Lydia M. Websterr

Tuesday, February 11, 2003

Lydia M. Webster died Sunday (Feb. 9, 2003) at Community Hospital of McCook.

She was born March 17, 1901, in Cheyenne County near St. Francis, to Peter and Mary Catherine (Wagner) Freehling. Lydia was the oldest living child of Peter and Mary, having eight sisters and one brother to share the family home with.

The Freehling family moved in 1908, to a farm near Haigler, where Lydia attended a rural school and graduated from Haigler High School in 1919.

Lydia and Frank B. Webster, a native of Wray, Colo., were married at the Haigler Methodist Church on March 30, 1920. Frank began his 50-year career with C B & Q Railroad in Haigler and in this career they were transferred to stations in Colorado and Nebraska. In 1945, they were transferred to McCook, the last move of his career.

Lydia was baptized as a baby and joined the Haigler Methodist Church when she was 14 years of age and has been a faithful member of McCook Memorial United Methodist Church since 1945. Lydia was a devout Christian woman with great faith in her Lord. She quoted from memory many scripture verses. She loved visiting and witnessing her faith with family and friends of all ages. In addition to her church loyalty, she was active in many civic organizations.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank; two infant siblings; four sisters, Lora Bye, Alma Roberts, Anna Buhl, and Pauline Roberts; one brother, Paul Freehling; son-in-law, Peter C. Balius; and one great-grandson, Shane Webster.

She is survived by her children, Louise Balius of McCook, Donald Webster and wife, Joann, of Haigler, Stanley G. Webster and wife, Marlene, of McCook; and Mary and husband, Jim Greeley, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren plus 4 step-great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Garnet Miller, Pearline Rath and Esther Walter all of St. Francis, and Emma Tilton of Temecula, Calif. survive her as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name.

Services will be Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at 2 p.m., at Memorial United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman will be officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be today until 8 p.m.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of arrangements.