian Williams) and granddaughter Mani Georgina Williams. He is also survived by his mother LaVonne Lippold; three sisters Camie (Randy) See, Amy (Eric) Rice and Alane (Dan) Lentz; nieces, nephews, other family members and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William Lippold. A celebration of life will be held in Santa Ana, Calif., on September 9. A private family service will be held in Nebraska at a later date.

Charlotte Griffith of Bristol, RI, passed away July 16, 2026. She wished to be remembered as a peacemaker and for the many ways she helped others. She had a gentle strength. Charlotte was born on January 16, 1944, in Ainsworth to Rex and Ardeth (Sawle) Coleman. She grew up riding her horse to a one-room rural school from the age of six, and she learned many lessons on the family farm that she used later in life to inspire herself and others, such as when she stomped gleefully into the muddy pig pen with her new b oots a nd g ot s tuck. W hen s he c alled her m other t o h elp, h er mother w isely s aid, “ If y ou g ot y ourself i nto t hat m ess, y ou c an g et yourself out.” And she did! As a mother, piano teacher, elementary teacher, counselor, and mediator, Charlotte was never happier than when she was using her ingenuity, persistence, and caring to find solutions to difficult problems and teach others new skills to help them learn and grow. She s oothed h er s oul b y “ playing i n t he d irt” as a n a vid g ardener, making delicious food for her family and friends, sewing her own clothes and curtains, spending time with her many friends (notably her Columbus walking group and the “Witty Wenches” writing group of Bristol), and volunteering for numerous causes close to her heart. Her r oles included s erving o n D elta K appa G amma ( an Education Honorary S ociety) f or 2 2 y ears, i ncluding two y ears a s V P and t wo years as president, serving on the Columbus Public Schools Crisis Response Team for fifteen years, serving as Chair of both the Family Life Curriculum Development Team and the Health Curriculum committee, teaching “Parenting with Love and Logic” classes for five years, and tutoring for the Platte Valley Literacy program. As an active member of the Federated Church in Columbus, Nebraska, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Church School, served on the Governing Council a nd m any c ommittees, t ook C hrist C are (small g roup ministry) training and served on a team to organize and train ministry leaders, co-led New Member classes, and was a member of the bell choir for seven years. As a first and second grade teacher in Columbus and Duncan, Charlotte felt the most important things she could teach her students were that school was a safe and enjoyable place and that they were capable of being successful learners. Charlotte went to great lengths to instill those lessons, developing creative, hands-on projects that made learning fun and memorable, and spending hours creating supplementary materials and novel methods to help students who were struggling. In her classroom, students got to build a scale model of the town to learn about their community (and math and reading skills), hand dip candles and make homemade biscuits starting with heads of unthreshed wheat to learn about colonial America (and measuring) and turn the floor of their classroom into an ocean to learn about ecosystems. Her peers recognized her extraordinary gifts, and she was chosen as one of five finalists for Nebraska Teacher of the Year. During the selection process, she wrote, “I do not see myself as one who has done extraordinary things, but I believe I have done ordinary things well. I am committed to both education and service to others. Giving each my very best effort is what gives meaning to my life.” Later in her career, Charlotte got her master’s degree in Elementary Guidance and helped students and parents throughout the community gain the skills they needed to navigate life successfully. When she neared retirement from teaching and counseling, Charlotte wanted to find new ways to use her skills to help others connect and find peaceful solutions. She developed and taught a Responsible Decision-Making course for the community’s youth court diversion program, and she became a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer to advocate for children in the DCYF (Department of Children, Youth, and Families) system to make sure their best interests were centered in the decision-making process. Charlotte also earned her mediation license and helped Platte County families in conflict build consensus and find mutually acceptable solutions. Before deciding t o m ove t o R hode I sland t o b e c loser t o f amily, Charlotte first looked for volunteer opportunities that would enable her to contribute to her new community. She volunteered at the East Bay Food Pantry, Ecumenical Meals, and other organizations as long as she was able. Charlotte i s s urvived b y h er b rother L arry C oleman o f Onancock, Virginia; son and daughter-in-law Brent and Jessica Griffith of St. Paul, Minnesota; daughter and son-in-law Karen Griffith-Dieterich and Mark Dieterich of Bristol, Rhode Island; four grandchildren, Adam and David G riffith a nd N athan a nd L eah D ieterich; a nd hundreds o f students whose lives she touched. There will be an inurnment on Wednesday, September 2, at 3 p.m. in the Ainsworth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the East Bay Food Pantry in Bristol, RI; Heifer International; or the Carter Center.

John Theodore Appleman was born to Theodore E . a nd M arian M . ( Feagin) Appleman on April 27, 1934, at the Wood Lake P ost Office. H e p assed a way a t his home north of Johnstown on July 24, at the age of 92. John married Verna R. Kienke on May 15, 1954, i n B urke, S .D. T o t his union, f our children were born: Loren (Laurel) of Johnstown, Lana (Gary) Hauck of Utica, S.D., L ila D eRaad o f J ohnstown a nd Leonard (Kim) of Johnstown. John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Verna; three granddaughters; two great-grandsons; sister Barbara (Harry) Pederson; and brothers-in-law Tom Black and Wayne Major. He is survived by his four children; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Robert (Wilma) Appleman of Johnstown; sisters Linda Black of West Point and Wanda Major of Laramie, Wyo.; as well as, nieces, nephews other family members and friends.

Justin Lee Henne, 51, of Kearney, passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2026, at Kearney Regional Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends. Justin was born on June 13th, 1975, in Ainsworth to Larry Lee Henne and Donna Marie (Andersen) Henne. He attended Ainsworth High School, graduating in 1993. Later, he attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he studied Criminal Justice. He married Misty (Turpin) Hasselquist in 1997. They later divorced. His pride and joy was his daughter, Destiny Rose. Justin dedicated nearly 20 years of his career to the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center (YRTC), where he took pride in his work and the relationships he built throughout the years. Outside o f w ork, Justin h ad a p assion f or fishing a nd c ould o ften be found enjoying time on the water. He was a lifelong Nebraska Cornhuskers fan who faithfully cheered on the Huskers through every season. He shared a special bond with his two beloved beagles, Karl and K ora, w ho were c onstant c ompanions. H e l oved a g ood g ame, whether it was sitting down for a game of poker or cards with family and friends, or logging on to play PUBG. These moments brought him happiness and gave him another way to connect with the people around him. Above all, J ustin w as known f or his sense of humor. H e had a way of making people laugh and bringing smiles to those around him, and that is how so many will remember him. Justin was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Destiny (Austin) Turek of Fort Worth, Texas; his brother Jeff (Janet) Henne of North Platte; his best friend Zackery Einspahr of Kearney; and nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him. Though h is t ime w ith u s w as f ar t oo short, J ustin l eaves b ehind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. An informal celebration of life was held for Justin on Saturday, August 1, in Kearney. Memorial c ontributions may b e m ade t o t he f amily f or future designation.

Funeral service for John T. Appleman, age 92, of Johnstown will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. B urial w ill f ollow i n t he A insworth C emetery. J ohn Appleman passed away Friday, July 24, at his home near Johnstown. Survivors include children Loren Appleman and wife Laurel of Johnstown, Lana Hauck and husband Gary of Utica, S.D., Lila DeRaad of Johnstown, and Leonard Appleman and wife Kim of Johnstown; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother Bob Appleman and wife Wilma of Johnstown; s isters Linda B lack o f W est P oint a nd W anda M ajor o f Laramie, Wyo.; sisters-in-law Donnabelle Leonhardt of Riverton, Wyo., and Eunice Skinner of Napa, Calif.; along with nieces, nephews and other family members. Visitations f or J ohn A ppleman will b e h eld o n S aturday f rom 1 2:30 p.m until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Ainsworth Senior Center in John’s name. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.

A graveside memorial service for Laura V. (Teleen) Hughes, age 102, of Sierra Visa, Ariz., formerly of Ainsworth, will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 10 a.m. in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Laura Hughes passed away June 30, 2024, in Arizona. Survivors include children Evelyn Harris and friend Bob Kleinschmidt of Sierra Vista, Ariz., Nita Cooper and husband Gary of Milford, Byron Hughes o f McCook a nd D onna H ughes a nd f riend Bill P aul o f S ierra Vista, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; along with other family members. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the Ainsworth Public Library in Laura’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth is assisting with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Lois I. McDaniel was born February 25, 1933, in Johnstown to George and Minnie (Jessup) McDaniel. She attended school in Johnstown and graduated in the class of 1950. Lois met and married Gerald D. Titus at the family ranch near Springview on June 4, 1950. To this union, four children were born: Linda, Jean, Edward and Ernest. Lois was busy with raising four children, helping on the ranch and keeping records for Gerald’s trucking business along with raising a large garden. She belonged to the Three Pines Extension Club for many years and was an active participant at the Keya Paha County Fair for years baking many prize-winning cakes and showing canned goods. As f amily g rew, a ll b ecame a ctive i n 4 -H a ctivities w ith c ooking, sewing, calves and other projects She s uffered a s troke i n 2 000 w hich limited t he things she could d o but s till k ept the y ard a nd f lowers n eat a nd c lean. Then in M ay o f 2022, she had another stroke which left her left hand/arm mostly disabled, and she was totally dependent on oxygen for many years. She lived in her home until 91.5 yrs old and then moved to Cherry Hills Assisted Living in Valentine, where she made many new friends. Then in S eptember o f 2 025, s he m oved t o t he R ock C ounty H ospital L ong Term Care in Bassett. She loved it there as they had many activities to do and was able to go on the many bus tours they offered. Again, she made many new friends and enjoyed the care she received and always kept the staff on their toes with her sharp and witty mind. Lois passed away a t t he L ong T erm C are o n W ednesday, J uly 15, a fter a s hort illness. Lois is survived by her children Linda (Stanley) Keever of Winner, S.D., Jean ( Scott) Stewart o f M ontrose, S .D. a nd E dward T itus o f Springview; g randchildren S andy ( Toby) C arstens o f D imock, S .D., Jessica Jones of Mitchell S.D., Eric (Becky) Opperman of Mitchell, Aaron J ones o f Rapid C ity, S .D., A my T itus of O maha, T ony T itus of Springview and Dustin (Otilla) Titus of Lincoln; 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Lois is also survived by two step-grandchildren Naomi Stewart and Duane Stewart both of Sheridan, Ore.; four step-great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law Kathy Titus of Springview; along with nieces, nephews and other family members. Lois was preceded in death by her parents and step-parents (father) George and Sarah McDaniel and (mother) Minnie and William Hartgrave; her in-laws Fred and Irene Titus; her husband Gerald Titus; son Ernest Titus; daughter-in-law Lisa Titus; granddaughter Angela Jones; great-grandson Blaize Perry; five brothers Vernon, Charles, Lewis, George Jr. and Arthur McDaniel; two sisters Fern Versaw and Mabel Persefield; four brothers-in-law Ted Versaw, Ivan Persefield, Donald and Howard Titus; and four sisters-in-law Marilyn, Iretta, Lucy, and Diane McDaniel.