Obituaries

James Robert O’Kief left this world on February 11, 2023 after 77 years. Jim was a hard man and cowboy; strong, disciplined, incredibly smart, and a tremendous rancher—and he was loved. Jim was born in Omaha on June 8, 1945 to William G. O’Kief and Alice M. (Zilmer) O’Kief. He grew up on the W.G. O’Kief Ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills with his parents and two older brothers, Jerry and John.

Ronald R. Elliott, age 79, passed away peacefully on Friday morning February 3, 2023, at the Cherry County Hospital in Valentine. Ron was born on January 12, 1944, in Ravenna to Harry and Tracy Elliott. He attended Elementary School at Antelope Valley and high school at Thomas County High School. While attending Thomas County High School Ron enjoyed being involved in all sports.

Kenny Joe Bader, 74 years old, was born on October 29, 1948, to Joe and Virginia (Daily) Bader in Broken Bow. During the blizzard of 1949, Joe and Virginia were visiting at Big Creek, got snowed in, and had to use a dresser drawer for a bed to keep Kenny warm.

James “Jim” Leonard Weber, 87, of Grand Island, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at CHI Health - St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, with his family by his side.

Howard James Heath was brought into this wo r l d o n March 29, 1928 at the Heath Ranch in Tripp County, Millb o r o , SD, where his parents Ernest James and Hazel Edna (Romick) Heath homesteaded. He was the youngest of four children. He was born on the ranch and stayed on the ranch. October 26, 1946 he married Trula Ruby Hayford and to that marriage they raised three daughters: Roberta (Bob) Gehlsen, Barbara (John) Skiff, and Vickie (Kevin) Davis.

James E. Shamis passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2022. Jim was born in Valentine, to Eddie and Retha (Spain) Shamis on July 24, 1941. On September 3, 1960, Jim was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, and best friend, Kay Gipe and from this union, their two sons, Chris and Mark were born. Jim and Kay’s love and commitment to one another through good times and sad times provided a great example for their sons and their families.

Leo Robert Linabery, 90, of Valentine passed away on January 12, 2023. Leo was born on March 25, 1932 to Mervin and Kate (Brinda) Linabery on his grandparents homestead in rural Cherry County, five miles north of Valentine. Leo was named after his uncle Leo Brinda that was killed in France during WWI. Leo grew up in the Midway/ Olsonville community in southern Todd County, SD on the ranch with his parents. Most of his family and friends called him Sonny when he was growing up. Leo graduated from Valentine High School in 1950. Leo stayed with his parents on the ranch until he was drafted into the army during the Korean War in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1955. After the Army, he moved back to the ranch.

Byron Lloyd Olsen, Sr. passed away December 17, 2022 at his home in Bellevue. He was born to Lloyd and Marie Olsen of Kilgore on October 30, 1937. He grew up on his dad's ranch in Kilgore caring for registered Hereford cattle and riding horses. His family was active in 4-H, and he showed calves and steers at the Cherry County Fair. At one of the fair competitions, he received first place for his driving ability which he said that he was just killing time. He received Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in the Kilgore Baptist church. He attended school at Kilgore School District from Kindergarten to 12th grade. He enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially basketball and his teammates. He graduated in 1955 as the class President and salutatorian of his class. He attended college for one year in Sioux Falls, SD before joining the Air Force in 1956. He married his high school sweetheart on July 5, 1958 at the Kilgore Baptist Church. They returned to Castle AFB in California where he worked on the electronics for the F102's and F101's. After he left the service in 1960, he returned to the ranch in Kilgore for six years. He moved his family to Chadron where he and Carol attended Chadron State College and earned their bachelor degrees in 1970. In 1970, he moved his family to Bellevue. He did several jobs before starting as a Custodian in 1978 for Bellevue Public Schools, and he retired from BPS in 2007 after 26 years. He loved joking around with many people. Carolyn especially loved telling jokes with him. He always said I O LEE (which means I Love You). He always had a smile to give and loved his family very much. He and his wife served several years as Presidents of Twin Ridge PTA.

Morris Arthur Johnson was born in Omaha to Dr. Chester and Marthena (Morris) Johnson. He died on December 30, 2022, survived by his wife, Maureen, and son, Andrew, both of Valentine, and his nephew, Dr. Jeffery M. Benson and family of Phoenix, AZ.

Bob Mi chael “Fuzzy” Stillwell, 71 of Brady passed away January 7, 2023 at Great Plains Health. Fuzzy was born on December 22, 1951 in Valentine to Donald Earl and Frances Ellen (Nollette) Stillwell.