Ruby Lucille Axtell

Ruby L. Axtell, 94, of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Callaway, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, April 23, 2018, at Mount Carmel Home Keens Memorial in Kearney. Ruby Lucille Hueftle Axtell was born June 27,1923 near Eustis Nebraska to Charley and Henrietta Fasse Hueftle. She was baptized as an infant by Rev John Schaum. In 1936 she was confirmed and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.   When Ruby was seven, she began taking piano lessons from Emilie Schaumn. At age 11 she began playing the violin and participated in the school orchestra, and in 1937 she began taking organ lessons from the minister’s wife.   A couple years later she began playing for church services. In her senior year of high school she completed the Normal Training course, and so after graduating from Eustis High School in 1940, she taught rural school in Frontier County. She also clerked in the Gauger Store in Eustis.   Ruby was united in marriage to Charles Axtell on March 8, 1953 in Eustis, Nebraska. The couple made their home in the Callaway area. Three children were blessed to this union: Kurt, Steven and Karen. Soon after moving to Callaway, Ruby began playing the organ and piano for the Methodist Church and continued playing for the Callaway United Methodist Church until she retired in 2010. She played for numerous weddings and funerals during those years. She enjoyed being a part of the music program at the church. Many friendships were formed at church and in the community over the years. Also, Ruby gave piano lessons to children in the area, hosted recitals, and encouraged her children, her students and others to perform during church services. She was employed for 15 years as a nurse aid at the Good Samaritan Care Home in Callaway, and enjoyed working with the residents and the staff. Ruby was an active member of the United Methodist Women, and she and her husband were active members of Clara Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. She received her Eastern Star 50 year member pin in 2004. She also was a part of the Busy Bees Extension Club. As a mother, Ruby encouraged her children in their studies at school and in their music education, and was a strong supporter of their sports activities. She continued to provide strength and support long after her children graduated and moved away, always a source of guidance and comfort. Ruby was an avid gardener and believed it was therapeutic to work outside. She would swap gardening tips with her neighbors and other friends, and with her sister, Helen. She enjoyed bringing cut flowers into her home and sharing her vegetables with others. Survivors include her sister Helen Jorges of Elwood, Nebraska Two sons: Kurt Axtell of Kearney, Nebraska, and Steve (Jane) Axtell of Omaha, Nebraska One daughter: Karen (Brian) Plomondon of Erie, Colorado   Five grandchildren: Jeff Axtell of West Point, Nebraska; Ashley Axtell of Arlington, Virginia; Renee, Daniell & Dylan Plomondon, all of Erie, Colorado. Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother Harold. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Callaway United Methodist Church with Pastor Shanon Williams, officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, April 29, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2018, at the Cambridge Cemetery in Cambridge. Memorials are kindly suggested to Callaway United Methodist Church. Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com