Arleata Joyce (Bolich) Bass, 81

Arleata Joyce (Bolich) Bass, 81, of Kearney, formerly of Brewster, NE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney, NE.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at the United Church of Christ in Brewster with Pastor Chad Anderson officiated. Interment was in the Ainsworth Cemetery.

Arleata was born on May 16, 1941, to Otto and Lorna Bolich in Ainsworth, NE. She grew up on a ranch outside of Ainsworth and graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1959. After graduating, she worked at First National Bank in Ainsworth and then at KBR Public Power District for five years.

Arleata was united in marriage to John Howard Bass on October 17, 1965. They were blessed with two children. They owned and operated a ranch near Cody, NE, until 1979, when they moved to a ranch near Brewster, NE. Arleata was well-known and adored in Brewster, where she served as postmaster for several years. In 2004, Howard and Arleata retired and moved to Kearney, NE.

Arleata was kind, gentle, and hard-working. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and canning food when she was raising her children. She was a skilled cook and prepared many delicious meals for friends and family over the years. Her cinnamon rolls were a big hit at brandings.

She was a devout Christian and a member of Brewster Community Church for many years, then Trinity Presbyterian Church in Kearney. Her faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ were important to her.

She enjoyed reading biographies and listening to music. In retirement, she kept in touch with family and enjoyed card games with friends. Attending the school activities and rodeos of her grandchildren kept her and Howard busy. She always provided love and support for her family, who will always remember her.

She leaves behind her beloved husband, Howard, of 57 years; sister Twyla Harr and brother-in-law Maynard Harr of Ainsworth; her son Steven Bass and daughter-in-law Tresa Bass of Brewster; daughter Joyce Bass of Maxwell; five grandchildren, Travis Davis, Scott Davis, Chelsea Kubitschek, Ty Bass, and Cooper Bass; three great-grandchildren, Flynn, Adilyn, and Bodhi; as well as many nieces and nephews who she loved.

Arleata was preceded in death by her parents and several aunts and uncles.

Memorials are suggested to the United Church of Christ in Brewster or the Brewster Fire Department. Words of condolence or remembrance may be left at www.govierbrothers.com