Obituaries

Kathryn Jean Ormesher (Kathie) died in her home in Mesquite, NV on November 7, 2016. She was born on January 10, 1942 to Dr. John and Helen Farner of Valentine. She grew up in Valentine, attended University of Nebraska and transferred to Southern Methodist University before graduating from there in 1964, In 1963 she married James Russell Ormesher (“Rusty”) who was also born and raised in Valentine. She taught high school German for a couple years before quitting to start a family. She raised two boys, Brad and Ryan Ormesher in their home in North Dallas. During that time she was active in P.E.O., the church, and volunteered for many of the boy’s activities. She was often busy doing something for others.

James Russell Ormesher (“Rusty”) of Rayne, LA, passed away on the morning of April 15, 2024 at the age of 82. Rusty was born on August 28, 1941, to James Edward and Helen Lydiatt Ormesher in Valentine.

John Ira Pitkin, 72, of Cody, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Callaway Good Life Center in Callaway. John was born December 29, 1951 in Arnold, to Ira and Georgia (Hansen) Pitkin. He attended and graduated from Callaway High School in 1970. He then went on to further his education at Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, where he received his Associate’s Degree in Building Construction.

Erma Jane, age 97, of Plattsmouth, died Saturday January 7, 2024 in the Bellevue Medical Center. Jane, born as E. J. Galligher on November 5, 1926 in Kilgore, to James J. and Virginia Bell (Bowden) Galligher. She was born and raised in the Sandhills of Nebraska, where she resided until after her marriage to Donald L. Hart at the end of WWII. After leaving Kilgore, the family relocated to various communities in Nebraska and Iowa following Don’s career as a meat cutter. Together they raised five children until their separation in 1976. After which, Jane relocated to Denver, CO to live closer to some of her children.

Bob Pierce, 88, of East Todd Township, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2024 at his residence. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mason Funeral Home in Winner, SD. Burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine.

Carole Marie (Gilliland) Witt, was born on December 10, 1944 in Ainsworth, NE to Ralph and Delia (Morton) Gilliland. Carole passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, at the age of 79, surrounded by loving family at her daughter’s home in Valentine. She succumbed to an ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Charles Lee Stoeger 47, of Stapleton, NE passed away on April 24, 2024 at his home. He was born in North Platte on March 15, 1977. He grew up and attended school in North Platte. Charles worked at K9 Condo for over 20 years. He loved to golf and Nebraska Football. Charles will be remembered as a kind sweet man, who never new a stranger. He was very family oriented and good to them.

Richard “Dick” Higgins passed away Monday, April 22, 2024 with his loving family by his side. The oldest child of Edward(Ted)and Thelma Higgins, Dick was born in Scottsbluff, then raised in Valentine, where he was a proud graduate of the VHS class of 1958.

Zale Kenneth Quible, 79, of Merriman passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family April 13, 2024 after a monthslong battle with pancreatic cancer. Zale was the youngest of three children born to Kenneth and Clare (Beyersdorf) Quible June 27, 1944.

Sharon M. O’Kief, beloved Mother, Grandma, Sister and so much more was called to God on March 13, 2024, at age 86. She was born Sharon Marie Moran on November 5, 1937 in Omaha to James J. Moran and Alice (Adrian) Moran. Sharon was the second of five children born to JJ and Alice, with her siblings Michael (who died at birth), Kathy (Foote), Nancy (Kahm), Tim Moran and John Moran. Sharon remained close with her siblings and their families throughout her life.