Ellen A. Waggoner

Ellen Ann (Kimball) Waggoner of Kearney, NE passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024. A funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2024, at O’Brien Strattmann Redinger Funeral Home, 4115 Ave. N, Kearney, NE. A graveside service will be held at the Kearney Cemetery after the funeral service. At the conclusion of services, refreshments will be served at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 2407 W 56th St, Kearney, NE. Ellen was born at home in Sidney, IA on January 29, 1947. She was the fourth of six children born to Elmo Wheeler and Genevieve Elda (Dinsmore) Kimball. Ellen grew up in Sidney and graduated from high school in 1965. In July, 1966 she married David Waggoner of Nebraska City, NE. They were married at St. James Catholic Church in Nebraska City. On December 10, 1966, they welcomed their first child, Daniece Ranee. While Dave was serving over-seas with the Air Force, Ellen and Daniece lived with family in Sidney and Nebraska City. In 1968, the family of three moved to Dover, DE where Dave was stationed at the Air Force base. Ellen learned to drive by driving on the roads of the trailer park where they lived. In 1970, the family moved to Nebraska City where they rented a farmhouse near Arbor Lodge. On April 18, 1970, they welcomed their second child, Jeffrey David. In 1971 it was time for another move, which took the family of four to a house they rented by the old Sixth Street School in Nebraska City. The house had a big back yard for the kids to play outside where they would often catch fireflies at night. On February 8, 1972, they welcomed their third child, Kimberly Ann. Later that year, a promising job prospect took the family of five to Kearney, NE. The move took two vehicles and one laundry backet where baby Kimberly rode. True story. The family made their home in R-Villa Trailer Court where they had many happy years raising their kids and making new friends. This is where Ellen gained the nickname ‘Ethel’. In 1979, Dave and Ellen were excited to build their own home in the Highland Park neighborhood. The couple divorced in January 1980, but both remained in Kearney raising their kids. Later that year, Ellen found a long-time partner, Douglas Lacy, and they were together for 44 years until her death. Doug and Ellen made their homes in Kearney; Westminster, SC; Minden, NE; and then full circle back to Kearney. Ellen’s homes often including gardens, plants, and even a wonderful greenhouse in Westminster that she often talked about, including a week before her death. Ellen loved tending to her plants and gardens, collecting owls, bowling, and listening to Elton John music. She also loved her pet dogs and cats, and her family, especially her five grandchildren. In 2003, the lure of her grandchildren is what brought Doug and Ellen from South Carolina back to Nebraska. She enjoyed going to her grandkids’ activities and celebrations. For their birthdays, she would take them on a shopping trip and have a sleep over at her house. Ellen is survived by her partner Doug Lacy; her daughter and son-in-law, Daniece Waggoner and Morris Hansen of Castle Rock, CO; her son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Shona Waggoner of Kearney; her son-in law Mike Gibbons of Kearney; her grandchildren, Ross Gibbons (Kearney), Ashley Waggoner (Lincoln), Thea Gibbons (Kearney), Madie Waggoner (Kearney), and Colin Waggoner (Kearney). Ellen is also survived by her sisters Mickie Gessert of Harlan, IA, and Debbie Strong of Ottumwa, IA; her brother-in-law Jim (Terry) Nenneman; and many nieces and nephews. Ellen’s dogs Hansel and Raven are also mourning her passing. Preceding her in death were her daughter, Kimberly Gibbons; her brother and his wife Monty and Midori Kimball, her sister Janelle Nenneman; her sister and brother-in-law Glenda and Keith (Meredith) Proctor; her brother-in-law Ralph Gessert; and her brother-in-law Larry Strong; and her parents. Ellen had many beloved pets that also preceded her in death, most recently her dog Gretel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Live On Nebraska, 3867 Leavenworth St., Omaha, NE 68105, in Ellen’s name. For her daughter, Kimberly, organ donation was an important part of her medical care, so this is a special organization to Ellen. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Ellen A. Waggoner

January 29, 1947 - June 30, 2024