Obituaries

Ray Jerome Shelbourn was born the youngest son of Ray Edward and Lelah Elizabeth (Polen) Shelbourn on April 27, 1937 in Valentine. He passed away March 8, 2023 at the age of 85 at Linden Court in North Platte.

Nicholas Anthony Grubham, beloved Son, Brother, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin and friend, was born on October 9, 1980. Nick left this earth to be with our Lord while surrounded by family on March 1, 2023 at the age of 42. Nick is survived by parents Mike and Mary McCrary of Valentine, siblings Luke (Misty) Grubham of Valentine, Mark (Darby) Grubham of Elkhorn, Anna (Mike) O’Kief of Valentine, Jake (Kelcie) McCrary of Kansas City, MO, grandmother, Ruth Ferris of Valentine, girlfriend, Bethanie Wolverton of Kansas City, MO, along with his nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lou Ann Heermann, 80 of Grand Island died Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Heritage at Sagewood. Celebration of Life Service was Saturday, March 4 at the Christ Lutheran Church. Reverend Tom Schneider will officiate. Burial of ashes will be at a later date in the Lutheran Cemetery in Naper.

Memorial Services for Jerry Saueressig, age 75, of Butte were held Monday, February 27, 2023 at Lighthouse Assembly of God Church in Butte. Jerry passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at his home in Butte. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill.

Dolores Wright age 92 of Mullen passed away February 13, 2023, at the Linden Court in North Platte. Memorial services were held Friday, February 17, 2023, at the St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Mullen with Pastor Karen Juzenas officiating. Inurnment in the Cedarview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Cedarview Cemetery or St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church. Govier Brothers Mortuary of Mullen are in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.

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.