Obituaries

Word has been received of the death of Riley K. Hitchcock, age 39 of Ainsworth, NE.

Kenneth Clyde “Ken” Burdick passed away on October 29, 2023, at the age of 89, at his home in Arlington, OR. Despite his battle with serious medical issues in recent years, he showed his courage in facing life challenges with grit, grace and dignity.

Corrine Viola (Hendricks) Gross, or as her loved ones fondly called her, Cori, embarked on her grand adventure beyond the mortal realm on November 13, 2023 at the age of 67 in Ainsworth, NE. Born on January 3, 1956, in the sunny land of San Bernardino, CA, Cori radiated joy like a perpetual ray of sunshine. She was a master of mischief, a jester of love and a true champion of laughter.

Alanson G. “Lance” Cole was born at home on November 30, 1931 to Glen A. and Lena M. (Jones) Cole outside of Ainsworth, NE. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on the early Monday morning of November 13, 2023 at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett, NE.

A Celebration of Life Event for Diane M. Thompson, age 69 of Long Pine, NE, will be held in the Spring of 2024.

Lawrence Thomas Johnson was born October 5, 1938, in Ainsworth, NE, the third child of Margaret Jane and John Lyle Johnson. His grade school years were spent in Burwell, Minden, Cozad, Broken Bow, and finally rural Cherry County. When the family moved to the Mission Ranch north of Kilgore, Larry attended the Sunshine School for 7th and 8th grade. He went to O’Neill St. Mary’s for High School where he made lifelong friends that still kept in contact with him until his death. He was a member of the football team, track team, choir, and drama. He graduated in 1956. He attended Chadron State College from 1957-1960 where he participated in choir and drama, and took classes in art, woodworking, and drafting, among others.

Word has been received of the death of Corrine Viola Hendricks, age 67 of Ainsworth, NE. Corrine Hendricks died Monday, November 13, 2023 at her home in Ainsworth. No services are planned at this time.

Ternie Carroll (Caulfield) Wright age 75 of Broken Bow, NE passed away at Bergan Mercy Hospital of Omaha on November 9, 2023. Ternie Wright was born April 21, 1948, to James and Betty Caulfield in Valentine, NE.

Marilyn K. Holmberg was born on May 15, 1951, in Jacksonville, FL, the daughter of Dr. Harry E. and Margaret (Leary) Holmberg. Marilyn passed away peacefully in Ainsworth, NE, on October 28, 2023, at the age of 72. Marilyn’s father was the Chairman of the Division of Fine Arts at Chadron State College for many years. From an early age, Marilyn also shared her father’s love of music. So much so, it was no surprise to see her graduating from Chadron State College with a degree to teach music. And teach she did. Marilyn was a band director of several Nebraska-area schools where she touched the lives of more students than could ever be counted. As one former student stated, “She was more than a teacher, she believed in us! She met all students ‘where they were’ and helped us pursue musical excellence. She will be missed”.

Word has been received of the death of Michael J. Soudant, age 79 of Long Pine, NE. Michael Soudant passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at his home in Long Pine. Per his wishes, no services will be held and his ashes are to be scattered in Colorado.