Nellie E. Carpenter

Nellie E. Carpenter, 92, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Sunday, October 11, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. She was born April 26, 1917, at her family home near Elm Creek, Nebraska to Josiah E. and Ellice C. (Chesemore) McCartney. Nellie attended rural schools near the family farm and finished her elementary education at District #40 near the Dawson/Buffalo county line. She graduated from Overton High School with the class of 1934. In the interim between graduating from high school and marrying Leon Carpenter, she kept house for the Labart family near Overton. Leon also worked for the Labart family and this is where Nellie and Leon began their love story. She was united in marriage to Leon “Carpy” Carpenter on March 28, 1937, at Overton, Nebraska. Nellie and Carpy moved to Wisconsin following their marriage to work on a relative’s Dairy Farm. They then moved to Missouri where Carpy worked for the railroad. When he was laid off from the railroad they were on their way to California when they stopped at home to say good-bye to relatives and Carpy was offered a job at Progress Products Alfalfa Mills. They would stay in Overton for the next 50+ years. In 1994, the couple moved to Lexington. Nellie didn’t work outside of the home during this time. However, she raised two wonderful sons and worked tirelessly as a Den mother, 4-H leader, past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, was active in the Methodist Church and Methodist Women and in later years became a member of Chapter AN P.E.O. She was an excellent cook and baker. She enjoyed ceramics, playing bridge and attended all of her sons’ and grandchildren’s athletic activities. To sum up the life of Nellie, three words come to mind; she was gracious, committed and “one classy lady” who will be so very missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include two sons: Roger L. (Barbara) Carpenter of Naperville, Illinois Randall W. (Peggy) Carpenter of Lexington, Nebraska Four grandchildren: Kristen (Bill) Juenger of Gurnee, Illinois; Ryan Carpenter of Chicago, Illinois; Jason Carpenter (Special friend-Molly Kolb) of Omaha, Nebraska; Brad (Lindsay) Carpenter of LaVista, Nebraska Three great-granddaughters: Madison, Delaney and Kelsey Juenger of Gurnee, Illinois One sister-in-law: Corrine McCartney of Wood River, Nebraska as well as many nieces and nephews. Nellie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carpy in 1996; three brothers, Ralph, Mack and Everett McCartney and two sisters, Elaine Carlson and Donna McCartney. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, October 14, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverends Todd Karges and John Craig officiating. Burial will be in the Overton Cemetery at Overton, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church in Lexington or the Overton United Methodist Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.