DeWinta Grace McDowell

Friday, August 8, 2008

Feb. 21, 1926 - Aug. 7, 2008

PALISADE -- DeWinta Grace "Pretty Lady" McDowell died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008 at her home in Palisade, Neb., at the age of 82.

She was born Feb. 21, 1926, in McCook, Neb., the daughter of the late Elzy and Grace (Hayward) McDowell. She was baptized and confirmed in the Congregational, Church in Hayes Center, Neb. The family farmed in Hayes Center where she grew up and graduated from the Hayes Center High School in 1945.

On Jan. 15, 1946 DeWinta married Wray Roth in McCook. He preceded her in death. In 1950, she moved to Wheatridge, Colo., with her son, Gary where she worked as a retail sales clerk and was a waitress in the Yellow Pages Phone Company office.

In April 1955, she married Jerry Hammond who preceded her in death.

On Nov. 9, 1965, she moved to Anaheim, Calif., where she married Ralph Follett who also preceded her in death. In Anaheim she worked for Montgomery Ward until 1977, when she returned to Palisade where she cared for her mother, Grace until her death in 1998. She also worked for the Pony Express and the Palisade Coop. In the 1980s she resumed her McDowell name.

She was preceded in death by one son, George Hammond on Sept. 15,1995; one grandson, Robert Hammond; her brother, Edward McDowell; and her parents.

She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, the Palisade VFW Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Rebecca Lodge.

DeWinta is survived by two sons, Gary Roth and wife, Christine of McCook and John Hammond of North Platte, Neb.; one daughter, Celia Rose and husband, Charles of Palisade; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joan Mace and husband, Howard of McCook and Lucille Johnson of Arvada, Colo.; and nieces, nephews and special friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday Aug. 12, 2008, at United Methodist Church in Palisade with the Rev. Judy Dye officiating. Interment will be in the Palisade Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her name and friends may call at Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.