Funeral services for David M. Hewitt will be held Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013 at 11:00 am at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron.

David M. Hewitt, 48, of Whitney, died February 10, 2013 at his home.

David was born on November 23, 1964 in Chadron, Nebraska to Vern and Evelyn Hewitt. David grew up in Chadron where he attended school from kindergarten to a sophomore in College.  While he was in college, he followed his dream of being a horseman and began his career at Fort Robinson State Park as a wrangler. He, at that time was following his love of music while playing drums for his big brother, Lawrence in the Powder River Band.  They traveled throughout Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.  Many people came to listen to him play and sing.  Being the humble man he was he never thought that he could play or sing well.

In 1986, he stole the heart of a South Dakota girl, whose life he changed forever.  In 1989, David married Candee Lagge.  The couple was married in Hot Springs, South Dakota on September 16, 1989, and their first home was in Crawford were he moved the City girl to the country, and wow did he open her eyes to a whole new world.  He taught her all the things that were so very important to him.  From the ranch the couple moved to Morrill, Nebraska where he worked at Sand Hills Beef and Candee worked in Torrington.  At this time their beautiful daughter, Shylee was born to them on October 23, 1992.  Her dad was so in love with her.  She was his pride and joy and made him so proud.  He passed on his love of horses and music to her and tried to teach her how to be tough, and take care of herself so that she could survive in the world.

David was a wonderful husband, father and friend.  He never knew a stranger.  He could make you laugh with his big bold deep laugh .  He would help anyone.  He had more kids then he realized and didn’t care that they weren’t blood.  He wanted to teach them his world so that no one forgot about the cowboy and what he stood for.  He always believed in them and would do anything to help.  He had the biggest heart and never asked for anything in return.  This man had no idea the lives he touched and how deeply he will be missed.  To those of us who knew him best, remember the saying, “If you would just pull your head out you might learn something.”

Dave’s survivors include his wife Candee; daughter Shylee ; Mother Evelyn Hewitt of Chadron; brother Lawrence (Pam) Hewitt; sisters Diana (Steve) Arner, Dixie (Dan) Stricker, Merna (Rich) McKiben, Gloria (Floyd) Gregg; nephews, Chadd Arner, Matt (Janet) Hewitt; nieces Nikki (John) Daringer, Portia (Josh) Sheppard; great nieces, Peyton Sheppard, Reese and Avery Hewitt; great nephews Cash Daringer, and Quinten Sheppard, and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Vern Hewitt.

There is a memorial set up for the Benefit of Fort Robinson, the place that he always held near and dear to his heart.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Crawford is in charge of arrangements.

Patrick Lee Moore of rural Chadron passed away Sunday, February 10, 2013 at Chadron Community Hospital.  He was 64 years old.  Memorial services will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Pastor Scott Montgomery officiating.

Moore was born on March 17, 1948 to George Robert and Nancy Louise (Casey) Moore in Windsor, Colorado.  He graduated from Windsor High School in 1966 and enrolled at Chadron State College that fall.  He lettered four years as a lineman for the Eagle’s football team and earned all-Nebraska College Conference first-team honors three years and also was an NAIA District 11 first-team selection as a senior in 1969.  He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Chadron State College and took additional graduate courses at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.  He married Connie Rae Grantham of Chadron on December 20, 1969 in Chadron.  They had three children.

Pat spent 38 years as an educator.  He was a teacher and a coach at Thedford for six years and a football and basketball coach and principal at Paxton for 16 years.  He then was the principal at Hershey for six years, Ogallala for three years and Rangely, Colorado for six years.  After he retired from education in 2008, the Moore’s moved back to Chadron, where he resided until his death.  During his career, he loved working with students and coaching them.  He also loved watching his daughters and son compete in athletics and spending time with them fishing and camping.  He was a kind and gentle giant with a huge caring heart.  He loved his family dearly and his grandkids call him “Papa.”

Pat also enjoyed watching Chadron State football and became close friends with several recent members of the team.  In addition, he enjoyed playing practical jokes and teasing his family members and friends.  He was a member of the Chadron Christian Church, where he was baptized.

His survivors include his wife Connie; daughters, Melissa (Bronc) Nicholson of Sutherland and Rebecca (Jimmy) Watson of Houston, Texas; son, Russell of Chadron; grandchildren Jarod and Julia Nicholson and William and Lauren Watson; father-in-law Ray Grantham of Chadron; sister, Linda (JoWain) Sherman of Kimball; brother, William Moore of Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Moore and mother-in-law Phyllis Grantham.

A memorial has been established.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Everyone who knew Bob was blessed by a letter or two, or more.  He was a writer.  Some time before his passing into his eternal home, he had penned his own obituary.  In respect, we wanted to offer it as follows and then close with our endearing thoughts.

Robert M. Howard, 95, passed away February 11, at Regional West Medical Center.

Formerly of Hyannis, Bob had married Evelyn Berniece Miller on December 24, 1946.  Together, they published the Grant County Tribune, likewise filling job printing needs in the community, with Berniece mastering skill at the linotype.

The couple, and son Harold, moved to Alliance in 1949, when Howard accepted the job as editor of The Nebraska Cattleman, official monthly publication of the Nebraska Stock Growers Association.  Berniece continued to follow the type-setting trade in Alliance.

During tenure with the Association, Howard interviewed pioneer cattle families, resulting in publication of 225 articles, under the title “Hello, There”.  From June 1954 to June 1970 he served as secretary-treasurer of the Association.  He retired from Stock Grower activity in 1988.  He had resided at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance since August 2010.

Robert was born April 21, 1917 to Rufus M. and Florence Mae (Wingerd) in a sod house near Flats in west McPherson county, Nebraska.

Following District 45 grade school, he went to Tryon and graduated from McPherson County High School, class of 1935.  The next four years he lived in Lincoln, where he graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1941, which included a certificate from the School of Journalism.

Prior to graduation ceremonies, Howard took employment in the advertising department of the Yankton Press – Dakotan. He was there only six weeks before receiving a draft call from McPherson County.

Following induction into the Army at Omaha March 18, 1941, Howard was sent to Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas for training.  He served as a company clerk three and a half years.  The assignment included being with the Gering National Guard in the Aleutian Islands for 20 months.  For the remainder of the war, he was on assignment to areas of the South Pacific.  He was honorably discharged on November 11, 1945.

Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Alliance Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow.  Various other entities that felt his influence were the Senior Citizen Center, Mission Store and Alliance American Legion.  Howard represented Box Butte County on the Advisory Board of the Aging Office of Western Nebraska in Scottsbluff for eight years.

State affiliation included a lifetime membership in the Nebraska State Historical Society, Nebraska Writers Guild, Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement, and honorary member of the University of Nebraska Block and Bridle Club.  He was president of the University YMCA in 1940.

Howard’s wife Berniece passed away January 5, 1998 at the age of 72.  The couple’s four children are: Harold (Marge) Odenton, MD; Harvey (Jann) Lincoln; Hester, Sterling, CO and Horace (Susan) Alliance.

  A close-up survivor is Bob’s sister, Helen Chamberlain of Laguna Woods, CA.  There are five granddaughters: Hannah Wheatley, Lincoln; Jennifer Coulter, Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Angie (Ernie) Charles, Mitchell; Lexi Bauer, Fort Collins, CO; and Loren (Phillip) Hernandez, Fresno, CA.  Four grandsons include: Robert, Lincoln; Sgt. Jeffrey (Barbara) Olympia, WA; Matthew (Amy), Sarasota Florida, and Jonathan, Odenton, MD.

A niece, Deborah Srb (Ronald) Hardaway is a survivor at Newport Coast, CA, as are a great-nephew, Christopher Srb. Denver.

Also surviving are brothers–in-law and sister-in-law Harry Miller, Scottsbluff; Thomas (Deb) Miller, Eustis; Roy (Judy) Miller, Beaver, Ohio; Robbie (Mia) Miller Evening Shade, Arkansas; Peggy Joan (Elmer) Beem, Sutherland and Glen Beem, Evanston, Wyoming.

He had fourteen great-grandchildren: Hayley (Scott), Calvin, Cade, Colton, Abigail, Tyler, Amanda, Zachary, Erica, Tobias, Meghan, Samantha, Gracie and Logan.  He also has two step-great-grandsons: Zachery Hamilton, Fort Lewis WA and Casey Hamilton, Sarasota Florida.

A memorial service for Bob will be held Friday Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Lucas officiating.  Burial will be in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the church, or to the charity of donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Dad was a man who stood tall, not just in stature but in character.  He was a man of faith in the Lord.  He would often say he was so proud of his children and their families.  He loved his country and could easily get emotional when speaking of a deceased veteran and their ultimate sacrifice. He was a friendly man, kind and gentle.  He was soft spoken. He was an impressive photographer, holding true to his 35-milimeter film and camera.  He was optimistic and saw the best in people.  He enjoyed sports, popcorn, and an occasional Pepsi. Dad was looking forward to the soon arrival of his first great-great grandchild.  These few words are feeble at best to describe a man like Bob.  We ran across a letter where Dad had written, “I thank God for the privilege of growing old; that has become the greatest surprise of my life.”  Dad, we are all so thankful for you and will miss you so.

John Maser, Jr., 80, died Sunday, February 10, 2013 at his home.

He was born June 28, 1932 at Bayard, Nebraska to John and Elizabeth (Reiber) Maser.  He married Gladys Rein on July 30, 1950 in Bayard, Nebraska.  John engaged in farming for almost 20 years while living in Bayard, Minatare and Alliance, Nebraska.  In 1974 he began working for the WESTCO Fertilizer Department in Alliance, retiring in 1994.  He loved farming, trucking and spending time fishing.  He was a member of St. John’s United Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys Maser of Alliance; his son, John (Becky) Maser of Alliance; grandchildren, Laurie Esmeier and Chris Maser of Lincoln, Ashley Maser and Seth Maser of North Platte, and A.J. Maser and Nick Maser of Alliance.  He is also survived by his brother, Art Maser of Scottsbluff; sisters, Lucille Cook, Elsi Bauer, and Diana Sewert, all of Scottsbluff, Leona Henkel of Colorado, and Judy Michal of New York.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sons, Mike and Mark Maser.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s United Lutheran Church.  Rev. Dr. Robert Mortvedt will officiate.  Inurnment will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. John’s United Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Funeral services for Dave M. Hewitt of Whitney, Nebraska will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron.

Mr. Hewitt passed away on February 10, 2013 at his home in Whitney.  Dave was born on November 23, 1964 in Chadron, Nebraska.  He was 48.  His survivors include his wife, Candy Hewitt, and daughter, Shylee Hewitt.

A memorial has been established to benefit Fort Robinson State Park.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE, 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Crawford is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Louise Ackerman, 78, died Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center.

She was born in Cass County, Michigan on March 26, 1934 to Harold F. and Dorothy G. (Shears) Moran.  She attended school in Michigan and Nebraska graduating from Alliance High School in 1952.  On March 1, 1957 she was united in marriage to Leon C. Ackerman.  She loved her family, her friends and all animals.

Her survivors include her husband, Leon; her daughter and her family, Sue and husband Gary Talkington of Harrisburg, NE and grandsons, Eric, Christopher, Kole and Jaymes, and great-grandson, Tristan; her sons, Robert of Alliance, and Allan and his wife, Lex, of Alliance and grandsons, Tallan and step-grandson, Austin, granddaughter, Allandra, and her granddaughters from her late son, William are Tanya and Myrranda, and great-grandsons, Kayson and Klayton.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, her son, William, her granddaughter, Mynette, an infant sister and an infant daughter.

Graveside services will be Thursday, February 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alliance Cemetery with Reverend Don Mink officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family requests that memorials in lieu of flowers be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,

501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or www.stjude.org/tribute.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Knight died peacefully at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix on January 24, 2013.  During the last six months of her life she experienced repeated bouts of pneumonia, with the antibiotics becoming less effective on each subsequent round.

Ruth Knight lived an exemplary life.  She always radiated a positive, sunny attitude.  She was never inclined to rock the boat or to challenge authority.  She was gracious in all circumstances and rarely criticized the motivations or actions of others.  She seldom expressed an opinion on controversial issues.  She was grateful for her wide circle of friends and would always find time to engage in friendly conversation, lend a helping hand, or offer a cheery word of support.  Despite growing physical limitations in her later life, she never complained and was one of the most popular residents at her assisted living facility.  She never let her numerous accomplishments go to her head.  She maintained a humble attitude and was guided by deep religious convictions.  Her activities touched many people.  She lived a balanced, rewarding life.

Ruth was born in Omaha on July 28, 1915.  Her parents were Martin Sylvester McDuffee and Ida Belle Knoll (McDuffee).  She briefly lived in Madison, NE, where her father was a county judge.  In 1922 the family moved to Norfolk, NE, living a few houses away from Johnny Carson’s parents.  She attended Grant Elementary School and graduated as salutatorian from Norfolk High School.  The following fall she matriculated at Grinnell College in Iowa.  She loved college life and the expanding horizons it provided.  She majored in English and History, graduated in 1937 and was awarded Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board Society honors.  (Along the way she met the requirements for a teachers’ certificate.)  Her professors encouraged her to go to graduate school.  However, it was the midst of the depression and she did not want to be a further financial burden to her parents.  Her college years were formative.  She developed an interest and love for English and US history and literature.  During her quiet times over the remainder of her life, she would study such books.  Following graduation from Grinnell, she moved to Wayne, NE, where she taught sophomore high school English, European history, and debate.  Her debate team orator won the state championship.  Meanwhile the Alliance Superintendant of Schools recruited her to move to Alliance to teach junior English and journalism.  She accepted the offer and moved at the end of the school year.

After her first year in Alliance, she married Edward M. Knight, a local banker.  Edward had a degree in electrical engineering, but had joined the Alliance National Bank when engineering jobs evaporated during the depression.  Ruth became a homemaker and her first son, Robert, was born ten days before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.  Shortly thereafter the family moved to the Cleveland area where Edward served as a section foreman at a factory building B-29 airplanes for the military.  A second son, Frank, was born in 1944.

After the war ended, the family returned to Alliance.  Ruth became active in many organizations.  In the Eastern Star she served as Worthy Matron and went on to be Worthy Grand Matron for Nebraska.  She served on the ESTARL Committee which awarded scholarships to individuals wishing to enter the ministry.  She was a member of the Alliance Public Library Board for around 25 years.  At First Presbyterian Church she was elected an elder, taught the Sunday School class for high school students for 17 years, and served on pastor search committees three times.  Additionally, she had terns as president of the Church’s Womens group and the Presbyterial.

She was Regent for Point of Rock DAR chapter; served as president of Chapter AH PEO; and was an organizing member of the Alliance Chapter of AAUW.  She was den mother for a cub scout pack for two years and served as a class room-mother at Emerson School several times.  She was on the Board of the Alliance National Bank from 1964 until the bank was sold in 1994.  Ruth was a founding member of the Knight Museum Foundation and remained on its board until her death.  She was a member of several bridge clubs and played duplicate bridge when the group was active in Alliance.  She taught a weekly Bible Class at Good Samaritan for several years.

By the early 1980s, Ruth would frequently contract pneumonia during the winter months.  Doctors advised her to move to a milder climate at a lower altitude.  Ruth and Edward acquired a residence in Sun City, AZ, and for the next few years they wintered in Arizona.  After Edward died in 1983, Ruth became increasingly active as an affiliate member at Faith Presbyterian Church in Sun City.  She served a term as elder and became the first chairman of the Spiritual Life Committee.  For over two years she was responsible for organizing the daily devotions at the church, having to substitute as the leader whenever the speakers failed to show.  She also prepared the Advent and Lenten booklets.

Ruth joined the Scots Club of Sun City, a group devoted to studying and promoting their Scottish heritage.  Alex Beaton, the dean of Scottish balladeers, performed for her 90th birthday party.

Ruth’s last years were spent in an assisted living facility.  Her external activities were considerably reduced, but her eyesight and hearing remained good.  She would spend her days reading 700 page histories and visiting with friends in the dining room.

Ruth is survived by her sons, Robert and Frank, and by her granddaughter, Celinda.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Edward, and her grandson, Brian.

Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church in Alliance, the Knight Museum, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 20 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Stephen Roosa officiating.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Ronald E. Schefcik, 69, died Friday, February 8, 2013 at Box Butte General Hospital.

He was born May 9, 1943 at Stuart, Nebraska to Eugene and Honora (Jardee) Schefcik.  Ron was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  He married Olevia Eversull in 1963.   To this union four children were born.

He is survived by his children, Robert E. (Nina) Schefcik of Alliance, Travis (Beth) Schefcik of Crowley, LA, Yvonne (Ron) Covert of Hot Springs, SD, and Eunice (John) Alexander of Luling, LA.  He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; his brother, Larry Schefcik of Rapid City, SD; his sister, Sharon Schefcik of Hot Springs, SD; and his special friend, Jackye Schefcik of Alliance.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steven.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastor Jim Nichols officiating.

Memorials may be given in care of the family at, 715 Big Horn Ave., Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Funeral services for Richard J. Michaelson of Rushville will be held Wednesday, February 13,2013, 10:00AM at the United Methodist Church, Rushville, NE.

Burial with Military Honors will be held in Fairview Cemetery, Rushville, NE.

A memorial has been established for the American Legion Post #161 & the Legion Auxiliary and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home PO Box 366 Gordon, NE 69343, or to Security First Bank PO Box 550 Rushville, NE 69360.

Richard died February 10,2013, at Gordon Memorial Hospital.  He was 89.

A Memorial service will be held Friday, February 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Harrison, Nebraska with the Reverend George Kilmer officiating.  Inurnment will follow the services at the Harrison Cemetery.

Georgia Ashach Powell, at the age of 96, died on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Chadron Community Hospital following a slow decline of health, over the past several months.

Georgia A. Powell was born March 17, 1916 to Tress M. and Edith (Collamore) Powell in Harrison, Nebraska.  She grew up in Harrison and lived most of her life in Harrison.  She had one brother William M. Powell of Harrison and one sister Jane Arlene Farnum of Tamworth, New Hampshire.  Georgia attended the Harrison Grade School and graduated from Sioux County High School in 1934.  She remained in Harrison where she worked for Abie Whiteaker in his clothing store and for her father Tress, in the Hardware Store.  When her brother Bill graduated from high school in 1937, Georgia and Bill moved to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming.  Georgia finished her education at Parks Business College in Denver and remained in Denver, working as a legal secretary.  Growing restless and wanting to be closer to her cousins, Georgia moved to Omaha, Nebraska and worked for J.C. Penney’s in their business office.  Later, she returned to Denver and accepted a job with Standard Brands.  When World War II started, her father Tress encouraged her to return to Harrison to help run Powell Hardware.  After the war, her brother Bill returned home from the Army Air Corps and Georgia and Bill Worked together at the Hardware Store with their father.  In 1957, Georgia received her funeral director’s license.  She had a great working relationship with the Chamberlain Funeral Home and continued working for the Chamberlain’s in the Harrison community until shortly before her death.  Georgia’s distinctive personality, zest of life, knowledge of community history, and compassion for others at a time of loss may have been why she enjoyed being involved in the funeral business, helping others deal with loss.

After 20 years working the hardware store, she decided to open her own business.  In 1961, she opened Georgia’s Gift Shop in the old Viele Drug Store building that was located next to the theater building.  As her business grew, she relocated to a larger building located across the street from the Corner Market.  The social aspect of the business was the best part of retail.  Georgia’s Gift Shop became a social gathering place for those interested in the craft’s, a cup of coffee, rounded out the snacks and chitchat.  She closed her shop in 1973 so that she could care for her elderly father.