J Page 3 - Obits

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1978

Flora G. (Walker) Jones

Flora G. Walker was born Feb. 11, 1898 at Beardsley, Kans., one of five children of George and Electo Walker. She was born and lived in a sod house built on the homestead by pioneer parents and attended Mayflower Country School in Rawlins County, Kansas.

After moving to Stratton, Nebr. in 1919 she was courted by Ralph E. Jones and they were married on May 22, 1923 in McCook, Nebr. Two sons and a daughter were born to the union, Jerome, Eugene and Reighe Donna.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Ladies Auxiliary, the Auxiliaries to both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the William Egle Post #281 of the American Legion, a charter member of the Women's Society of Christian Service, Federation of Women's Clubs, a charter member of the Eastern Star, Past Matron and all their offices, and 60-year member of the order of the Eastern Star Ola Chapter #317, all of Stratton; a member of the Order of White Shrine of Jerusalem #3, Sterling, Colo., and held memberships in the United Methodist Church of Stratton and the Stratton Garden Club.

She died resulting from a car accident east of Sterling, Colo., on Feb. 25, 1978.

Those preceeding her in death were her parents; two brothers-in-law, Clyde Jones and Harold E. Harper; and three brothers, Walter, Roy and Frank.

Flora's surviving family includes her husband, Ralph E. Jones; her sons, Jerome, his wife Doris and son Jerry; Eugene and children Michael and wife Joan, Valerie and Cassandra; her daughter, Reighe Donna and husband Burton Nagel, and their children Donna and husband Dan Ossmann, Betty, Ken and Bill; a sister, Dora M. Harper, Atwood, Kans.; and sisters-in-law, Floye Walker Cope, Topeka, Kans. and Gladys Jones of Horseshoe Bend, Ark.

Gone is the Mother, we loved so dear;
Silent the voice we loved to hear;
Too far away for sight or speech
But not too for for thoughts to reach.
Happy and smiling and always content
Respected and loved wherever she went
Always so thoughtful. willing and kind,
What a beautiful memory she left behind.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1974

Grace (Williams) Jones

Grace Jones, daughter of Irvin S. and Annie Williams, was born December 24, 1893 at Putnam, Illinois. She lived her early life in Illinois, moving to Nebraska in the year 1910.

She was united in marriage with Arda A. Jones, June 30, 1915. The following year they secured their own homestead in southwest Chase County This became their permanent home. Here they ranched and farmed and raised their family. To their union were born two sons, Irvin and Vinton. Grace enjoyed her privilege as wife and mother, and faithfully filled her role in life providing a home for her family. She was a partner with her husband developing their homestead. She loved the land and enjoyed nature.

Grace and Arda became members of the Crete Evangelical United Brethren Church in the early years of their married life together.

After a period of failing health, Grace Jones came to the end of her earthly life when on January 9th, 1974, she was taken by death at the Dundy County Hospital, departing this life at the age of 80 years and 16 days.

She was preceded in death by her husband Arda, only by a brief three months, also by her parents; three brothers, John Irvin, James Russell and Jay Alexander Williams; a sister, Veda Jane Morford.

Those who remain to mourn the loss of their loved one include two sons, Irvin and his wife Georgia, Vinton and his wife Millie; one sister, Marie Krutsinger of Haigler, Nebraska; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, other relatives and a lifetime accumulation of friends who join the family now in sharing the loss of their loved one.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2000

Archie C. Jones

Archie C. Jones, 91, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2000, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb. He was born May 11, 1909, in Tazwell County, Va., to Harry and Mattie Kate (Thompson) Jones.

In 1919 Archie moved with his family from Virginia to Dundy County, Neb., where they engaged in farming. He went to country school near his home and later attended classes at Parks High School before returning home to help with duties on the farm. After the passing of his father, Archie worked several jobs throughout the area.

Like everyone who lived in the 1930s, times were difficult and jobs were scarce. However, it was during this time, while working on a farm in Kansas, that Archie met Wilma Mae Leonard, and in 1942 they were united in marriage at Colby, Kan.

In 1944 Archie moved his family to a farm northwest of Benkelman, and two years later he purchased the farm and made it his own. Anyone who knew Archie knew that he loved his farm. It was his business, his life and his hobby. He was a living example of "early to bed, early to rise," and the earlier he could get up in the mornings, the better! Archie also cared deeply for his family, and often attended the Friends Church in Benkelman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 1947; brothers Gene, Bill and Harold, and sisters Kathleen and Lena.

He is survived by his sons; Clarence Jones and wife, Kitty, of LaPlata, N.M., and Jerry Jones and wife, Sharolyn, of Max, Neb.; brothers; Jack Jones and wife, Wauneta, of Fort Meyers, Fla., and Bob Jones and wife, June, of Sacramento, Calif.; a sister. Doris, and her husband, Gene Baney, of Orlando, Fla.; five grandchildren; Rochelle Kling, Monica Bosick, Kim Sutherland and Kirk and Kent Jones; nine great-grandchildren: Jake and Mara Kling, Cody and Coriss Bosick, Mitch and Joshua Sutherland, and Brady, Bryce and Bryton Jones, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Archie Jones were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, 2000, at the Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Robert E. Berlie, Sr., officiating. Mary Baney was the organist and Kelly Hayward sang “The Old Rugged Cross" and "Life's Railroad To Heaven."

Casket bearers were Kirk and Kent Jones, Mark Sutherland, David Leonard, Brian Kling and Rob Bosick. Honorary bearers were all of Archie's friends.

Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel, Inc.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Hester Memorial Home or to the Dundy County Hospital Foundation.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1972

Billy Dee Jones

Billy Dee Jones, son of W. Dee and Joan Lutz Jones, was born in Benkelman, Nebraska April 8, 1955. He was received into God's kingdom by baptism October 27, 1957 at the Zion Lutheran Church, Benkelman. On June 7th, 1970 he reaffirmed his baptismal vow in the act of confirmation. Billy was to have entered his Junior year in High School when he was suddenly taken away from us in a fatal automobile accident. He was a member of the "B" Club and active in High School athletics.

He is survived by his parents, W. Dee and Joan Jones; two brothers, Bobby and Brad; one sister, Brenda; his grandparents, G. W. "Bill" Jones and Velma Jones; Martin and Ella Lutz; his great-grandmother, Kate Jones, all of Benkelman. He is also mourned by Linn Lutz and wife Marjory, Santa Marie, California; LeRoy Lutz and wife Carol, Paso Robles, California; Bob Lutz and wife Donna, Camarillo, California; Leanna Andres and husband Bob, Paso Robles, California; Dale Lutz and wife Jackie, Marlin Lutz and wife Gloria; Frankie Lutz and wife Marilyn, all of Benkelman; Ron Jones and wife Jean of Benkelman; Charlotte Van Cura and husband Charles of Corpus Christi, Texas; Dorothy Jessee and husband Doran, of Benkelman, thirty-nine cousins and a host of relatives and friends. Death occurred Saturday night, August 12th, 1972. His age was 17 years, 4 months and 4 days.

Funeral services were conducted at the Benkelman High School Auditorium on Tuesday morning, August 15th with the Rev. Allan Martin and the Rev. 0. L. Zeilinger officiating. Monte Crandon was the soloist and Mrs. Betty Erdman the pianist. Casket bearers were Greg Ham, Mike Brown, Scott Wiese, Ronnie Sandman, Larry Phifer and Doug Baney. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

Out-of-town relatives in attendance at the funeral services for Billy Dee Jones on Tuesday morning, August 15th were Mrs. Joy Damrow, Grand Island, Mr. and Mrs. Don Fortkamp and family, Palisade, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Jones, Lincoln, Mrs. Hank Rose and Mrs. Danny Rose of York, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Ned Little, Longmont, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Little, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Richard and family of St. Francis, Kansas; Linn Lutz of Santa Maria, LeRoy Lutz and Mrs. Bob Lutz of Paso Robles, Bob Lutz and son, Terry, of Camarillo, California; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thackery of Canby and Verl Teeter o ,Oregon City, Oregon.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 2000

Burdett David Jones

Burdett David Jones, 81, of Wheat Ridge, a real estate business owner, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2000.

He was born Jan. 28, 1919, in Stratton, Neb., to Ed and Rina Jones, who at one time operated a cream station in Benkelman, Neb. Other family members included his sister, Jeanette (Vaughn) and brothers Boyce and Byron.

Burdett was a member of the Benkelman High School Class of 1937. He married Helen Burgess in Inglewood. Calif.

He was the founder of Burdett Jones Realty and was a past president of the Denver Realty Board and the Wheat Ridge Lions Club.

Jones was active with various service organizations and with the Society for the Preservation of Barbershop Quartet Singers in America. He was a member of the Mile Hi Church of Religious Science.

His interests included writing and golfing.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Janet J. Stockham of Diamond Bar, Calif., and Julia J. Golberg of Wheat Ridge; two sons, Gregory E. of Chino Hills, Calif., and Jeffrey D. of Denver, Colo., and seven grandchildren.

Services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2000, at the Mile Hi Church of Religious Science. He donated his body to the State Anatomical Board.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1976

Clyde H. Jones

Clyde H. Jones was born September 10, 1908, in Hitchcock County. Nebraska. He passed away Thursday, October 28, 1976 at Fulton Memorial Hospital in Salem, Arkansas at the age of 68.

Services were held from the Community Methodist Church in Stratton, Nebraska on Monday November 1, 1976 at 2:00 p m. with Rev Herbert Jackman and Rev. Willard Scott of officiating,

Oganist was Marjorie Redfield with soloist Carl Philo singing “The Lords Prayer.”

Casket bearers were LeRoy Barnett, Gene Kleinschmidt, Roy League, Earl Bailey, Karl Klein and Charlie Carlson.

Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton with committal by Robert Burns Lodge Number 173, A. F. & A M. and Jones Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1967

David Jones

David Jones succumbed to a lingering illness at the Dundy County Hospital on Saturday at the age of 77 years. He had been in failing health for the past several years and had only recently been released from the hospital. His condition worsened on Thursday and he was returned to the hospital but his long illness had reached the terminal stage and nothing could be done for him.

Mr. Jones was well known to Dundy county people as he was a lifelong resident. He was well acquainted with the early development of the country as his parents were homesteaders, and he saw the hardships of the early day. He and all the other members of the Jones family were highly regarded in the community for their integrity, community responsibility and gentle and friendly spirit.

Dave was a student of politics, affairs of state and sports. As a young man he was active in baseball and later as a fan he kept close tab on all the league teams as well, and in the football season he was alert to all new developments.

He was a kindly and friendly man, who will be missed in Benkelman.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 6-2-1880 and a death date of 11-4-1967.)

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1991

Donald Kent Jones

SEATTLE, Wash.--Donald Kent Jones, age 58, died on July 27, 1991, at Seattle, Washington, after a long and valiant battle against kidney disease.

He was born on July 20, 1933, at McCook, Nebraska, to Kathryn Jones, former resident of Benkelman, Nebraska, and the late Harold Jones.

He spent his early childhood years in McCook and later moved to Benkelman where he graduated from Benkelman High School with the Class of 1951.

He served in the United States Army. After he was discharged, he lived with his family in Pueblo, Colorado, Golden, Colorado, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Oxnard, California, and Seattle.

He was married to Isabel Sparks of Eckley, Colorado, in 1954 and to this union were born Brent Leroy Jones, Cathy Ann (Jones) Crisler and Lora Louise Jones.

In spite of his many physical problems, Donald truly set an example of grace and good humor to all those with whom he came into contact.

In April of this year he had a deeply moving renewal experience with his Lord and he received much joy and pleasure in sharing this with his family and friends.

He leaves to mourn his mother, Kathryn Jones of Casitas Springs, California; his son, Brent Jones, and and his wife, Debra, of Edmonds, Washington; his daughter, Cathy Crisler, and her husband, Mike, of Seattle; his daughter, Lora Jones of Seattle, and his brother, Gerald Jones, and his wife, Janice, of Woodland Hills, California.

He is also mourned by eight grandchildren; one aunt, Vera Miller of McCook; two cousins, Enid Rickman of Cameron, Texas, and Barbara Anderson of Curtis, Nebraska, and three nephews, Glenard Jones of Canoga Park, California, Geoffrey Jones of Sacramento, California, and Dwight Jones of Orlando, Florida.

Graveside services were held in Seattle on July 31, 1991, at 1 p.m. at the Riverton Crest Cemetery with the Rev. John McCullough of the Bethany Community Church officiating. John Mason sang “Victory In Jesus."

Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home of West Seattle was in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1989

Esther Ann Jones

Esther Ann Jones was born June 30, 1896, at Benkelman, Nebraska, and died October 8, 1989, at the Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman.

Esther was the daughter of Thomas D. and Ann (Davies) Jones who homesteaded here. She was born on the family farm three and one-half miles southwest of Benkelman.

Esther attended McEvoy School near their home and Benkelman High School.

She cared for her mother, who was an invalid for 15 years, and after her death, attended nursing school in Stratton, Nebraska.

Esther was employed by Dr. Premer at the Premer Hospital for 18 years in all capacities—caring for patients, assisting in surgery and in births. During this time, she took and passed the State Board for Licensed Practical Nurses.

After this, she did private duty nursing from Imperial, Nebraska, to St. Francis, Kansas, to Wray, Colorado. She was always loved and remembered those who had been in her care.

Esther loved children and always, even in her last days, gave them her full attention and love...and often a small gift.

Esther was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as were her parents, brothers and sisters. Her faith in God was very important to her and sustained her through her illness.

Esther was a member of the Eastern Star Lodge, Holly Chapter #233 since 1922 and had served as Worthy Matron.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Ann Jones, and all of her brothers and sisters, William (Bill), Edward, Dave and Hugh, Margaret, Ellen and an infant sister.

She is survived by Ann Furtick of Castleton, Virginia; Betty Hayes of Coffeyville, Kansas; Fern Hayes of Denver, Colorado; Evelyn Hoffmeister of Cincinnati, Ohio; Robert Jones of Rapid City, South Dakota; Boyce Jones of Indiana, Pennsylvania; Burdette Jones of Wheatridge, Colorado; Byron Jones of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; Dr. David Jones of Osmond, Nebraska; Frank Jones of Loveland, Colorado; Ella Mailand of Erie, Illinois; Frances Michelsen of Banks, Oregon; Judy Mooney of Lexington, Nebraska; Esther Nichols of Beaverton, Oregon; Marguerite Sharp of Plainfield, Illinois; Jeanette Vaughn of Glendale, Arizona; Doris Van Treeck of Englewood, Colorado; Ruth Watson of New York, New York, and Roger Jones of Denver, Colorado.

Services were held Wednesday, October 11, 1989, at 1:30 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska, with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

Monty Crandon sang “How Great Thou Art,” Samantha Howsden sang “The Lord's Prayer,” and both Monty and Samantha sang "In The Garden,” all accompanied by Betty Erdman, organist.

Bearers were Glen Lemon, Jerry Fries, Burdette Wilson, Byron Ham, Gary Powell and Kenneth Gardner.

Committal was by Holly Chapter #233 O.E.S.

Interment was in Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1981

Eugene William Jones

Eugene William Jones passed away March 16, 1981 at the Wray Community Hospital at the age of 66 years, 10 months, 14 days.

He was born May 2, 1914 at Wauneta, NE., the son of Charlie and Florence Jones.

He was a World War II veteran. After retiring from the climax Molybdenum Company in Climax, CO., they moved to Wray, CO., where they made their home for the last six years.

He is survived by his wife Vada, a son, James R. Jones, Alliance, NE., 3 daughters, Mrs. Harry( Barbara) Hixson, McCook, NE.. Mrs. Pete ( Barbara) Ferdig, Wray, CO,, and Mrs. John (Betty) Trabue, Garden City, UT; 3 stepsons, Frank Stephenson, Sterling, CO., Ed Stephenson, Kansas City, KS., and Mike Stephenson, Spanaway. WA, a brother, Charlie Jones, McCook. NE; 2 sisters, Mrs. Mamie Perry, Portland, OR., and Mrs. Beth Nichols, North Platte. NE; 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, William, a step-daughter, Kay Meeks, a brother, Clarence Jones, and 2 sisters, Nellie Branum and Edith Smith, 2 grandsons and 1 greatgrandson.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 19, 1981 at 2 p.m. at the Methodist Church in Wauneta, NE., with the Rev. Don Rollstin officiating. Burial was in the Wauneta Cemetery.

The Spellman-Schmidt Mortuary, Wray, CO., was in charge of the arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1973

Evan L. Jones

Evan L. Jones, 75, succumbed to a heart attack on Tuesday, July 24th, Southwest Nebraska relatives learned last week.

Mr. Jones, a buyer for the Sigman Packing Company of Brush, Colorado, was driving his pickup on a Yuma county road, felt an attack coming on, pulled to the side of the road, slumped over the steering wheel and died.

He was a native of Hitchcock county and Trenton and had lived in Yuma, Washington and Morgan counties in Colorado some 36 years, He was a livestock buyer.

He is an uncle of our fellow townsmen, E. J. Moses and Sam Jones, and is survived by his wife, a son and daughter.

Funeral services were held in Yuma Saturday morning with interment in the Yuma cemetery.

Mr; Ada Jones of Denver, Sam Jones and E. J. Moses of Benkelman attended the funeral.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 2002

Frank William Jones

LOVELAND, Colo.--Frank William Jones, 83, of Loveland died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002, a the Sierra Vista Healthcare in Loveland.

He was born on March 29, 1918, at Benkelman, Neb., to William and Florence (Gardner) Jones.

He was a graduate of the Benkelman High School with the Class of 1939, and served his country in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945.

On Nov. 25, 1945, he was united in marriage to Mildred Hubbard at Benkelman.

Frank farmed and ranched for 15 years in several areas, then worked construction for 21 years, retiring in 1981.

He was a resident of Johnstown, Colo., prior to moving to Loveland in 1960.

He was a member of the Loveland Veterans of Foreign Wars and Wyoming's Carpenter Union Local 1564. He enjoyed collecting coins and loved football.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Gerald Dean Jones; brothers Robert A. and Roger M. Jones and a sister, Doris E. VanTreeck.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred, of Loveland; sons SFC Retired Lyle F. and wife, Suzan, of Oakboro, N.C., Stanley T. and wife, Cathy, of Northglenn, Colo., Robert A. and wife, Susan, of Thornton, Colo., Steven and wife Sandy, of Loveland, Neal B. of Greeley, Colo., Timothy D. and wife, Kristin, of Loveland, and CMSgt. Randy F. and wife, Cindy, of Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia; daughters Daisy and husband, Michael Boucter, of Greeley and Martha and husband, Ryuichi Okaysau, of Loveland; 22 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Frank Jones were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9. 2002, at the Faith Evangelical Covenant Church in Loveland with Dr. James Murphy officiating. Burial was in the Loveland Burial Park. Viegut Funeral Home of Loveland was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the VFW Post 41 in care of Viegut Funeral Home.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 1995

George William "Bill" Jones

Longtime Dundy County, Neb., farmer/rancher, George William "Bill" Jones of Benkelman, died Nov. 12, 1995, at North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley at the age of 81. He was born in Tazewell County, Va., on Aug. 20, 1914, the third of nine children of Harry W. and Mattie "Kate" (Thompson) Jones.

Bill moved to Dundy County from Virginia in the fall of 1918. He married Velma Teeter on Oct. 30, 1934, at St. Francis, Kan. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past year. He and Velma raised four children, W. Dee, Charlotte, Dorothy and Ron.

Bill was like a child raising his children—never too tired for a game or roughhousing after a hard day's work on the farm. Many of the treasured memories his grandchildren will cherish will center around the playfulness he often showed with each of them.

Bill always kept abreast of current events, believed in progress and this held true in his belief that a good steward of the land will pass the land on better than he received. He was a tree lover and those who knew him knew the attention and care he devoted to his trees.

He was a good listener and initiated new thoughts with those whom he visited. Bill loved golfing and coffee with friends at the local coffee shops.

Strong in his faith, Bill was an active member of the United Methodist Church since 1958, and held many of the church offices.

He was a member of the Benkelman Lions Club, charter member of the Benkelman Country Club, a past member of the board of directors of the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home, past school board member for District #36 and Benkelman High School.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Kathlene Gibson; two brothers, Harold "Dutch" and Gene, and a grandson, Billy Dee Jones.

Survivors include his wife of Benkelman, and their children and spouses; W. Dee and Joan of North Platte, Neb., Charlotte and Charles VanCura of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Dorothy and Doran Jessee and Ron and Jean Marie of Benkelman; 2 sisters, Doris and husband, Gene Baney, and Lena Schaefer of Orlando, Fla.; 3 brothers, Archie of Benkelman; Jack "Jerry" and wife, Jaunita, of Key West, Fla., and Robert and wife, June, of Sacramento, Calif.; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends.

The following is a tribute by a family member: "Through the years Bill's and Velma's lives have been an example of love and friendship which have been bestowed throughout their children's families. Something was always gained, nothing was ever lost, because of the love they had for everyone."

Bill truly was a "gentle man."

Services were held Thursday, Nov. 16, 1995, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman, with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. Organist was Margaret Powell and Betty Erdman was the pianist. The United Methodist Church choir sang a gospel medley and the congregation sang "Jesus Is All The World To Me."

Bearers were grandsons Bobby Jones, Brad Jones, Chuck VanCura, James VanCura, Richard Jones, Kelly Jessee and Danny Jessee.

Honored friends were Otto and Berniece Nordhausen, Lee and JoAnn Gallatin, Ellis and CleoBells Gummere, Byron and Eula Ham, Stan and Thelma Ham, Wilbur and Velma Case, Urlin and Loraine McCartney, John and Frances Ham, Clint and Mary Lou Munn, Ed and Vaulene Watt and Dr. Kenneth Stout.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman in charge of arrangements.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1994

Gerald Dean Jones

GREYBULL, Wyo.--Gerald Dean Jones, 44, of Greybull, Wyoming, died January 21, 1994, in Basin, Wyoming, in an ice fishing accident.

He was born July 21, 1949, in Benkelman, Nebraska, to Frank W. and Mildred Jones.

He married Kerry Ann Fellows June 13, 1976, in the Big Thompson Canyon west of Loveland, Colorado.

He attended schools in Johnstown and De Segue, Colorado, graduating from Loveland High School in 1967.

He served in the Vietnam War as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army and was shot down four times during the war. He received many medals.

He moved from Loveland in 1976 to Wyoming where he owned and operated Jones Construction Co. with his wife. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Kerry Ann of Greybull; a daughter, Hillary Ann of Greybull; his parents, Frank and Mildred Jones of Loveland; his parents-in-law, Jack and Helen Fellows of Loveland; seven brothers, Lyle and wife, Suzie, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Stanley and wife, Cathy, and Robert and wife, Susan, of Northglenn, Colorado, Neal of Anchorage, Alaska, Randy and wife, Cindy, of Yigi, Guam, and Timothy and wife, Kristin, and Steven and wife, Sandy, of Loveland; two sisters, Daisy and husband, Dr. Michael Boulter, of Bismarck, North Dakota, and Martha and husband, Dr. Ryuichi Okayasu, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a sister-in-law, Alicia, and husband, John Mitchell of Loveland; a brother-in-law, Tom Fellows, and wife, Virginia, of Berthoud, Colorado; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.

Services were held Thursday, January 27, at 2:30 p.m. at Allnutt Hunter Chapel with the Rev. Phillip Tarman of the First United Methodist Church officiating.

Burial was in Loveland Burial Park with concluding military services conducted by the Loveland Associated Veterans.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1980

Harold LeRoy Jones

Harold LeRoy Jones, son of Leslie F. Jones and Mary Bush Jones was born Nov. 11, 1909 in McCook, NE and departed this life Oct. 14, 1980 at his home in Casitas Springs, CA at the age of 70 years, 11 months and 3 days.

He attended school in Lebanon, NE. On Jan. 20, 1929 he was united in marriage with Kathryn Lockwood at McCook, NE and to this union two sons were born: Gerald and Donald. In 1979 the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary hosted by their family

After living in several towns in Nebraska the family moved to Benkelman in 1942 where Harold worked for the Justus Feed Mills until 1961 when he and his wife moved to Cheyenne, WY where he worked in the Laramie County Public Schools. He retired in February 1973. Because of ill health he and his wife moved to California in 1976 to be near their family.

Preceding him in death were his parents. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn; two sons, Gerald of Woodland Hills, CA and Donald of Oxnard, CA; two daughters-in-law, Janice and Isabell; six grandchildren; Glenard Jones, Fresno, CA; Brent Jones, Oxnard, CA; Geoffrey Jones, Orangevale, CA; Cathy Crandall, Houston, TX; Dwight Jones, Woodland Hills, CA and Lora Jones, Seattle, WA; one sister, Vera Miller of McCook, NE; two nieces. and a number of aunts and cousins.

Services were held Oct. 17, 1980 at the Ted Mayr Loma Vista Chapel in Ventura with Pastor Jim Wells of the Ventura Christian Church officiating. Organist was Joyce Bowser who accompanied Geoffrey Jones with the selections, "Rock Of Ages" and "How Great Thou Art".

Interment was in the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

Bearers were the two sons, Gerald and Donald and the four grandsons, Glenard, Brent, Geoffrey and Dwight.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1973

John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones, 41, the son of the one-time Benkelman resident, Fern (Jones) Hilson died on Sunday, October 14^th in an accident at his Portland home. His mother served Dundy county as the Welfare Director many years ago and her son stayed with the late Mrs. Elizabeth Tennant. The news of his demise came to Mrs. Howard Crow.

The Oregon Labor Press newspaper termed John Paul Jones one of the brightest of Oregon’s younger labor leaders.

The accident in which he lost his life involved the use of a heavy sander on a second story window frame. He is said to have slipped and become entangled in the sander cord.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1982

John S. Jones

John S. Jones, a former resident of Benkelman, died August 13, 1982, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 71.

Johnny, as he was known to friends in the Benkelman area, suffered a heart attack on July 31. 1982, and a fatal, second heart attack on August 13.

He is buried at the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Johnny and his wife, Dorothy, who survives, had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January of 1982.

Johnny was born in Kansas City, Kansas, on May 19, 1911.

In Benkelman, Mr. Jones was a partner for several years with Mel Kestler in the hardware business where Farm & Home is now located.

Johnny and his wife also ran the restaurant located near the "Y," close to where the Twin Forks Clinic now stands.

Word of .Mr. Jones' death was sent to Bob Hardwick of Benkelman by Melvin Kestler, who now resides near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Hardwick brought the news to the POST.

In the letter, Mr. Kestler related that Dorothy Jones' address is 1500 West 92nd Avenue, No. 411, Denver, CO 80221.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1984

Kenneth R. Jones

Kenneth R. Jones, 73, passed away November 2, 1984, at the Community Hospital in McCook. He had made his home at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook for the past year.

Kenneth was born July 14, 1911, in Red Willow County to J. Harvey and Stella (Cowden) Jones. He was united in marriage to Vada M. Relph on August 19, 1941. Two sons, Russel and Marc, were born to this union.

Kenneth was a believer in education having dedicated 35 years to this vocation. He received his high school diploma from Lebanon High School, associate degree from McCook College, bachelor's degree from Kearney State College and master's degree from the University of Wyoming at Laramie, Wyoming.

He taught and administered the schools of Parks, Eustis, Danbury, Hayes Center, Venango and Beaver Valley and was county superintendent of Red Willow County for a number of years.

Kenneth belonged to many educational groups, Masonic Lodge and was a member of Danbury Presbyterian Church.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his loving wife, Vada, on May 18, 1981, his parents and a brother, Glen Jones.

Survivors are his sons, Russel of Lebanon and Marc of San Diego, California; five grandchildren, Raully, Kipp and Jennifer of Lebanon and Tracey and Gilbert of San Diego, California; his sister, Hazel Anderson of Grand Island; and many other relatives and friends.

Services were held November 5, 1984, at Lebanon Presbyterian Church in Lebanon with the Rev. Don Morton officiating. Interment was in the Lebanon Cemetery under the direction of Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 2000

Mason Miles Jones

Mason Miles Jones was born in McCook, Neb.. on May 20, 1921, to Thomas Miles and Gertrude Mildred (Conner) Jones. He departed this life on Saturday, March 11, 2000, at the farm near Benkelman, Neb., where he grew from age six months to adulthood and remained active in farming and ranching until the time of his death.

He was baptized into the Christian faith at a very young age.

He graduated from Benkelman High School in 1939. He was inducted into the Army on Feb. 17, 1943, and was assigned to the 414th Engineers. He served three years in the Pacific Theater of War and was discharged on Jan. 9, 1946.

He was united in marriage to Marilyn Powell on April 4, 1948, at the Benkelman United Methodist Church.

Mason was a member of the United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, Tehama Shrine and Holly Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Martin F. Bowles Post No. 65 and Clarence Pursley, Jr., Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 4178. He was an original member of the Benkelman Rural Fire Board and served on the Benkelman School Board, Dundy County Hospital Board and as an elected commissioner of Dundy County.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; their two sons: Dr. Mason Jones and wife, Lynne, of Chester, Va., and Bob Jones and his wife, Rita, of Benkelman; six grandchildren: Kerry and husband, Scott Michael, Katie and husband, Tim Hall, and Blake and Stephen Jones, and Josh and Beth Jones; three sisters; Millie and husband, Glenn Glasco, of Bird City, Kan., Ethel Christner of Carbondale, Colo., and Betty and husband, Floyd Parman, of Benkelman; a brother, Tom Jones and wife, Sharlane, of Benkelman; a sister-in-law, Pat and her husband, Roy Alba, of Hacienda Heights, Calif., and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Roberta Powell, and brothers-in-law Paul Powell and Dean Christner.

Mason enjoyed his grandchildren and his home on the South Fork of the Republican River where he spent many hours observing wild turkeys and deer in his yard. He liked to travel and especially enjoyed attending his Army reunions and reminiscing with his service mates.

Funeral services for Mason Jones were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2000, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist and Nickole Sis sang "Just A Closer Walk," "Go Rest High On That Mountain" and "God Bless America."

Pallbearers were Rich Ham, Stan Jones, Don Blair, Tom Maranville, John Snyder, Tim Smith, Rod Ochsner and Jim Hardwick. Honorary bearers were the 414th Combat Engineers.

The committal service was offered by the Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. of Benkelman. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with military rites by the American Legion Post No. 65, VFW Post No. 4178 and the Sons of the American Legion of Benkelman.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 1997

Ralph Ellis Jones

STRATTON--Ralph Ellis Jones was born Feb. 10, 1902, in a sod house southeast of Stratton, Neb. He was the older son of Bruff C. and Frances A. (Welch) Jones. He died Monday, March 24, 1997, at the age of 95, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb.

He attended the Stratton Public School through the 10th grade. Ralph worked for Will Welch on a farm for several years. He was a barber with his dad and brother, Clyde.

On May 22, 1923, he married Flora G. Walker at McCook, Neb. To this union three children were born; Jerome M., Eugene E. and Reighe Donna.

W. E. Stewart was the person who influenced Ralph to enter into the funeral business. In 1926 he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Ill. He and Flora owned the Stratton Funeral Home for 70 years. In the early 1930s he assisted other funeral directors in their profession.

Ralph and Flora also operated a furniture and appliance store in Stratton. Ralph was a TV repairman and rural mail carrier for several years. In 1952 Ralph and his father built a new funeral home in Stratton.

Ralph and Flora enjoyed traveling from coast to coast. In 1972 Ralph earned his GED in McCook.

Ralph was an avid golfer. He was one of the members who started the golf course east of Stratton. He won several golfing trophies. He enjoyed going with his boys and grandson.

Ralph entered the Hester Memorial Home in January 1992 where he had exceptional care from the nursing staff personnel.

He was a member of National Funeral Directors Association and Nebraska Funeral Directors Association for more than 70 years.

Ralph was a member of the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton for 84 years and 1 day, serving on most of the boards, was Sunday school leader and sang in the choir.

He was a 74-year member of Robert Burns Lodge No. 173 A.F. & A.M., serving as master in 1931 and 1932. He received the Grand Master’s Humanitarian Award in 1992 and was a holder of the Jordan Medal. In addition he was a 50-year member of King Cyrus Chapter #35, Occonoxee Council #16 and St. John Commandery #16 of York Rite of Freemasonry, Tehama Temple and Mystic Order of Shrine of Hastings, and a 50-year member and past patron of Ola Chapter #317, Order of the Eastern Star, now merged with Holly Chapter #233, O.E.S.

Ralph was an EMT instructor and squad member. He was a board member of Grandview Center, on the town board and the cemetery board. He also served the Boy Scouts and other community organizations.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Flora, in 1978, and his brother, Clyde.

Survivors include his children and their families:

Jerome Jones and his wife, Judy, of Avon, Colo., and Jerome's son, Jerry, and Jerry's daughter, Jerrika, both of Fort Lupton, Colo.;

Eugene Jones and his wife, Linda, of Benkelman and their children and grandchildrenl Michael Jones and wife Joan, Grant, Stephanie and Greta of David City, Neb.; Valerie and her husband, Richard Fries, Amanda and Bradley of Benkelman; Cassandra and her husband, Alan Hardy, Jessica and Casey of Stratton; Robert Neville and his wife, Delinda, Beau and Carlie of Alliance, Neb., and Deborah and her husband, Russell Wilson, of Lincoln, Neb.;

Reighe Donna and her husband, Burton Nagel, of Appleton, Wis., and their children and grandchildren; Donna and her husband, Daniel Ossmann, Kathryn and Jason of Fridley, Minn.; Betty and her husband, Darrell Turner, of Houston, Texas; Kenneth Nagel and his wife, Lisa, Jessica and Zachary of Savage, Minn, and William Nagel and his wife, Lois, and Alisha of Canton, Mich.

He is also survived by other relatives and friends.

Final rites for Ralph Jones were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 1997, at the Community United Methodist Church in Stratton with the Rev. Katherine Bullard officiating. Marjorie Redfield was the organist and Beth Kollmorgen the pianist. The Community Choir sang "Walk Worthy" and "How Great Thou Art," and Wallace Gummere sang “The Lord's Prayer."

Bearers were Michael and Jerry Jones, Kenneth and William Nagel, Daniel Ossmann, Darrell Turner, Richard Fries, Alan Hardy, Robert Neville and Russell Wilson. Committal was offered by Robert Burns Lodge No. 173 A.F. & A.M. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home Inc. of Stratton.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, April 2000

Richard Eugene Jones

A courageous nine-year battle with cancer ended Friday, March 24, 2000, for Richard Eugene Jones, the beloved son of Ron L. and Jean M. Jones. His birth in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 22, 1967, was a much anticipated event. Following the arrival of a sister, Ronda, the Jones family moved to Benkelman, Neb., in February 1970.

His formal educational years were spent at Dundy County Schools where he graduated with the Class of 1985. Richard excelled academically as well as athletically. He was honored to be among those named to "Who's Who of High School Students" of 1984 and was the recipient of the "Athlete of the Year" award presented by the Dundy County Schools in 1983 and 1985.

During his high school years, Richard received all-conference recognition three years in both football and basketball and receiving various other awards.

He was privileged to receive several scholarships upon his entrance to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall of 1985. He became a member of the pledge class of 1985 of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. This affiliation was very dear to Richard.

Another highlight of his collegiate years was being selected as a University of Nebraska yell squad cheerleader for three years. He greatly enjoyed the experience of being a part of the University of Nebraska Athletic Program--the many events surrounding local Big Red football activities as well as the travel to Big Eight conference regular games and three bowl games. The University of Nebraska cheerleaders won fourth place in the National Collegiate Championships in Dallas.

In December 1989, Richard received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agri-Business from the University of Nebraska.

Following the pleasurable years spent in Lincoln, he returned to his hometown and fulfilled his lifelong dream of farming/ranching with his father. Many share the memories of Richard in his flat-top haircut, long shorts, tank tops and boots with Kizzy in tow. His two great loves were planting and harvesting corn and wheat. His untimely departure interrupted a dream of genetically improving the quality of livestock.

On Jan. 28, 1995, he married Courtney Williams at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman. Daughter Lexis Taylor arrived July12, 1996, to join their family. Richard's devotion to Courtney and his pride and joy in Lexis were apparent to everyone. The formation of CR Motors was an enterprise that afforded both Courtney and Richard an opportunity, also an outlet, to productively seek fulfillment when he was physically unable to participate in the farming operation on a full-time basis.

His friends and devoted family provided the support for him to battle for his life. He faced that challenge with dignity and humble competitiveness that was admired by all. The honor of receiving Benkelman's "Good Guy" award in November 1999 was an emotional and heartfelt reward for Richard. He and his family were greatly honored by the award. Being the focal point of the family, his perceptive and analytic direction will be greatly missed.

Richard was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church of Benkelman. He served as president of the Dundy County Hospital Foundation and was a member of Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. of Benkelman.

In our hearts, we know his family experiences and childhood and college friendships were the foundation for his unique character.

Survivors include his wife Courtney; daughter Lexis; parents Ron L. and Jean Marie; sister Ronda and her husband, Lannie Krutsinger; nephew Kameron; niece Adalene, and his grandmother, Velma Jones, all of Benkelman, and a host of cousins, aunts and uncles, all precious to him.

Funeral services for Richard Jones were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 27, 2000, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Tally Case was the pianist and Nickole Sis sang "Hymn Of Promise," “The Dance" and "One Day At A Time." The congregational hymn was "On Eagles Wings."

Casket bearers were Bobbie Behlke, Matt Boerkiecher, Mark Ham, Shawn McDonald, Scott McKelvey, Troy Otte, Brad Owens and Jason Wilson. Honorary bearers were Doran Jessee, Lannie Krutsinger, Harlan Marlin, Bob Thackery, Charles Van Cura and the Brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

The committal service was offered by the Justice Lodge No. 180 A.F. & A.M. Burial was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1996

Roger Milton Jones

AURORA, Colo.--Roger Milton Jones was born Oct. 10, 1923, at Benkelman, Dundy County, Neb., the son of William E. and Florence A. (Gardner) Jones. He died Aug. 22, 1996, at Aurora, Colo., at the age of 72 years.

He attended Doane Grade School and Benkelman High School. He farmed in Dundy County. He was employed at Gates Rubber Company for 30 years before his retirement in 1988. He resided at Foxridge Farms until moving to Carmella Health Care Center in Aurora three years ago.

He was preceded in death by three nephews.

He is survived by four sisters: Doris Van Treeck of Englewood, Colo., Fern Hayes of Denver, Colo., Betty Hayes of Coffeyville. Kan., and Evelyn Hoffmeister of Cincinnati, Ohio; a brother, Frank Jones, of Loveland, Colo.; 20 nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

A memorial service for Roger Jones was held at Olinger Mortuary in Denver on Aug. 25, 1996. at 4 p.m. Inurnment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery. Arrangements were by Olinger's Mortuary.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 2008

Ronald Vinton Jones

HARRISON -- Ronald Vinton Jones was born June 23, 1944, in Phoenix, Ariz., the first child of Vinton and Mildred Evelyn (Yancy) Jones. He passed away at his home in Harrison, Neb., on Oct. 3, 2008, at the age of 64. He was baptized at the Methodist Church in Benkelman, Neb., as a young child.

Ron's early education began at a one room country school, District 44, in southwest Chase County, Neb., while his parents were living on the family ranch with his grandparents, Arda and Grace (Williams) Jones. When his parents moved to Benkelman in 1951, to start an aerial spraying business, Ron entered the first grade there, graduating from Benkelman High School with the class of 1962. Upon graduation he attended college in Fort Collins, Colo., before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1964.

His military service included a tour of duty in Vietnam. He served as a crew chief on helicopters providing protection and rescue missions for the troops on the ground, receiving multiple air medals for his heroic actions. Ron received his honorable discharge on May 5, 1967. Upon completion of his military service Ron returned to his parents' home in Benkelman and joined the family aerial spraying business.

Flying was always second nature to Ron as he grew up in the family aerial spraying business. He started receiving flight instruction from his father, Vinton, at an early age. He made his first solo flight on Thanksgiving Day in 1960. Shortly after that he received his private pilot's license.

Ron's early flying included flying with his brother in all kinds of weather to the farm to do Grandpa Jones' chores before school and late night flights to give friends rides when his dad was out of town. He flew numerous types of airplanes over the years for pleasure and working in the agricultural aviation industry.

His brother, Stan, always likes to comment, "Ron could fly the box it came in." Ron and his father expanded the aerial spraying business to Imperial in 1969. Ron would later start his own business at the location under the name of Top Flight Ag Service, where he provided aerial application, charter services, flight instruction, aircraft sales and served as the fixed base airport operator. After selling the business he became a pilot for his brother's aerial spraying business in Benkelman and Imperial. He received the National Safety Award for his excellent flight record. Ron retired from flying in 2001 for health reasons.

While living in Imperial, Ron met and married Catherine Hanna on June 28, 1969, at Imperial. To this union his two children were born, Shanna Dee Jones and Travis Jay Jones. Although they moved to Colorado with their mother at a young age, Ron was a constant in their lives. His children were a source of great pride and joy to him as they grew up and started their own careers and families.

On Oct. 21, 1993, at Champion, Neb., Ron married Donna Riggs. After Ron's retirement they moved to Harrison, Neb., to be closer to Donna's children and grandchildren. Ron was always involved in a project. He built additions to and remodeled more houses than his family can remember.

Gardening was a favorite hobby, as was canning, freezing and cooking his produce.

Ron was an avid reader, racing fan and quite the trivia buff. He could beat anyone at a game of Jeopardy. Collecting was another passion -- antiques, favorite hats, family history and aviation memorabilia.

Ron was a lifetime member of both the National Agricultural Aviation Association and the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association. He was a member of the VFW, Eagles, and of special pride to him was becoming the first member of the Champion Historical Society. He took great pride in his military service and was always willing to volunteer for honor guard duty, especially for those that served in Vietnam. Ron was instrumental in getting a Sons of the American Legion organization started in Benkelman, as well as being a tireless promoter of VFW organizations in the communities in which he lived and visited.

Preceding him in death was his father, Vinton; his maternal grandparents, Luther and Zella Yancy; and his maternal grandparents, Arda and Grace Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Donna of Harrison; his mother, "Millie" Jones of North Platte; his daughter, Shanna Timmons and husband, Brian of Denver, Colo.; son Travis Jones and wife, Devon of Erie, Colo.; brother, Stanley Jones and wife, Phyllis of Benkelman; sister, Jana Mintling and husband, R. J. of Wauneta; grandson, Charles Timmons; step-children, Dani Harding and husband, Lloyd of Mitchell, Tricia Meidell and husband, Eric of Harrison, and Shawn Rudloff, also of Harrison; 13 step-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008, a memorial service with full military honors well be at the Crete Cemetery in Chase County, Neb., which is the resting place of his paternal grandparents.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1990

Sam Boyd Jones

BENKELMAN-Sam Jones, who became one of this region's best-known citizens during a 34-year barbering career in Benkelman, Nebraska, died Saturday, February 3, 1990, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Sam, 61, passed from this life following open heart surgery at Bryan Memorial Hospital. He was surrounded by his most treasured possession--his family--at the earthly conclusion of his valiant struggle against heart disease.

Life began for Sam Boyd Jones on June 12, 1928, when he was born to Daniel John Jones and Pearl May (Boyd) Jones at their farm home eight miles southwest of Trenton, Nebraska. The Jones' family had established its roots in Hitchcock County in the late 1800s after Sam's grandparents had emigrated to America from Wales to Great Britain.

During his childhood, Sam developed a love for Greyhound dogs and coyote hunting that remained a fervent interest throughout his life. He often told of riding in a horse-drawn wagon with the dogs, his chin bouncing up and down as he peered over the sideboards.

Sant attended District 79 school in his home neighborhood until the eighth grade, then entered Trenton High School.

He deemed it an honor, following his school days, to have had a hand in the building of Trenton Dam and Swanson Reservoir.

Sam was united in marriage with Margaret (Bible) Jones of McCook on July 9, 1950. Four children were born to this union; Darrell Jones of Goodland, Kansas; Debra Jones Dennis of Wray, Colorado; Dana Jones Hayward of Benkelman, and Diana Jones Maris of Hall's Crossing, Utah

In the early 1950s, Sam saw the need to develop a life's work to sustain his family.

Shortly thereafter he entered Barber College in Omaha, graduating in August of 1953.

He started in the barbering business in Trenton with Joe Franklin, then later shared shop space in McCook with Lafe Cook and Glenn Williams.

But it was not until 1955--when Sam purchased the Woods & Madison Shop in Benkelman--that his barbering career. . .and his life. . .blossomed to its full potential.

In his 34 years on Chief Street, he provided daily proof of his favorite saying:^“The worst day I ever had was a good one."

With a blend of homespun wisdom and story-telling. Sam entertained all who passed through the doors of his shop-- be they customers or be they guests.

And their were hundreds of guests, as people from miles around dropped in to see Sam when they were in Benkelman--whether they needed a haircut or not.

In the beginning of his days here, Sam remembered the festive Saturday nights in Benkelman when every parking place the length and breadth of Chief Street was occupied with cars. and the barber shop was filled with customers until one or two o'clock in the morning.

When not at work, Sant took great pleasure in coyote hunting, cattle. auctions and card-playing.

Just before his final surgery, Sam told his son, Darrel, “If I don't make it, I'm looking forward to a game up above with Ed (Doyle) and Don (Anderson)," two poker-playing buddies who preceded Sam in death.

Sam's multitude of friends resulted in his being a pallbearer at hundreds of funerals. "It was not only here that he was a pallbearer but also in such neighboring towns as Bird City, Wauneta, Atwood and Imperial, said his mate, Margaret. This prompted Sam's son-in-law Dan Dennis once to comment, "Sam. if you ever quit being a barber, you could become a professional pallbearer.”

It was said humorously, but the statement recognized the great respect which Sam's many friends had for him.

During his busy life, Sam also found time for a number of organizations, including the American Barber's Association, the Benkelman Jaycees, the Benkelman Rural Fire Department, the McCook Elks Lodge, Justice Lodge #180 of the Masons, and Fraternal Order of Odd Fellows

His church was the United Methodist of Benkelman.

Sam Boyd Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel John Jones and Pearl May Boyd Jones; one brother, Murray Douglas Jones, and two sisters, Gladys Rae Falkowski and Ruby Joyce Viles.

Remaining to cherish Sam's memory are his wife, Margaret of Benkelman, and his four children and their families; Darrell and wife, Joanne Jones and children Jeremy and Jill of Goodland, Kansas; Debra Jones Dennis and husband, Dan, and children Jami and Christian of Wray, Colorado; Dana Jones Hayward and children Jessica, Nicholas and Blake of Benkelman, and Diana Jones Maris and husband, Jon, and children Jordan and Saje of Hall's Crossing, Utah.

The only one of Sam's brothers and sisters who survives is Lois Mildred Felker of Trenton.

Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.

Funeral services for Sam Boyd Jones were conducted Tuesday morning, February 6, at the Benkelman United Methodist Church with his close friend and pastor, the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore, providing the funeral message.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1997

Tasyn Mackenzie Jones

UNADILLA--Tasyn Mackenzie Jones was born Tuesday, July 1, 1997, the daughter of Tod and Konia Jones of Unadilla, Neb. She died Monday, Aug. 18, 1997, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, Neb.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Aug. 20, 1997, at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Elmwood, Neb., with the Rev. Coleman officiating. Burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery.

Surviving baby Taryn are her parents; her two-year-old brother, Tyler Michael; her grandparents, Tom and Sharlane Jones of Benkelman, Neb., and Mike and Kay McGuire of Lincoln; great-grandmothers Martha Wilson of Parks, Neb., Wanda McGuire of Lincoln and Frances Sierze of Grant, Neb.; aunts Sharissa Jones of New York City and Kim (McGuire) Bro of Lincoln. and many other relatives.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1989

Thomas Miles Jones

Thomas Miles Jones of Benkelman, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, February 5, 1989, at the Dundy County Hospital at the age of 94. He was born to Joel Thomas and Euphemia (Garrison) Jones on January 26, 1895, in Edgar, Nebraska, and was baptized in the Christian faith at an early age. Miles spent his childhood in Humboldt, Nebraska, and later, In 1910 his family moved to McCook, Nebraska. After his father's death, necessity required that Miles quit school to support his mother. After she succumbed to influenza, he made his home with his sister and her husband, Alverta and Mason Shurtleff.

In September 1920 Miles married Gertrude Conner. Then in the fall of 1921, the couple moved to Dundy County to reside on their newly purchased ranch east of Benkelman where their six children were raised.

In the early 1940s and 1950s Miles owned and operated sale barns in Benkelman, Nebraska, and Goodland and St. Francis, Kansas. Miles remained quite active in the livestock business until he chose to retire in 1983.

Gertrude passed away in 1966 due to diabetes. Miles later wed Viola DeLaMater, who died in 1983. Miles was also preceded in death by his only sister, Alverta, and son-in-law, Paul Powell.

Survivors include his children, Mason and Marilyn Jones, Roberta Powell, Betty and Floyd Parman and Tom and Sharlane Jones of Benkelman, Millie and Glenn Glasco of Bird City, Kansas, Ethel and Dean Christner of Carbondale, Colorado, Jack and Ann Elliott of Decatur, Alabama, and Jim and Anna Elliott of Granby, Colorado. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a nephew and his wife, Miles and Harriette Shurtleff of Gothenburg, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Edna Conner of Denver, Colorado, Peg Mahar of Benkelman; and a brother-in-law and his wife, M.D. "Cotton" and Marie Sailors.

During Miles' lifetime, he took great interest in the community. He willingly served on the city council, the Housing Commission and the school board. He also received the Meritorious Award for his work with the 4-H program.

Miles was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, the Eastern Star and the Odd Fellow Lodge where he was awarded a 70-year membership medal.

Services were held Wednesday, February 8, 1989, at the United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. The service was officiated by the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore.

The organist was Gwen Bauer with Betty Erdman on piano playing “The Lord's Prayer.”

Bearers were Boyd Adkinson, Lee Gallatin, Lyle Wiese, Eddie Watt, Wayne Lutz, Verle Raichart, Henry Krug Jr. and Floyd Nordhausen.

Committal was by Justice Lodge #180 A.F. & A.M.

Interment took place at the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June? 1978?

Thomas W. Jones

TRENTON — Funeral services for Thomas W. Jones will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Trenton Methodist Church with the Rev. W. W. DeBolt officiating. Interment will be in the Trenton Cemetery under the direction of the Herrmann Funeral Chapel of Trenton. Friends may call and memorials may be left at the chapel.

Mr. Jones died Monday at the Hester Home in Benkelman at the age of 87. He was born July 17, 1891 at Trenton, the son of the late Evan and Mary Jones. He grew up there and was married Jan. 23, 1915 to Mamie McNair at McCook. They farmed southwest of Trenton until retiring and moving into town in 1942. Mrs. Jones preceded him in death Sept. 11, 1975.

Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Reynold (Arletta) Heinz of Trenton and Mrs. Harlan (Arlyene) Smith of Montrose, Colo.; one son, E. D. Jones of Trenton; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Claudia Jones of Littleton, Colo.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1988

Tyler Casey Jones

Tyler Casey Jones was born June 22, 1988, to Allen and Sherry (Kier) Jones. He passed away October 5, 1988, at the Cheyenne County Hospital in St. Francis, Kansas, at the age of three months.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Henry Adam Bernard, Benkelman, Nebraska; Wilmot Klie, Wray, Colorado; Charlie Kier, Parks, Nebraska; James Jones, Goodland, Kansas; his great-grandmother, Lyle Lorraine Kier, Vernon, Colorado, and his cousin, Henry Adam Kier, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Allen and Sherry Jones, sister, Amanda Lynn, of Hale, Colorado; grandparents, Arlene (Bernard) Sharp of Loveland, Colorado, Jack Kier of Max, Nebraska, and Manson and Bonnie Jones of St. Francis, Kansas; aunts and uncles; Mick and Melody Kier, Joshua, Chad and Sara of Beaver City, Nebraska, Tim Kier of Greeley, Colorado, Lynne (Jones) and Lee Roy Neitzel, Lowell and Lindsay of St. Francis, Kansas, Randall and Leslie (Jones) Charlhome of Turlock, California, and Lacy Jones of Goodwell, Oklahoma. Also surviving are his great-grandmothers, Helen Bernard of Imperial, Nebraska, Gladys Klie of Wray, Colorado, and Zoe B. Jones of Goodland, Kansas.

Baby Tyler Casey was a very happy baby. His sweet smile lit up his Mommy's and Daddy's faces. He looked at us with adoration. Never a day went by without our telling Tyler we loved him. He was doing so good; growing, eating and coordinating his little hands to grab things. We have no answers as to why he left us.

Go to Top

Printed in the McCook, NE Daily Gazette, January 2006

Vinton Jones

NORTH PLATTE -- Vinton Jones was born on June 14, 1921, at his parents' home in Southwest Chase County. He was the second son of Arda and Grace (Williams) Jones. He departed this life on January 20, 2006, in North Platte, at the age of 84.

Vinton was baptized at an early age at the Crete Church in Chase County. He became a member of the United Methodist Church of Benkelman and transferred this membership as they moved to McCook and North Platte.

Vinton and his brother, Irvin grew up in a small two room house located on property that their parents had homesteaded. He spent many hours with his dog and horse hunting for game to bring home for the table. His early education was at District 55, a country one-room school, which was a six mile horseback ride. His eighth grade year, he purchased a Ford Model-T for $25, which allowed him to drive and give fellow students rides to school. The first year of high school, he traded his Model-T for a Harley Davidson motorcycle. He attended high school in Imperial where he graduated in 1939.

After high school, he attended flying school in Lincoln where he graduated in the fall of 1939. In December he purchased his first airplane, an Aeronica K-40 hp, which became the first airplane owned in Chase County. This was just the first of many airplanes that Vinton enjoyed over the years, whether working or playing. He was an early entrepreneur when it came to doing something with an airplane.

Unable to find a good instructor's position in the United States, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. On that fateful day in December 1941 (Pearl Harbor Day), he struck out for Omaha to take a check ride. Upon arrival, he was told all planes were grounded and his talents could best be used in the U.S. to train young pilots.

In July 1942, he was sent to Thunderbird Field near Phoenix, Ariz., as an Army Air Corps Flight Instructor. At 21, he was the youngest instructor in the West Coast Command where he taught Army Air Corps pilots. He also instructed several Chinese, who became leaders in the Chinese Air Force. During this time he met Mildred "Millie" Yancy of Glendale, Ariz., and they were married on Dec. 25, 1942. Their first son, Ronald Vinton was born in 1944.

Vinton was inducted into the Army Air Corps Reserve and transferred to Air Transport Command in Kansas City, Mo., in 1945, where he served as a pilot for Trans Continental & Western Air (TWA -- Trans World Airlines when Word War II ended).

In February 1946, Vinton leased the airport in Phillipsburg, Kan., training students, flying charter, repairing aircraft. Times were tough and to make ends meet he contracted with area ranchers to hunt coyotes. Here, their second son, Stanley Arden, was born in 1947.

In August 1947, he started a GI flying school, which was the first one in Western Kansas authorized to give commercial flight training courses. Phillipsburg is where he did his first aerial spraying in 1948 with a 65 hp J-3 Cub. He started flying at air shows as an aerobatic pilot and developed a clown act. This act was performed at an air show in Benkelman in September 1948, which was attended by a crowd of 12,000 spectators, according to the newspaper article of the event.

In 1950, Vinton and Millie moved their sons and aerial spraying business to the airport on Balderson property north of Benkelman. In 1950-51, during the Korean War, Vinton returned to the service as a civilian flying instructor in Greenville, Miss. He was instructing in T-6s which became his favorite airplane. Before Millie could join him, their daughter, Jana Kay, was born at Benkelman in 1951.

Upon his return in 1951, Vinton formed Top Hat Flying Service and the "top hat" logo was born. In 1953, after a fire burned his main hangar, Vinton purchased the Grigsby land northwest of Benkelman, moved two hangars and built an airport that is still at the location.

Vinton taught both boys to fly, and they followed him in the aerial spraying business. It was a proud time for him when the three of them were spraying a field together, one following the other.

He started farming and ranching his parents' home place in Chase County, developing irrigated farm land. He was proud of his Hereford cow herd and enjoyed working them with a good horse. He always had horses (and once a herd of ponies) and started the kids riding as soon as they could hang on. Vinton's love of horses and dogs has been passed down to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He continued to fly and ranch until 1980, then his health forced him to retire from the spraying business. His sons took over the business, Stan at the Benkelman airport and Ron at Imperial. In retirement years Vinton loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed those special times when he was able to share these hobbies with a child, grandchild or great-grandchild. A strong supporter of gun rights, he became passionate about the Second Amendment and his gun collection. During retirement he and Millie lived in McCook; Phoenix; and North Platte. Vinton could always find a good coffee place to trade stories and make friends.

His beliefs led him to become a member in many organizations. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, member and charter founder of the Second Amendment Task Force, lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club, lifetime member of Harley Davidson Owners, 50 year member of Masonic Lodge No. 180, 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star Holly Chapter 233, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, member of Tehama Shrine Club, lifetime member of American Legion, lifetime member of the Elks Club, honorary life member of the NATA -- Nebraska Aviation Trades Association and past vice president of National Aerial Applicator Association. An honor that Vinton appreciated and enjoyed most was the Smoky Bear Award given to him for his efforts as a Pioneer of Fire Fighting by air. Their first award of this kind.

Vinton was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Irvin Jones and wife, Georgia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Millie of North Platte; two sons, Ron Jones and wife, Donna of Harrison; Stan Jones and wife, Phyllis of Benkelman; a daughter, Jana Mintling and husband, Riley of Wauneta; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and numerous family and friends.

Visitation was Monday, Jan. 23, 2006, at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

Funeral services were today, Jan. 24, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. (MT), at the Benkelman United Methodist Church with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment with military honors followed services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. Condolences may be left online at www.forch.com.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1999

Virgil M. "Buss" Jones

SANDPOINT, Idaho– Virgil M. "Buss" Jones, 82, passed away Thursday, Feb. 4, 1999, in Sandpoint, Idaho. He was born Jan. 31, 1917, in Haigler, Neb., to John William and Lillie May (Kanode) Jones, and attended school in Haigler and Eckley, Colo.

He worked for many years in Paramount, Calif., in a floor tile factory and moved to Cocolalla, Idaho, in 1970 where he operated a ranch, raising cattle, hogs and horses. He retired in 1980.

He enjoyed hunting and was a member of the B.P.O.E. in Bellflower, Calif.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Hughie, and a sister, Marie. Those who survive him include sons Bob DeHart of Monmouth, Ore., and Bill DeHart and wife, Debbie, of Tillamook, Ore.; two grandsons; a great-granddaughter; a brother, Carl, of Sun City, Ariz., and a sister, Hazel Filbert, of Long Beach, Calif.

A funeral service for Virgil Jones was held Monday, Feb. 8, 1999, at 1 p.m. at Coffelt's Moon Chapel in Sandpoint with the Rev. Tori Hicks officiating. Selected music included "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Going Home." A graveside service was held Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Haigler Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman was in charge of the Nebraska service.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1989

William Robert Jones

William Robert Jones was born on October 7, 1904, at Woodruff, Kansas, to William and Laura (Van Horn) Jones Sr. He died at Kearney, Nebraska, on January 19, 1989.

In September 1911 the family moved to a farm in Yuma County, Colorado. William Jones Sr. died in 1918. In 1924, William, his sister, Ermyl, and their mother moved to Ashland, Nebraska, where he entered high school and finished the course in three years.

He attended Cotner College in Lincoln and graduated from Wayne State College. He taught, in rural schools in Dundy County, Nebraska, and obtained a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was superintendent of schools in Haigler, Danbury, Wilsonville, Stockton and Pleasanton. He retired in 1974 after 41 years of teaching.

William (Bill) married Arlene Havlik at Haigler, Nebraska, on August 21, 1938. Two sons were born to them, Stanley in 1942 and Dean in 1946. The Jones family was active in church and community affairs in every town in which they had lived.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Kearney, served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher, served on many committees and sang in the choir. He had attended choir practice the evening before his death. He was a member of the Kearney Area Retired Teachers and the Ft. Kearny Rock Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Arthur, Ernest and Ray; and three sisters; Alta Baugh, Leola Woods and Ermyl King.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene, of Kearney; sons, Stanley and his wife, Dannien, and Dean and his wife, Dianne; three grandchildren. Dawnette, Brady and Carmen, all of Kearney; one sister, Marguerite Patchen of North Platte; three sisters-in-law, Jennette Keeney of Boise, Idaho, Kathleen Early of Denver, Colorado, and Doris Jones of Everett, Washington; brother-in-law. Royal Woods II of Wray, Colorado, and many nieces and nephews.

Services were conducted from the First Christian Church in Kearney with Revs. John and Dana Keener officiating.

Burial was at the Kearney Cemetery.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1951

Augusta Josephine (Erickson) Jorgensen

Augusta Josephine Erickson, daughter of Nels and Louisa Erickson, was born in Kolman Lund, Smaaland, Sweden, August 18, 1871, and died July 24, 1951, at the Morehouse hospital, Benkelman, Nebraska. She would have been eighty years of age August 18th, 1951.

At the age three, she came to America with her parents. They settled in Illinois and lived there until 1889. From there they moved to Holdrege, Nebraska.

She was united in marriage to Axel Jorgensen on June 19, 1897, at Holdrege. To this union were born four children: Mrs. Lee Hartzer, Wauneta; Helen of Hammond, Indiana; Tena of Seattle, Washington, and Mrs. Walter Pflum of Benkelman.

In 1900, Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen moved from Holdrege to their farm near Max, Nebraska, the present home of the Walter Pflum family. They lived there until the spring of 1917, at which time they moved to Benkelman. At that time they moved into their new home built by Charlie Erickson, Mrs. Jorgensen's brother. Here the Jorgensen family lived for more than thirty years.

Mr. Jorgensen preceded his wife in death., June 2, 1937.

Mrs. Jorgensen was confirmed in the Swedish Lutheran church in Holdrege, Nebraska, at an early age. She was a member of the Methodist church at Max and later transferred her membership to the Benkelman Methodist church. She was a member of Holly Chapter No. 233 Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her four daughters: Louise, Helen, Tena and Katie; two sons-in-law; five grandchildren, Mrs. Maxine Hayes, JoAnn, Judy, Eugene and Glenn Pflum; two great grandchildren, William and Ruth Hayes; two half sisters, two half brothers and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Jorgensen will be sadly missed not only by her four devoted daughters and their families, but she will be missed by many, many good friends of those four daughters.

The Jorgensen home was, for a generation, the gathering place for young people who felt so welcome there. Mrs. Jorgensen was never too tired nor too busy to serve those constantly hungry youngsters the good food for which she was so justly famous. Whether it was lemon pie with golden bubbles shining through the meringue, a dish of dressing that she'd saved for the hungry lad who said no one could make dressing like Mrs. Jorgensen, or a big slice of burnt sugar cake—Mrs. Jorgensen spent her time and energy making friends and keeping them happy.

It was in her own home that Mrs. Jorgensen moved supreme. The happiness of her family and their friends, the dignity of a piece of work well done—herein Mrs. Jorgensen truly attained perfection.

We who were so constantly at the Jorgensen home remember the family traditions Mrs. Jorgensen so faithfully followed. Breakfast on Easter Sunday morning always consisted of codfish balls, soft-boiled eggs, and golden brown rusk (Mrs. Jorgensen's light rolls toasted in the oven).

Always young in heart, Mrs. Jorgensen had a ready, responsive laugh which told her friends how happy she was to be included in all their happiness and pleasure.

Such love she gave and such unselfish service she performed in the nearly eighty years she spent with us that Mrs. Jorgensen will be revered as long as memory lasts.—Lovingly written by Elizabeth Ough. (A tribute written by one who is not a member of the family but who knew Mrs. Jorgensen intimately and was a personal friend of her daughters for many years).

Funeral services were conducted at the Benkelman Methodist church Friday morning, July 27, at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. H. T. Slagg officiating.

Miss Marguerite Ough sang two solos and Miss Tena Jorgensen was also a soloist. Mrs. Gwen Bauer presided at the organ.

Pallbearers were Harry Ough, Dr. G. L. Lorenzen, Orlie Powell, Homer Davis, Lloyd Boswell and Jake Bauer.

The Laughlin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1937

Axel Jorgensen

The funeral of Axel Jorgensen was held at the M. F. church in Benkelman at 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon and was very largely attended. Rev. G. A. Schwabauer conducted the service and the Eastern Star lodge members and Masonic order attended in a body

and the Masonic order conducted the service for their departed brother at the grave. Axel had been a member of the organization for a long time and was as active in it as he had been in the religious, educational and community life of the community generally.

A male quartette consisting of Harry Ough, Lloyd Boswell, R. D. Druliner and J. R. Baer, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Florence Hopkins, sang several beautiful selections but these were preceded by a beautiful, touching, sorrowful and inspired rendition of “Sweet Peace, the Gift of God's Love,” by Miss Tena Jorgensen, daughter of the deceased. It had been her father's desire in life, she carried thru in death.

At the grave, the beautiful rites of the Masonic order followed and were carried thru in a manner that reflected credit to that great order as well as to those on whom the burden of responsibility rested.

Axel, son of Hans and Bergithe Jorgensen, was born in Oster Sunbye, Denmark, on May 24, 1867 and died in Benkelman, Nebraska, June 2, 1937, at the age of 70 years and 9 days.

Mr. Jorgensen came to America in 1884 at the age of 17 and settled at Holdrege, Nebraska, where he then lived for 16 years.

On June 19, 1897, he was united in marriage to Augusta Josephine Erickson. To this union were born four children, Mrs. Louise Hartzer of Wauneta, Helen, Tena and Katie of Benkelman.

Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen moved from Holdrege to their farm near Max, Nebraska in 1900 and from thence to their present home in Benkelman in the spring of 1917.

Mr. Jorgensen was confirmed in the Lutheran church in Denmark, transferred to the Swedish Lutheran church in Holdrege and then finally to the Methodist church here in Benkelman where he attended and also served on the official board.

He was a stalwart man of his word. He was always a loyal friend and neighbor. His Christian faith was a part of him; so much so that it gave him a calm outlook upon life, steadied him to the end so that he was a comfort and courage to his family in that last sad hour when they knew they were bidding him farewell. He had not been very well for two years and indications are that he knew his days were comparatively few for sometime before he died. But he was cheerful to the last, active around his farm, his home, his lodge and church.

Mr. Jorgensen is survived by his wife, four children, one grandchild, Maxine Hartzer; one son-in-law, Lee Hartzer; one brother, Thue Jorgensen; two nephews and four nieces.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, November 1983

Helen G. Jorgensen

Helen G. Jorgensen was born on February 15, 1903, on a farm near Max, Nebraska, to Axel and Augusta (Erickson) Jorgensen. She passed away at the Foothills Nursing Home in Longmont, Colorado, on November 13, 1983. Helen's father was born in Denmark and her mother was born in Sweden.

She was a life-time educator who started her teaching career in Max after completing a 12-week course at the University of Colorado. She later received her B.A. and M.A. degrees from Colorado Teachers' College at Greeley—which is now the University of Northern Colorado. Getting college degrees wasn't easy then—usually taking many years of teaching and saving money in the winter to go to summer school.

She taught school in Max and in Benkelman, and one year in Brighton, Colorado, before going on to Hammond, Indiana, in 1929. She retired from the Hammond school system in 1966 and moved to Boulder, Colorado. She started as a first-grade teacher in Hammond, advancing to principal—first at Parish School and then at Porter School. Porter school grew from a small portable school to a large new school, and from a one-school area to a three-school area while she was there. She took art lessons from Mr. J. C. Templeton in Chicago and has shared her paintings with many friends.

Helen was a member of the Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teachers' fraternity and a member of Holly Chapter O.E.S. of Benkelman for more than 60 years. She holds a life membership in the Girl Scouts of America. She has been a member of the United Methodist Church nearly all her life. She served her church faithfully through the years with her service, gifts and her presence. Her membership was in the First United Methodist Church of Boulder, Colorado. She was a member of the Y.W.C.A. and the Elementary Principal's Association, Indiana Teachers' Association, and other educational organizations.

Helen traveled extensively while her health was good. She had gone to Europe twice and she especially loved her trips to Denmark and visiting her father's relatives. She had a large collection of Danish Christmas plates and Danish figurines. She also went to Brazil, Mexico and Alaska.

Helen always said "I have had a wonderful life. I have had the profession I would have chosen above all others—that of teaching and working with children." Children loved her and followed her like the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

All those who loved her were happy and grateful for the wonderful years she had, doing the work that she loved—because her health began to fail about five or six years ago. The last four years were spent in nursing homes with a progressive deterioration of both her mind and spirit—which was such a part of her.

Helen was preceded in death by her father and mother, and her sister, Louise Hartzer. She leaves to mourn two sisters, Tena Jorgensen of Benkelman and Katie Pflum and her husband, Walter of Longmont, Colorado, and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held on Wednesday, November 16, 1983, at 2 p.m. in the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska.

The Rev. John Lover officiated. Elmer Case sang "How Great Thou Art" and "The Lord's Prayer" accompanied by Gwen Bauer at the organ.

Pallbearers were Leslie Kirkman, Roger Shillington, Doran Jessee, Royce Anderson, Ron Cunningham and Dale Bauer. Interment was in Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman.

Committal service was conducted by Holly Chapter No. 233, Order of Eastern Star.

Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, October 1988

Tena Bergithe Jorgensen

Tena Bergithe Jorgensen was born on November 6, 1905, on the family farm one and one-half miles west of Max, Nebraska, in Dundy County. She was the third daughter of Axel Jorgensen and Augusta J. Erickson Jorgensen. She died September 23, 1988, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska. She was nearly 83 years old. She never married. She was a member of the Holly Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star for 50 years and a former member of Delta Kappa Gamma.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father and her sisters, Louise J. Hartzer and Helen G. Jorgensen. She is survived by her sister, Katie A. Pflum, and husband, Walter W. Pflum of Longmont. Colorado, four nieces, two nephews and several great- and great-great nieces and nephews.

Tena attended grade school in Max, Nebraska. riding to school in a horse-drawn buggy with her two sisters. She was graduated from Benkelman High School in 1922. Tena was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and studied voice at Hebron (Nebraska) Academy and Colorado Teacher's College—now the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She also studied voice in Chicago and worked in a "settlement house" and as a waitress to help finance her studies. She also took voice lessons in Seattle, Washington, where she taught in that state.

She taught country school in Dundy County, riding horseback to school, and in Thayer County, where she also studied music. Her Colorado teaching Jobs were in Eaton and Sterling and in Washington state she taught in Orillia and Bothel. She worked for Cork Insulation during World War II and for General Insurance Company later. She returned to Benkelman to retire in 1968.

Her life covered an exciting time in the progress of our history: In transportation beginning with horse and buggy, to cars, to airplanes, to landing on the moon. In communication from telephone, to radio, to television, where we see actual happenings from around the world or on the moon. In medicine from mustard plasters and simple appendectomies to organ transplants and the building of new joints and bones. But one thing remained constant— that was her faith in our Heavenly Father and the knowledge of His steadfast love.

Services were held Monday, September 26, 1988, at 1:30 p.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Dr. John Kilgore officiating.

The organist was Gwen Bauer. Richard Bartholomew sang the selections "How Great Thou Art" and "Be Still My Soul."

Bearers were Gaylin Hartzer, Ron Cunningham, Doran Jessee, Lawrence Ham, Dennis Pinkerton and Stanley Ham.

Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman. Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, March 1983

Jessie Alma (Scarrow) Josh

Jessie Alma Josh, daughter of Emerson Bristol and Minnie A. (Allan) Scarrow was born June 13, 1900 at Danbury, Nebraska, and passed away March 11, 1983, at the Dundy County Hospital at the age of 82 years, 8 months and 26 days.

The early years of her life were spent living on the family's homestead north of Benkelman.

Jessie met Raymond Josh while working for some of his family at Yuma, Colorado, and on August 25, 1942, they were united in marriage at McCook, Nebraska. They spent most of their following years at Hastings, Nebraska, later moving to Max, Nebraska, where they lived with her brother, Lloyd. After the death of Jessie’s husband in 1975, she moved to the Hester Memorial Home where she was residing at the time of her passing.

Her life was devoted to doing for her husband and her home. She enjoyed people and enjoyed visiting.

Preceding Jessie in death were her parents, her husband and three brothers, Vinson, Wilbur and Albert.

She is survived by one brother, Lloyd Scarrow of Max, Nebraska, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 15, at 10 a.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska, with Rev. Robert Sander officiating.

Grace Brynoff accompanied Edith Carter as she sang "Beyond the Sunset" and "The Old Rugged Cross."

Pallbearers were Lloyd Scarrow, Ray Scarrow, Scott Carter, Carrol Josh, Melvin Carter and Orville Scarrow. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery. Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1975

Raymond L. Josh

Raymond L. Josh, the youngest son of William and Cora Josh, was born on a farm near Hildreth, Nebr., on September 14, 1897, and passed from this life at the Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital at Hastings, Nebr., following surgery on July 26, 1975 at the age of 77 years.

He spent his boyhood in Nebraska. In 1925 he and his brother, George, operated a garage in Eckley, Colorado.

On August 25, 1942, he was married to Jessie Scarrow at McCook, Nebraska. They made their home in Hastings, Nebraska, until 1973 when they moved to Max, Nebr., and made their home with his brothers-in-law, Loyd and Albert Scarrow.

Raymond was a man who was always happy and good natured about life in general. He was well-liked and was a hard worker all of his life, taking a deep interest in whatever he did.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his ten brothers and sister. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Jessie, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman on Monday morning with the Rev. Bob Sander officiating. Mrs. Grace Brynoff was the organist and Mrs. Edith Carter, the soloist. Casket bearers were nephews. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1980

Hazel L. (Gunderman) Jourdan

BENKELMAN — Hazel L. Jourdan, age 82, died Saturday at the Dundy County Hospital.

Mrs. Jourdan was born March 12, 1898 at St. Edward to Valentine Gunderman and Katherine Hust. She was married in 1917 to Jesse Walsh and later married Richard Henry Jourdan in 1954.

Mrs. Jourdan was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman; American Legion Auxiliary; and Holly Chapter O.E.S. No. 233 of Benkelman. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jess; one sister, Louise; one brother, Clarence; and one granddaughter, Kathleen.

Survivors include her husband, Richard of Benkelman; two daughters, Marjorie Cordwell of Benkelman and Mrs. Robert (Irene) Heiss of Garden Grove, Calif.; one son, Glenn Walsh of Fall Brook, Calif.; one sister, Florence Beeson of Yuma, Colo.; one brother, Bill Gunderman of Benkelman; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Services will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. MST in the Jones Funeral Chapel of Benkelman with the Rev. Lynn Parsons officiating. Interment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery with an O.E.S. service.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 3-12-1898 and a death date of 3-18-1980.)

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, January 1982

Richard Henry (Dick) Jourdan

Richard Henry (Dick) Jourdan died Friday, Jan. 8, 1982, at the Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman, Neb. He was born May 17, 1896 in Omaha, Neb.

In August, 1954, he was married to Hazel Gunderman. Together they farmed south of Benkelman for many years. Mr. Jourdan was also known for his baseball playing.

Preceding him in death was his wife and he is survived by nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 11, 1982, at 2 p.m. in the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman with Pastor Lynn Parsons officiating. Organist was Vicki Powell. She accompanied Jackie Wilson and Shirley Adkinson with the selections "My God And I" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Ray Lee, Sheridan Magnani, Alvin Loop, Albert Burkhalter, Mark Loop and David Loop. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home, Inc., of Benkelman.

Memorials are being accepted to the Lutheran Church or the Hester Memorial Home, both in Benkelman.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, June 1975

Irene Johanna (Reents) Jungmeyer

Irene Johanna Reents was born March 1, 1905, in Pickrell, Nebr., to Pastor Johann B. and Louisa Reents. She was baptized March 9, 1905, and confirmed into the Lutheran faith April 13, 1919. She attended parochial school in Hanover Township, Pickrell, Nebr., and Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa. Following graduation, she taught school in Altenberg, Mo., for two years.

July 23, 1925, Irene was united in marriage to Albert F. Jungmeyer in Zion Lutheran Church, Pickrell, Nebr., with her father reading the marriage service. They served a five point parish covering a radius of over a hundred miles while living in Stanton, North Dakota. In 1926 they returned to Eastern Nebraska and served in the Central District of The American Lutheran Church since that time. Parishes in this area include Benkelman, Haigler and Alma, Nebraska and Wilson and Russell, Kansas.

After retirement in 1963, Pastor Jungmeyer served as Visitation Pastor of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, for a four-year period after which they moved to Fort Collins. In September 1973 they accepted a call to Brewster, Kansas, where Pastor Jungrneyer will continue to serve.

She was active in church and civic activities throughout her lifetime. She. departed from this life Friday, June 6, 1975 in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Mrs. Jungmeyer was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Daniel Jones, and brother John of Adams, Nebraska.

Surviving are her husband, Albert F. of Brewster, Kansas; sons, Albert J. and Wallace of Fort Collins; daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Felker of Torrance, Calif., and Mrs. Stanley (Joan) Jones of Omaha, Nebr.; four brothers, Walter Reents of Twin Brooks, North Dakota, Arthur Northport, New York, William of Beatrice, Nebraska and Bernard of Kansas City, Missouri; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted June 7 at Trinity Lutheran church, Fort Collins with Pastors Robert Nelson and Maynard Arts in charge. The sermon text was the confirmation verse, Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, August 1986

Albert Frederich Jungmeyer

Albert Frederich Jungmeyer was born in Cole County, Missouri, near Russellville, to John and Amalia Jungmeyer on January 8, 1901. He was baptized January 16, 1901, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Russellville. He was confirmed in the same church on Palm Sunday, 1915. He graduated from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, in 1921, and Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, in 1924. He was ordained into the Christian ministry on July 13, 1924, in Amboy, Illinois, after receiving a call from the Lutheran parish in Stanton, North Dakota,—a five-point parish with a radius of 100 miles.

On July 23, 1925, he was united in marriage to Irene Reents in Zion Lutheran Church, Pickrell,, Nebraska, with her father reading the marriage service.

During World War II he was trained as a Chaplain at Harvard University in Boston and was later stationed at Aliceville, Alabama. He especially enjoyed his work with German Prisoners of War.

In addition to Stanton, North Dakota, Pastor Jungmeyer served parishes in Helena (Cook), Nebraska; Cedar Rapids, Nebraska; Superior, Nebraska; Hildreth, Nebraska; Bethlehem Lutheran, Fort Collins, Colorado; Benkelman, Nebraska; Haigler, Nebraska; Alma, Nebraska; Republican City, Nebraska; Wilson, Kansas; Milburger (Russell) Kansas; Stover, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Hot Springs, South Dakota; Bassett, Nebraska; Lincoln, Nebraska; Brewster, Kansas; and Trinity Lutheran, Fort Collins, Colorado. He also served on the Board of Directors, Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa.

He was pastor at Benkelman and Haigler from 1947 to 1951.

Irene died in 1975. They had been married 50 years. Albert died Friday, August 8, 1986. He is survived by their four children: Albert J. and Wallace E., both of Fort Collins, Elizabeth Felker of Torrance, California, and Joan Jones of Omaha, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Esther Hoffman of Russellville, Missouri. One grandchild, Daniel F. Jones, preceded him in death.

Funeral services for Pastor Jungmeyer were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, August 11, 1986, with Pastors John Pederson and Robert Johnson officiating. The sermon text was Numbers 6:22-27. A grandson, Captain Steven Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada, gave the eulogy at the service.

An additional tribute was given Pastor Jungmeyer at the graveside by the Reverend Jack Reents of St. Paul, Minnesota. Interment was in Grandview Cemetery at Fort Collins, Colorado. The flag which draped the casket was presented to the family by the United States Government.

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, February 1998

Clarence Jussel Jr.

WAGNER, S.D.— Clarence Jussel Jr., 66, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 1998, at Wagner, S.D. He was born Aug. 9, 1931, at Beardsley, Kan., to Clarence and Florence (Thompson) Jussel.

He graduated from Parks (Neb.) High School in 1949. On June 27, 1957, he was united in marriage to Shirley Kinder at Wagner.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife; daughters Julie and Don Gunderson of Kearney, Neb., Kathy and Kim Durham of Yankton, S.D., and Angie and Fred Scheuffele of Wagner; a son, John, of Yankton; six grandchildren; brothers Keith and Bernie of Casper, Wyo., and Eugene and Marlene of Laurel, Neb.: sisters Dorothy and Dale Lambert of Trenton, Neb., Betty and George Yonkers of Hayes Center, Neb., and Delores and Richard Stahly of Stratton, Neb.; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.

Services were held Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. at the Catholic Church in Wagner.

Go to Top

Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, December 2007

Michael Wayne Jussel

Msgt Michael Wayne Jussel (retired) was born November 20, 1968 at Gregory, SD to Eugene and Marlene(Umberger) Jussel. He graduated from Laurel Concord High School in 1987 and co-managed G & M Auto Parts. He graduated from Draughn Community College in Tyler, TX in 1991. He was employed by Sound Music Warehouse in Dallas, TX. He entered the United States Air Force in 1992 and was stationed in Germany, Florida, Korea, Japan and New Mexico. His last assignment was Enlisted Aide to the 5th Air Force Commander, Yokota Air Base, Japan. Michael was fortunate to travel extensively throughout the world. He received many awards of excellence including the Meritorious Service Medal. He retired in June 2007. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Laurel, life-time member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. Michael served as the Air Force Sergeant's Association Vice President, Chapter 1967 in Stuttgart. Germany and was a lifetime member. He enjoyed mountain biking, running and hiking.

Michael was diagnosed with a Grade IV Glioblastoma Mulliforme (GBM) brain tumor in January 2007. He returned to Laurel and touched many lives with his never ending humor and his upbeat attitude. On December 19, at his home. our hearts were touched with the loss of his smile.

Michael is survived by his parents, Eugene and Marlene Jussel of Laurel, sister. Brenda Whalen of Laurel, nephews, Tyrel and Ethan Whalen of Laurel; many relatives and dear friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence F. and Florence Jussel, Ralph and Elsie Umberger and uncles, Clarence Jussel, Jr. and Dale Lambert.

Michael's family appreciates your thoughts and kindness and invites you to lunch in the Laurel Veterans Post Home following the committal service.

Go to Top

Page 1	Page 2	Page 3
Jackson (Axtell), Marguerite	Jeurink, Garold	Jones (Walker), Flora G.
Jackson, Darren James	Jobbins, Claude R.	Jones (Williams), Grace
Jackson, James, 'J.B.'	Jobbins, Lyle H.	Jones, Archie C.
Jackson, Warren B.	Johnson (Barger), Letha Emma	Jones, Billy Dee
Jacobson (Sheldon), Betty J.	Johnson (Hamilton), Doris E.	Jones, Burdett David
Jacox, Ernest LeRoy	Johnson (Jones), Mary	Jones, Clyde H.
Jaeger, Clarence Wesley	Johnson (McClure), Maxine	Jones, David
Jaeger, Judy	Johnson (Pyle), Velta Katherine	Jones, Donald Kent
Jakel (Harper). Leola Beryl Campbell	Johnson (Seitz, Dorothy Nell	Jones, Esther Ann
Jamison (Spears), Laura Belle	Johnson (Spears), Alma Elizabeth	Jones, Eugene William
Janicke (Windhorst), Fayetta Ville	Johnson, Alfreda E.	Jones, Evan L.
Janicke, Milton william	Johnson, Anthony	Jones, Frank William
Janousek (Bernafr), Sheryl K.	Johnson, Asa Joseph	Jones, George William 'Bill'
Janousek (Kacirek), Rosie V.	Johnson, Asa Leonard	Jones, Gerald Dean
Janousek (Stowell), Margaret Louise	Johnson, Earl	Jones, Glenard B.
Janousek, Frank	Johnson, George Ernest	Jones, Harold LeRoy
Janousek, Jay	Johnson, Harold T.	Jones, John paul
Jefferson (Walsh), Mary Juliet	Johnson, Ivar	Jones, John S.
Jefferson, Cecelia Peterson	Johnson, John Edward	Jones, Kenneth R.
Jefferson, William Edward	Johnson, Leonard J.	Jones, Mason Miles
Jenkins (Dolph), Frances McCarty	Johnson, Leslie Elmer	Jones, Ralph Ellis
Jenkins, Carroll C.	Johnson, Marinus	Jones, Richard Eugene
Jennings, H.A.	Johnson, Orval Edward	Jones, Roger Milton
Jensen (Wine), Virginia Mayme	Johnson, Orval Lesley	Jones, Ronald Vinton
Jensen, Dean Anton	Johnson, Richard K.	Jones, Sam Boyd
Jensen, Dennis Walter	Johnson, Robert W. 'Bob'	Jones, Tasyn Mackenzie
Jensen, Harold Robert	Johnson, William James 'Bill'	Jones, Thomas Miles
Jensen, Kevin LeRoy	Johnson, William Theodore	Jones, Thomas W.
Jensen, Margaret Elizabeth	Johnson, Willie Thomas	Jones, Tyler Casey
Jensen, Walter	Johnston, William	Jones, Vinton
Jensen, William Earl	Jokerst (McEvoy), Ann E.	Jones, Virgil M. 'Buss'
Jesch (Waiss), Eleanor A.	Jones (Adkinson), LaVeta R.	Jones, William Robert
Jesch, August	Jones (Boyd), Pearl May	Jorgensen (Erickson), Augusta Josephine
Jesch, Travis Alan	Jones (Conner), Gertrude Mildred	Jorgensen, Axel
Jesse, Gerald Loris	Jones (Cope), Thelma Cheatum	Jorgensen, Helen G.
Jessee (Alsbury), Eula Doris	Jones (Gardner), Florence Aliene	Jorgensen, Tena Bergithe
Jessee (Brewer), Anna Margaret	Jones (Hardy), Paula Rae	Josh (Scarrow), Jessie Alma
Jessee (Smidt), Mable Ena	Jones (Hinkle), Gladys Marie	Josh, Raymond L.
Jessee (Thompson), Margurette Ellen	Jones (Hubbard), Mildred L.	Jourdan (Gunderman), Hazel L.
Jessee, Calvin K.	Jones (Lockwood), Kathryn Luella	Jourdan, Richard Henry 'Dick'
Jessee, Charles Kellogg	Jones (Ough), Lucille 'Babe'	Jungmeyer (Reents), Irene Johanna
Jessee, Kenneth D.	Jones (Stroup), Irma	Jungmeyer, Albert Frederich
Jessee, Perrie Reynolds	Jones (Teeter), Velma Vernice	Jussel, Clarence Jr.
Jessee, Robert Brewer	Jones (Thompson), Mattie Kate	Jussel, Michael Wayne