Obituaries

of rural Callaway, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on Dec. 17, 2025, at Kearney Regional in Kearney. Born on Jan. 19, 1945, in Grand Island, she was the daughter of Ray and Viola Ritchie, and was also raised by her stepfather, Frankie Brim.

passed away on Dec. 10, 2025.

of Callaway, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 15, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She listened to the Husker Volleyball game and shortly after, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family she devoted her life to.

June Helen (Roork) Sheppard, 80 of Callaway, passed away on Oct. 26, 2025, at Kearney Regional Hospital.

of Broken Bow, passed away on Oct. 19, 2025, at Brookestone View in Broken Bow.

of Callaway, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at the Callaway Good Life Center. He was born on Sept. 19, 1936, in Callaway, to Merril and Esther (Rarden) Woodward. He attended public school in Callaway and graduated from Callaway High School with the class of 1954. Cecil enlisted in the United States Army in 1957 where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on Jan. 31, 1959. On Aug. 10, 1959, Cecil married Hazel Harvey. Four children were blessed to this union: Jeral, Joe, Janel and Jon. This marriage would later end. He would soon find love again and was united in marriage to Jean Hergenrader on July 7, 2001, bringing a blended family together with Krysti and Scott.

age 82 of Oconto, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the CHI Health/Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Milrae was born on Aug. 26, 1943, at Broken Bow, to Isaac and Ada (Martin) Mason. Milrae grew up in Oconto and graduated from Oconto High School in 1961. She was married to Darl “Butch” Dittmar later that year, on Oct. 15, 1961. The couple lived in North Platte for a few years before returning to Oconto. Milrae worked at the Callaway District Hospital as a nurse’s aide and was also an EMT for many years. She babysat the neighbors’ children while raising her own family. Milrae later worked for the Farmers’ Bank at Oconto for 24 years until her retirement. Milrae was a member of the Oconto United Methodist Church and was very active in the Oconto Community. She had many hobbies, including crocheting, quilting, knitting, making barn quilts, and baking. Just a few years ago, Milrae made quilts for all her children and grandchildren. She also made wedding cakes. Milrae loved to have a garden and do canning. She enjoyed making wonderful meals and hosting her entire family. There was always enough food to feed an army.