Funeral services for Tommy Bates of Whitney, Nebraska will be held on Friday, January 18, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Tony Tangwall officiating.  Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at Chamberlain Chapel. 

Tommy passed away on January 11, 2013 at Crestview Care Center in Chadron.  He was 75. 

Tommy was born on August 11, 1937 in Española, a small town in New Mexico.  He lived his childhood on his folks ranch south of Clayton, New Mexico.  Tommy was a rancher who loved his cattle and horses.  He said he was, “a jack of all trades, master of none.”  He broke horses and farmed also.  Tommy graduated from Clayton, New Mexico High School in 1956.  He married Dora Lee Gossett in June of 1956.  They had 56 wonderful living years together.  They have three sons, Gene, Tommy Jr., and Richard.  Gene is a lifetime trucker who always helped his dad and Richard anytime he could.  Tommy W. Jr. is working in Amarillo, Texas.  Richard has been with his dad and mother, working alongside his Daddy since a very young age.  Tommy was also looking into how to expand his ranches.  In 1976, he leased a ranch at Big Piney, Wyoming.  Dora Lee always said she lived one year there.  He was there about six months, making many trips back and forth to their ranch in New Mexico.  In 1991, they bought a ranch north of Whitney, Nebraska.  It was said to be a “mid-life crisis move.”  Tommy never met a stranger and loved going to cattle sales, many times just to see old friends.  

Tommy leaves behind his wife Dora Lee of Whitney; Sons, Gene Bates of Clayton, New Mexico, Tommy W. Bates Jr. of Amarillo, Texas and Richard Bates of Whitney, Nebraska; Sister, Barbara Green of Clayton, New Mexico; four grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oren and Vivian Bates, infant sibling, and brother-in-law Bobby Green.  Tommy will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. 

A memorial has been established for the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department or the Crawford Rural Fire Department.  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.

Steven Lee Manion, 59, formerly of Alliance, Nebr., died on Dec. 16, 2012, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y.

Steven was born on January 22, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska.  He grew up on a rural farm north of Alliance and graduated from St. Agnes Academy in 1971.  After earning a degree in sociology from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, he began a career in communications at Lincoln Telephone Company. He would later work at GTE, Contel and Verizon. During his career at Verizon, Steven was honored with the Verizon Excellence Award in 2004.

During the course of his life, Steven lived and worked in Lincoln, Nebr.; Atlanta, Ga., Tampa, Fla; Dallas, Texas; and Santa Fe, N.M.

Away from work, Steven took great pride in his son, Brian, and grandson Finnigan, born in December of 2010.

Steven was a big football fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the New Orleans Saints and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. During his years living in Lincoln, Steven helped to park cars at Husker football games, a job that allowed him to see every home game in person.

Steven loved decorating for all the holidays and he especially enjoyed Christmas.

Upon his retirement, Steven dedicated his time to volunteer work and spent many hours at Christus-St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe working in the Cancer Treatment Center. His mission was to be an advocate for patients to ensure that their voices were heard.  Many patients submitted formal letters to the hospital, recognizing and thanking Steven for his work, often stating, “Steven really cared about me and did everything possible to make me comfortable during my treatment.  He took time to get to know me as a person, not just a patient.”

Steven also volunteered his time at The Horse Rescue, a sanctuary for abused and neglected horses, in Santa Fe, NM. He also volunteered at Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital Cancer Treatment Center in Henrietta, NY.

It was Steven’s dream upon retirement to also dedicate his time to traveling.  He was very outgoing and loved meeting new people, and as a result, gained many close friends throughout the United States.

Survivors include his life partner, Gorden Dreyer; his mother, Doris Manion of Alliance, Nebr., a son, Brian Manion, fiancé Missy and grandchild Finnegan of Plano, Texas; a brother, Kirt Manion, wife Kim and niece Kaylee of Nebraska City, Nebr., a sister, Kelly Reisig, husband Lincoln and niece Lily of Mitchell, Nebr., and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Laurence Manion and his sister Susan Manion-Hendrix.

A rosary will be held on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  The celebration of Steven’s life will take place on his birthday; Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 10 a.m., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Lou Nollette officiating.

Contributions in memory of Steven may be made to The Horses Shelter, 1012 Marquez Place, Ste 201B, Santa Fe, NM 87505.

Milton E. Zeiler, 67, of Minatare passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, CO.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 14, 2013 at Plymouth Congregational Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Rod Wetzig officiating.  There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.  Memorials may be made to Plymouth Congregational Church or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jolliffefuneralhome.com.  Jolliffe Funeral Home of Scottsbluff is assisting the family. 

Milton Eugene Zeiler was born June 2, 1945 in Scottsbluff to Manuel and Anne (Fegler) Zeiler.  He attended Highland Grade School, graduated from Minatare High School and then attended college.  Upon graduation he began farming.  Milton married Mary Ann Heimbouch on January 28, 1967.  They made their home in Bayard.  To this union two children were born, Michelle and Michael.  In 1987, Milton moved his family back to the farm he was born and raised on.  He was still active and farming with his son at the time of his death.  Milton was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Scottsbluff.  He will always be remembered for his willingness to help and was meticulous with his vehicles and farm equipment.  Milton loved his dogs and his family. 

Survivors include his wife and best friend of almost 46 years, Mary Ann; daughter, Michelle (Jef) Johnston; son, Michael Zeiler (fiancé, Sarah Williams) and children, Emily and Natalie; special nephew, Greg Lofing; brother-in-laws, Jim (Faith) Heimbouch and Terry (Kay) Heimbouch; sister-in-law, Helen Sell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  He will be sadly missed by Sid, Sophie and Sam (the pups). 

Preceding Milton in death were his parents; and special aunt and uncle, Pauline and George Zeiler.

Mary Elizabeth (Hall) Hardman, 87, of Alliance, NE passed away peacefully, January 8, 2013 in her home after a short battle with cancer with her daughters at her side. 

She was born Sept. 9, 1925 in Wingate, Texas to Myron and Jewell (Duke) Hall. She attended school in Spade, Texas, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. After graduation she went to California to serve as a tellatypist for the service during WWII. She returned to Texas, later moving to New Mexico where she married James V. Hardman on Oct. 23rd 1954. They lived in New Mexico for 6 years, and then they moved to Ft. Collins, CO and then to Potter, Nebraska to raise her family living there for 15 years.  Jim and Mary sold their home and moved overseas because of husband’s line of work and they lived in Indonesia and Bangladesh each for 4 years. They traveled to many parts of the world before they retired in Rodgers AR.  After the death of her husband, in 1990, she moved to Alliance, NE to be close to her children.

Mary was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church and served in several capacities of the women’s organizations. Mary was an avid reader, loved sewing, and enjoyed the world of tennis. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, and appreciated the time she had with her great friends in the community. 

Mary is survived by her daughters, Carrie and Kenny Preiss of Alliance, NE, Lisa and Mark Bickford of Peetz, CO, her  son,  Myron and Kathy Woody of Sidney, NE,  7 grandchildren and 6 great- grandchildren; Kris and Marisa (Kurt) Gadway, Tiffany and Bob (Kaylynn) Wohl all of Phoenix Az. Natalie (Elijah) Bickford of Sterling, Co.  Brooke and Gordon (Charlie)Nielsen of Provo, UT, Taylor Bickford of Peetz, Co. Stephanie and James (Haley, Preston) Abney of Topeka, KS and Shannon and Matt Moore of Lincoln, NE.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Helen Daniel of Lubbock, Texas. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, James, infant daughter, Kathy, sister, Maurine McGregor,  her 3 brothers, Douglas Hall, Lefty Hall, Earlie Hall, and brother-in-law, Don Hardman. 

Memorial services will be Thursday, January 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church with Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Alliance Cemetery. 

The family request that memorials be given to UMW of the United Methodist Church, 704 Box Butte Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301 or Prairie Haven Hospice, 2409 Box Butte Avenue, Alliance.

 

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

Mikal Delorian “Mikie” Orozco, 17, of Gering, was called home to our Lord on Sunday, January 6, 2013, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 11, 2013, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Gering with Father Gerald Harr officiating.  Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff.  A rosary and celebration of her life will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff.  Friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Mikal D. Orozco Memorial Fund that has been established at First National Bank in Scottsbluff.  Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Mikie was born on March 15, 1995, at Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Rodolfo “Rudy” Balandran and Stacy Orozco.  She received her early education at Lincoln Elementary School in Gering.  She attended Gering Junior High School and was currently a senior at Gering High School.  Mikal planned on attending Peru State College, majoring in the medical field.  Mikal had a passion for knowledge.  She excelled in school and she carried a 4.0 grade average all through high school.  She had a special friendship with Mr. Smith the Gering High School Math Teacher.  She had many long talks with Mr. Smith about her future goals.  Mikie was blessed with two mothers, her biological mother Stacy and her grandmother Lucy who cared and loved Mikie like one of her daughters all of Mikie’s life.  Mikie was a member of many clubs and organizations. 

Survivors include her mothers Stacy (Salvador Gonzalez) and Lucy Orozco; sisters Gabriela and Alejandra Gonzalez-Orozco; grandfather Mike Orozco; special aunt and uncle Brandi and Mike DeSantiago, aunt and uncle Valarie and Leo Ysac and cousins Joshua (Isela Chavez) Orozco and their son Adrian Smith and, Chelsea Nation; aunt Jena Orozco and cousins Lluvia, Aurora, Lalo, and Victoria; aunt and uncle Lisa and Roberto Callihua and cousins, Cierra, Joel, Johnny, and Jeremy; her fiancé Andres Gutierrez, who was the love of her life; special cousins Veronica McDaniel, Rhonda Calistro, and Mikki Maldonado; numerous other relatives; and her cat, Tigerlilly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rodolfo Balandran; and numerous other relatives.

Teresa Rock, 80, died Sunday, January 6, 2013 at Box Butte General Hospital.

She was born June 4, 1932 in Valentine, NE to Daniel Leo and Mary (Egan) Rock.   The family moved to Alliance so the children could attend St. Agnes Academy where both of her parents had attended school.  She graduated from there in 1950.  She attended Duquesne College in Omaha, graduating in 1956.  She then returned to Alliance.  A position opened in 3rd grade at St. Agnes Academy.  She accepted the position and taught so many of Alliance’s citizens.  Teresa had many interests.  She wrote and published a cookbook, “Cooking for One” and operated a bakery for a few years.  Everyone loved her cookies.  She loved dogs and would have liked to have been a breeder.  For many years Teresa was a dedicated caregiver for her mother and sister, Mary Catherine who were in poor health for many years. 

Teresa is survived by her sisters, Anne Munger of Turner, OR and Madeline Daniels of Loveland, CO  and several nephews, nieces and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mary Catherine, her 3 brothers, Dan, Bernard and William, two nephews and a niece. 

Funeral services will be Friday, January 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Lou Nollette officiating.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  A wake service will be Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home. 

Memorials may be given to Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 531313 Henderson, Nevada 89053 at www.eyesight.org. 

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

Mildred Lou Gosney passed away on January 6, 2013 at Crestview Care Center in Chadron, Nebraska.  She was born September 10, 1922 in Kansas City, Kansas.  She was the third of the three children born to Jack W. and Rachel (Ruhl) Smith.  She grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Wyandotte High School.  In 1942, she married Donald Lee Gosney, her high school sweetheart, who was on active duty with the US Navy.  After the end of World War II, they returned to Kansas City.  They enjoyed more than 60 years of life together before Don passed away in 2004.  Mildred and Don lived for many years in the Kansas City area.  After retirement they built a home in Alpine, Colorado near where they had vacationed for many years.  They lived there for many years until failing health forced them to leave their beloved mountains.  Mildred lived in Alma, Nebraska, Colorado Springs, and later in Chadron after Don’s death. 

She is survived by her son Gary (Jan) Gosney of Colorado Springs, and Donna (Allen) Van Driel of Chadron, as well as 5 grandchildren and one great grandchild. 

Mildred was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later time in Alpine, Colorado. 

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com 

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial services will be held on January 29, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs, Nebraska.  Walter S. Mooring, age 95, died Thursday, January 3, 2013, at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in Hay Springs, Nebraska.  Walt was born May, 17, 1917 in Mooringsport, Louisiana, and was raised in Peatown, Texas.  Walter served in the Army-Air Corps. In WWII, as a pilot and flew a B-24 “Liberator’ bomber.  Walter as a pilot was responsible for a crew of 10 men, but he really didn’t like to talk about it.  After his service in 1951, he married Venita (Carlton) in Amarillo, Texas, as a floor tile layer they traveled all over, from Texas to California.  In California he became a minister, which was his first love. He also loved fishing and golfing and making beautiful nature pictures with 1/8 inch pieces of tile.  He was also a dedicated husband and father.  Walt is survived by two sons, Dwight (Jeanie) Mooring, of Cedar Crest, NM, Duane (Loretta) Mooring, Hamilton, New Jersey; Daughter, Fran (Vern) Platt, Hay Springs, Nebraska, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Walt is preceded in death by his wife Venita; two sons, Stewart Mooring, of Huron, South Dakota and Harry Tipps of San Diego, California; his parents Walter and Vallie Lee Mooring, One brother, and One sister. 

Memorial and cards can be sent to Fran Platt, P.O. Box 410, Hay Springs, NE  69347 

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com 

Chamberlain Drabbels Mortuary of Hay Springs is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial services for Charlie Snook of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.  

Charlie passed away on January 5, 2013 at the Chadron Community Hospital.  He was 75. 

Charlie was born on March 2, 1937 to Cloyde and Janice Snook in Oelrichs, South Dakota.  He grew up on a ranch around Oelrichs.  He graduated from college and then served in the US Army.  On June 2, 1973 he married Barb Snook.  In 1974, he began working at the Natural Resources District as the Head of the Tree department.  He was a member of the Elks Club and the American Legion.  He is survived by his wife Barbara; Daughters, Robyn of Dallas, Texas and Karen of Helena, Montana; Son, Bob Kime of Chadron, Nebraska; Brother Cloyde Snook, Jr.; Sister, Shirley McCroskey, four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents. 

A memorial has been established for the American Legion Club.  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.

Sarah Berneice Wright passed away on December 26th in Laramie, WY on her 96th birthday.  Berneice was born on Dec. 26th in Hyannis, NE, 1916. Her family moved around the Sand hills of Nebraska. Her parents, Andrew and Jesse Jones, worked on various ranches and the children went to country schools in the vicinity. While growing up, she worked for different ranch wives, cooking, clean ing and enjoying the outdoors. Berneice graduated from Hyannis High School and went on to Normal Training classes. She taught school in two different country schools.  Berneice married Lyle Wright on May 29, 1936 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. They ranched on the family ranch south of Hyannis for 74 years. Berneice enjoyed gardening, canning, lawn work, and especia lly cooking.  Berneice was active in DAR, Order of the Eastern Star and Calvary Church. Her humor and warm smile brought smiles to those she came in contact with. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Jesse Jones, her husband, Lyle Wright,  brothers Pete Jones, Richard Jones, Donald Jones, sisters, Evelyn Osborne, Maxine Osborne, Edna Graham, Ada Mae Wood, JoAnn McMasters and Janet Rust, grandson, Douglas Pedrick. 

She is survived by a daughter, Marilyn Pedrick, Laramie, WY, granddaughter, Joan Pedrick, Orcas Island, WA, brother, Bill Jones, Lemoyne, NE and Shirley Gillespie, Omaha and numerous other relatives. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 14th, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church with Deacon John Adams officiating.  Burial will be in the Hyannis Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow at the church. Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 13 from 1-5 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home. 

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