Obituaries

Geraldine (Jeri) Colleen Ballard passed away on March 4, 2025, supported by her children at Friendly Horizons of the Black Hills in Summerset, SD. She was 85 years old. Jeri was born on August 13, 1939, to Doug Hammon and Elvira Wickman in Valentine, NE. She was the oldest of 4 children.

Helen Ruth Gale was born to Edson A. Gale and Jessie M.

Is it possible to have almost a 100 degree difference in temperature here within a weeks time? Yes it is! Valentine had a low of -33 on February 20, and this week we are expecting a high of about 65. There were a few frozen water lines, and some things didn’t want to start up (including me), but warmer days are ahead for a while.

Joyce Marie (Carrier) Welch was born in Valentine, NE to Harley and Charlotte (Emmons) Carrier August 17, 1944. She passed away peacefully in Bassett, NE February 13, 2025, at the age of 80. She spent her early years growing up in Valentine with her nine siblings.

Rene David Canet, age 72, passed away February 11, 2025. Dave was born March 29, 1952, in Valentine, NE to Rene and Esther (Reimers) Canet. He was the third of six children and grew up on the Canet Ranch. Dave went to school in a one room school K-eighth grade and attended VHS ninth through 12th. After graduation, in 1970, he attended Auto Body trade school in Sidney, NE.

Briella Ryan Mulligan, 16, of Omaha, NE, passed away February 2, 2025. Born April 9, 2008, Briella grew up with a compassionate heart and a spirit that radiated warmth. Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter brought comfort and joy to everyone she encountered.

John Richard Guethlein, “Diamond Jack,” of North Platte, NE, died o Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the North Platte Care Center at the age of 88. John (Jack) Richard Guethlein was born to John and Emma (Peterson) Guethlein at their homestead in Peno Basin, near Quinn, SD March 14, 1936.

Funeral service for Jean Lewis, age 58 of Scotland, SD and formerly of Valentine was held Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. The burial followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine. A visitation was held Thursday, February 6 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines. Jean passed away January 31, 2025, in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by family.

Bethel Jolyne (Andrews) Ogier, age 90, of Wallace, NE, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE. She was born June 23, 1934, to Joseph Glen and Eva Ada (Barnes) Andrews in Valentine, NE.

Darlene Elizabeth Meyer was born on a small farm near Lincoln, NE in 1947. She worked on the farm with her father, mother, and brothers until high school graduation in 1965, when she began studying and working at Bryan Hospital’s nursing program. On graduation in 1968 her adventurous spirit took her to South Coast Hospital at Laguna Beach, CA for several years, then on to a hospital at Eureka in Northern California.