Edna DeBower

May 17, 2011

Edna Stone DeBower, was born on March 1, 1907 in Schuyler, Nebraska; she died May 17, 2011 at Golden Living Center, Schuyler at the age of 104. Edna was the first child of Alfred Arthur Stone and Josephine Krivohlavek Stone. Edna Cecilia was baptized at First Presbyterian Church in Schuyler. After graduating from Schuyler High Scool in 1925, she entered Nicholas Senn Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha, where she received her R.N. in 1928. Returning to Schuyler, Edna worked as a private duty nurse for Dr. Fred Kolouch until her marriage. On February 17, 1931 she married Ernest Edward DeBower at First Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska with the Reverend Lawrence Acker presiding. She was confirmed in the New Schuyler Mission Lutheran church by Reverend Alfred Bergt on September 11, 1932, and became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Schuylerwhere she maintained membership until her death. In 1953, when Schuyler's Memorial Hospital opened, Edna returned to nursing. She was named Co-Director of Nursing in 1957 and served in that position until her retirement on December 15, 1972. Throughout her life, Edna was an active volunteer in her church and in the community. The Sertoma Club awarded its annual Service to Mankind Award to her in 1982. In presenting the award she was cited for her involvement in a broad range of community organizations and activities: Memorial (now Alegent) Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Schuyler Senior Citizens Center and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and assisting with Bloodmobile visits and local blood pressure clinics. She later became active in the Schuyler/Colfax Historical Society. Until it was disbanded, Edna was a member of Immanuel Luther Ladies Aid. Edna Stone DeBower is survived by two daughters, Dolores Johnson of Schuyler, and Janice Beddard of Mansfield, Ohio; five grandchildren, Erik R. Johnson (Sylvie Proulx) of Gatineau, Quebec (Canada), Kristi Johnson Leer of Danville, California, Kurt D. Johnson(Stephanie Hansen) of St. Paul, Minnesota, David F. Beddard of St. Auguwstine, Florida, and Todd DeBower Beddard (Sandra) of Hunstersville, North Carolina; nine great-grandchildren, Brittany Johnson, Charles Leer, Christopher Leer, Anna Leer, Grace Leer, Ellie Hansen Johnson, Elliot Beddard, Katherine Beddard, and Jessica Beddard; a sister, Gladys Stone Smatlan of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernest (October 11, 1979), two sisters, Elsie Stone Moroan (May 10, 2004), and Helen Stone Donovan (February 24, 2007), and her sons-in-law, Richard A. Johnson (August 23, 1983), and Dr. Donald N. Beddard (October 18, 2008). The family suugests memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church, or a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral lunch will be served at Immanuel Fellowship Hall following burial in the Schuyler Cemetery. To leave a message for the family - at the top of this page click "Send Condolences" / fill in YOUR name and e-mail address / type in your message / click PRIVATE (type in code) or PUBLIC / click "Add Memorial entry".