Leona A. Ruppert

Monday, February 7, 2005

Feb. 25, 1924-Feb. 5, 2005

Leona A. Ruppert died Saturday (Feb. 5, 2005) at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook at the age of 80.

She was born Feb. 25, 1924, in Lincoln County, the daughter of the late LeRoy V. and Carrie O. (Hansen) Magee. She grew up on a farm north of Curtis and attended rural school in Lincoln County and the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture High School in Curtis.

On Dec. 31, 1941, she married Kenneth D. Ruppert in Oberlin. To this union three sons and two daughters were born. They made their home on a farm north of St. Ann where they lived until 1976 when they retired from farming and moved to Culbertson. Leona then worked at Stevens Bottling Company in McCook before she and Kenneth purchased the Half Moon Cafe in Culbertson where she was well known for her cinnamon rolls and cooking.

Her activities included her family, sewing, crafts, camping, fishing and gardening.

She was a member of the American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries and the Jolly Janes Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth on March 3, 2004; two brothers, Orval Magee and Donald Magee; and one nephew, Wayne Tetherow.

Leona is survived by Allen Ruppert and wife, Gloria of Maxwell, Della Fox and husband, Clinton of Holdrege, Wilber Ruppert and wife, Sue of Culbertson, Bernard Ruppert and wife, Pamela of McCook and Merna Benson and fiance, William Lichtenwaldt of McCook; 20 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ferris Magee and wife, Helen of McCook, Leland Magee and wife, Geraldine of Curtis; sisters, Bonnie Greco and husband, John of North Platte and Shirley Brunner and husband, Jim of Sutherland; sister-in-law, Genevieve Magee of Atwood; cousin and sister, Betty Dean of California; nieces; nephews; and special friend, Lois Wilcox.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, 2005, at Herrmann Memorial Chapel in McCook with Jon Albrecht officiating. Interment will be in Culbertson Cemetery in Culbertson.

Memorials may be given in her name and friends may call Herrmann Funeral Home from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.