Erie Laura Junkin

Erie Laura (Williams) Junkin, 88, of Grand Island, Nebraska, went to be with her Savior, Saturday, December 22, 2012, at the Grand Island Veteran’s Home. Welcoming her into Heaven were her beloved husband Eldred; son, Jon; siblings and in-laws, Eulas and Lily Williams, Eugenia and Herbert Conley, Gaye and Ray Salyer, Macy and Ernie Salyer and in-laws, Winona and Pete Goedert. She was born June 17, 1924, in Flat Gap, Kentucky, the youngest of Kendall and Laura (Bond) Williams children. Following graduation from Paintsville, KY, High School she moved to the nation’s capital and worked for the department of the Navy. On May 6, 1944, Erie was married to Pfc. Eldred Wallace Junkin at National Baptist Church in Washington, DC. When Eldred’s Army service ended they moved to the Junkin Hereford Ranch Farm near Smithfield, Nebraska. To this union were born three children; Daisy Jane, Jon Eldred and Dan Wallace. Erie worked for various businesses including the Gosper County ASCS office, Lexington and Holdrege newspapers and Brewster Hospital. She returned to school and received her LPN license from Kearney’s Good Samaritan Hospital in 1974. She provided nursing serves at several area facilities including Phelps County Hospital, and Methodist Homes. Possessing a devout Christian faith, seeking a church home to share her Baptist upbringing, Erie began attending services in Lexington where she and Eldred became part of the small group who founded Parkview Baptist Church in 1959, which recently celebrated their 53rd anniversary. A devoted wife and mother, Erie is remembered for her generous nature, “Southern” charm, participation in community events and kindness to others. However, she finally reached her ultimate identity when she became “Granny” forming special relationships and creating fun experiences for her grandchildren. Erie, always the caregiver, was a great animal lover tending to the many “critters” who came to her doorstep. She is also survived by her treasured dot Teddy and cat Buddy. Erie is survived by daughter; Daisy Junkin Sperling and spouse Larry of Grand Island, Nebraska; son, Dan Junkin and wife Cindi (Wittfoth) of Fort Collins, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Joan Ronnefeld Junkin of Lincoln, Nebraska, Grandchildren, Christie Leigh Junkin Pujado of Key West, Florida; Andrew Lawrence Sperling of Seattle, Washington; Elizabeth Jane Sperling, Lincoln, Nebraska; Suzanne Rachel Sperling Hiser, Grand Island, Nebraska, and great-grandson, Shay Lawrence Hiser of Grand Island, Nebraska. Other survivors include nieces and nephews; Virginia Salyer Roberts of North Carolina; JoAnne Conley Thomas and Laura, Jim, David, and Bond Salyer of Kentucky; William Salyer of California; Paula Junkin Beverage of Oklahoma; Jo Marie Goedert Hoppe of Oregon; Linda Junkin Heiden and Neil Junkin of Bertrand, Nebraska, and many other family members, all of their children and numerous friends. Welcoming her into Heaven were her beloved husband Eldred; son, Jon; siblings and in-laws, Eulas (Lily) Williams, Eugenia (Herbert) Conley, Gaye (Ray) Salyer, Macy (Ernie) Salyer and Winona Junkin (Pete) Goedert. Online condolences may be directed to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com