Obituaries

James Robert O’Kief left this world on February 11, 2023 after 77 years. Jim was a hard man and cowboy; strong, disciplined, incredibly smart, and a tremendous rancher—and he was loved. Jim was born in Omaha on June 8, 1945 to William G. O’Kief and Alice M. (Zilmer) O’Kief. He grew up on the W.G. O’Kief Ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills with his parents and two older brothers, Jerry and John.

Born in Chadron, NE in 1939, Dale grew up in Ainsworth, NE. Upon graduating from high school, Dale attended the University of Denver graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration.

Word has been received of the death of Robert J. McLeod, age 49 of Ainsworth, NE. Robert McLeod passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE. Per his wishes, no services will be held.

law introduced her to a local widower. They fell in love and she, and Don Rzeszotarski were married on June 21, 1959 in Atkinson, NE. Eliza became an instant parent to Don’s daughter at that time and later gave birth to four other daughters during the marriage. She embraced motherhood by sewing matching dresses for her daughters, leading Girl Scout Troops, teaching Sunday School and a myriad of other activities that allowed her to be involved with her daughters.

Funeral service for Ron Elliott, age 79 of Valentine, NE was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine. Graveside service was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Thedford, NE. Mr. Elliott passed away on February 3rd at the Cherry County Hospital in Valentine.

Ruth LaVonne Luehrs was born on May 25, 1926, to Lester and Bertha Kurtz in the family home on 7th Street of Long Pine, NE, the youngest of five daughters. That home is still occupied. At the time of her death, Ruth had the distinction of being known as the oldest resident of Long Pine for several years. Per her wishes, Ruth passed away peacefully in her own home in Long Pine on January 30, 2023, at the age of 96 years.

com. The Reverend Eugene (Gene) Wayne Morse, 79, passed away Friday, January 6, 2023, Born August 21, 1943, Gene grew up in Gothenburg, NE.

Long Pine resident Sammy D. Ellis, born September 9, 1955, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date, for Donald Ray Fernau age 93 of Ainsworth, NE. Donald Fernau passed away Monday, January 23, 2023 at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth.

Walter Wayne Larson was born December 17, 1955 in Bassett, NE to George H. and Opal I. (Taylor) Larson. Walter grew up in Springview, NE graduating from Keya Paha High School in 1973. He married Vicki L. Wantz on April 13, 1974 in Johnstown, NE. On March 2, 1975, they were blessed with twins, Michael and Michele. They lived on the family ranch and worked for his parents milking cows.