Bethine Ninegar

Bethine A. Ninegar, 97, of Kearney died Saturday, July 9, 2016 at her home. Bethine Anne Bruner was born December 18, 1918, in Broadwater, Nebraska, the third of four children born to Virgil and Anna (Kepler) Bruner. Following graduation from Broadwater High School in 1936, she attended the Grand Island School of Business on a scholarship and completed a one-year course of general business studies. She worked for a year before continuing her education at Chadron State College, Colorado State University, and the University of Nebraska where she earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Home Economics in 1942. Bethine moved to Omaha and worked as director of food services at Omaha University and the Martin Bomber Plant at Offutt Field. In January of 1944 she received the Army-Navy Certificate of Award for War Production. On August 20, 1944, Bethine married Louis Ninegar, whom she met at Chadron. They moved to Kearney where Lou was hired to teach chemistry and physics at Kearney High School. Bethine relished her role as homemaker and mother but was also actively involved in the First Presbyterian Church, the Buffalo County Home Economists, P.E.O., Red Cross, Camp Fire Girls, Cub Scouts, and PTA. She and Lou had an appreciation for nature and wildlife and enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly fishing, bird watching, and spending time in their garden. Bethine was also an avid baseball fan, and an excellent cook and seamstress. She shared her sewing talents by making doll clothes for distribution by the Goodfellows at Christmastime. Bethine's family was her first priority and a source of great joy. She embraced each new addition to the family. She is survived by her four children, Jo Anne Greene of North Platte, Jerrie and husband Wayne Quincy of Holdrege, Carol and husband Tom Krepel of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Steve and wife Laurie of Elm Creek; grandchildren, Matt Greene, Jennifer Bonynge, Marty Greene, Becky Wood, Mark Greene, Ryan, Jay, and David Quincy, Philip and Patrick Krepel, and Sam Ninegar; eleven great- grandchildren, one great- great- grandson, and her sister Kathryn Warren of Fort Collins. Bethine was preceded in death by her husband, brothers Donald and Howard, and son-in-law, Jack Greene. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Kearney where Bethine had been a member for more than 70 years. Memorials are suggested to Rowe Sanctuary, the Goodfellows, or to a charity of choice.

Bethine Ninegar

December 18, 1918 - July 9, 2016