Connie Jean (Morse) May

Connie Jean (Morse) May, 63, of Callaway, Nebraska, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at Callaway Good Samaritan Center in Callaway. Connie was born to Marinus and Ethel (Probert) Morse on February 26, 1946. She grew up on a farm near Sargent, Nebraska. In her high school years the family moved into town. She graduated valedictorian of her class in 1964 from Sargent High School. Connie attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln until she was called home for the death of her mother in February 1965. She then remained home to care for her ill father. He died in May 1965 and a week after his funeral she married the love of her life, Gerald May. They were married in Broken Bow, Nebraska on June 7, 1965. Gerald and Connie resided on the farm at Callaway. She soon adopted Callaway as her hometown. To this union two children were born, Geraldean Constance and Marinus David. Connie worked a variety of jobs through the years. She worked as a waitress, nurse’s aide, and a Senior Opportunity Services employee. In 1974, she began as a secretary for Chet Linder Agency in Broken Bow. During the 8 years she worked there she also gained her Property and Casualty and Life Insurance agent’s licenses. In 1982 she began her own insurance agency in Callaway. She was the first woman agent in Nebraska to start her agency from scratch. She continued the ownership of the Callaway Insurance Agency until selling it in 1994. Connie taught many insurance classes in Nebraska and surrounding states. After selling the agency she became director of the Custer County Economic Development Board and worked in that capacity for several years. Her final employment before retiring was at the Grand Generation Manor in Callaway where she served as manager. Connie was an active woman in her faith and service to others. She was active through the years as a member of the Callaway United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Callaway Lioness Club, Callaway Lions Club, and Callaway Chamber of Commerce. She held many offices and leadership roles in these organizations. There were many honors and accomplishments that Connie received throughout her lifetime. One that meant so much to her was the success of the Callaway Kite Fly. This event started as a dream and became a reality in 1991, as she chaired the event. This event continues today. She also was able to serve District 1 of Nebraska Lions as the District Governor in 1994. Connie was a great giver and listener. As the Lions Motto is “We Serve”. She definitely served as a dedicated loving wife, mother, grandmother, citizen, and friend. Connie enjoyed singing, camping, reading and spending time with family. Connie and Gerald enjoyed playing pinochle in their neighborhood card party which began in the fall of 1965. Connie and Gerald were life partners and their love continued to grow for one another each day. They would begin their day together with a cup of coffee and watching the birds outside the window. She always took each day as it came and trusted the Lord while making her decisions. Connie defied the odds by surviving stage IV Hodgkin’s disease in the year 2000. Last year an infection ravaged her body and she again fought back and gave of herself for another year until complications with her kidneys and heart won the battle. Connie is survived by her husband of 43 years, Gerald, their daughter, Geraldean Constance (Brad) Walker of Grant, their son, Marinus David of Orlando, Florida, one granddaughter, Maylynn Faith Walker. One sister, Marlene (Gene) Ruther of Hot Springs, South Dakota Two Aunts: Lorene Morse of Sargent, Nebraska and Doris (Probert) Dickman of Red Cloud, Nebraska Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law: Dale and Nellie May of Broken Bow, Nebraska, and Rex and Marvella May of Merna, Nebraska; several nieces and nephews and many cousins, as well as all of her friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Services will be held Thursday, March 5, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at the Callaway United Methodist Church with Reverend Jerry Schwarz and Pastor Dean Haidle officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Callaway. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from 5-7 p.m. at the Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Callaway Lions Club, Nebraska Children’s Home Society, Callaway Rescue Squad or Callaway United Methodist Church. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.