Ruth Elaine (Walter) Tomes was born on November 1, 1933, on her family’s dairy farm near Osakis, Minnesota, the third of fourteen children born to Kenneth and Mildred Walter. She passed away peacefully at her apartment in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 15, 2026, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of love, learning, and a life richly lived.

Ruth devoted her life to family, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. She began her teaching career in rural South Dakota, where she met Ed Tomes, who would become her husband. Throughout their life together, Ruth raised their three children, cared for Ed through his medical challenges, and pursued her career and education with remarkable tenacity. Ruth had strong opinions and was never shy about sharing them, bringing conviction and spirited conversation to the people and pursuits she cared about. Her determination, compassion, and commitment to both her family and her profession were hallmarks of her life.

A lifelong learner with an inquisitive mind and a deep interest in how children grow and develop, Ruth earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and her Ph.D. in developmental child psychology from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She shared her knowledge and passion for education as a professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Oklahoma State University, where she taught and supervised teachers and contributed to the field through her research and publications. She continued her scholarly work until her retirement as Professor Emeritus in 2007. Her influence extended beyond the classroom, touching the lives of students, teachers, and colleagues who benefited from her dedication and expertise.

Ruth’s life, however, was about much more than academic achievement. A fierce advocate and lover of the arts, Ruth was a singer, pianist, and ballroom dancer, served as a docent at the Philbrook Museum of Art and President of the Cotillion Dance Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and regularly attended and sponsored the theatre and symphony.

Curiosity and a sense of adventure were woven into Ruth’s life. She enjoyed educational travel, backpacking in the U.S. and Canada, quality literature, and lively book club discussions. She delighted in a good game of Scrabble, testing her knowledge with Jeopardy!, and discovering new ideas and recipes through cooking shows. Ruth embraced opportunities to learn, grow, and experience the world around her.

Ruth will be remembered for her dedication to her family, having nurtured family bonds through visits with her siblings, special trips with her grandchildren, and regular involvement in the lives of each and every family member. She brought that same enthusiasm and commitment to her social and professional organizations, becoming an active and valued member of each. Ruth didn’t simply belong to her communities; she became part of their fabric.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; her parents, Kenneth and Mildred Walter; her sisters Dorothy, Grace, and Marjorie; and her brothers George, Dan, Les, and Roger.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her children, Rawley (Jan) Tomes, Patty (Dan) Elsasser, and Todd Tomes; her eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; her sisters Leona Stratton and Eunice (Gary) Pederson; and her brothers Charles (Mary Ann), Ivan, Clint (Debbie), and Fred (Debbie), along with extended family and friends whose lives were made richer by knowing her.

Ruth’s long and meaningful life was a testament to the power of love, determination, community, and lifelong learning. Her legacy lives on in the generations of family she cherished, the educators she mentored, the scholarship she contributed, and the beauty she found in the world around her.

Ruth’s memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 14, at Wyuka Funeral Home, located at 3600 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. In lieu of flowers memorials should be to the family, to be donated to the Weigel-Williamson Low Vision Clinic.

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Richard Lee Pennington, also known as “Dick,” 85, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026. He was born on April 15, 1941, to Richard Maxwell “Max” Pennington and Millicent Fayene “Millie” Shriner.

Dick was a loyal, hardworking, and caring man who dedicated his life to supporting his family and helping others. He took great pride in his sons and their families, as well as his more than 40 years working in the printing industry. Known for his honesty and selflessness, Dick was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Dick attended and volunteered at Grace Methodist Church and was a member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed traveling across the country to visit his sons and their families, as well as taking Sunday drives with his wife, Sally. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dick played several sports throughout his younger years and enjoyed golfing in retirement. He was also an avid Nebraska Cornhuskers fan and enjoyed watching a variety of Husker sports.

Dick almost never wore shorts, even during the hottest summer days. Conversations with him often included a discussion about the weather. Whatever needed fixing around the house, Richard’s first and favorite tool was always a trusty roll of duct tape. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, kindness, and dedication to his family.

Dick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Madonna “Sally” Pennington; sons, Rich (Rosie) Pennington, Brad (Jenny) Pennington, and Jeff (Emily) Pennington; sister, Barbara Brown; grandchildren, Daniela, Britton, Dakota, Brynn, Jovin, and Rilyn; great-grandchild, Violet; and numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Millie Pennington; and sister, Sandra.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Dick will be remembered for his kindness, honesty, and willingness to help others. Above all, he will be remembered for the love he had for his family and the many memories they shared. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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William “Larry” Jacobsen, age 81, passed away on Friday, October 9th, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born on December 18th, 1944, in Omaha to Bill and Ardella Jacobsen.

Larry graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Architecture. He dedicated his career to Schemmer Associates, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.

Larry and his beloved wife, Connie, traveled the world together, blessed with a large circle of devoted, lifelong friends. They cherished every family gathering and were a constant, loving presence at every significant milestone in the lives of those they held dear.

Deeply involved in his community, Larry was a member of the Scottish Rite, his College of Architecture alumni group, and Preserve Omaha, a nonprofit organization championing Omaha’s historic architecture and neighborhoods through education, civic engagement, and community collaboration.

Larry attended Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church. As a young man, he enjoyed playing baseball on the church league team and was an active member of the Order of Saint John.

Larry is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife of 57 years, Connie; his sister-in-law Shirlee (Mike) Mendon; niece and nephews Sue (Terry) Uland, John (Priya) Mendon, and Jeff (Sheri) Mendon; his great-nieces and great-nephews; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ardella Jacobsen, and his sister, Bernice Peterson.

Memorial services for Larry Jacobsen will be held on Friday, November 6, at 1:30 p.m. at Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church, located at 2650 Farnam St. in Omaha, Nebraska. Visitation with the family will take place at the church prior to the service starting at 12:30 p.m., with a private inurnment preceding the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s honor to the Museum of Danish America or the Scottish Rite Foundation.

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Barbara Ellen (Beach) Loos was born December 28, 1950, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Claire and JoAnn (Gerard) Beach. She grew up in Weeping Water and attended the Nebraska School for the Blind in Nebraska City before moving to Lincoln and receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in English, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She married her first husband, Jim, in 1977, and they had two children, Marsha and John, before Jim passed away in 1989. She married her second husband, Brad, in 2003, and became a stepmother to his children, Ben and Emma.

Barbara was a lifelong advocate for blind independence and education, serving as the longest-term President of the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, as well as holding various leadership roles in the National Federation of the Blind at both the state and national levels. Barbara was also very passionate about sports, and especially devoted to her beloved Huskers with her favorite sports being basketball, football, and volleyball. She was also a Saltdogs fan, and would follow local Lincoln and Nebraska players on their professional teams. Barbara was an avid musician, playing the guitar, ukulele, and accordion, and singing in many groups including her church choir. She was also a published author writing many articles and short stories.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Brad; brother, Lani (Bev) Beach; daughter, Marsha McBride; stepchildren, Ben (Nicole) Loos, Emma (Sam) Nennemann, Kevan (Sheri) Walker, and Kyra Colson; grandchildren: Jameson McBride; James, David, Julia, Bella, Kate, and Myra Walker, and Aiden (Heather) and Hannah Colson; and many nieces, nephews, and chosen family members. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Claire and JoAnn Beach; sister, Lauren Merryfield; first husband, Jim Walker; and son, Johnny Walker.

A visitation will be held Friday, October 23, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, from 4pm to 7pm. Barbara’s funeral service will be 10am, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Grace Chapel, 1345 S 16th, Lincoln, interment to follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.

In honor of Barbara, the family invites guests to wear Husker attire, traditional funeral attire, or anything that reminds them of her.

Memorials may be donated to National Federation of the Blind HERE or the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults HERE .

Barbara’s funeral service will be livestreamed by Grace Chapel on their YouTube page HERE

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August 31, 1946 – October 8, 2026

Betty Jane Carlton, 80, of Ormond Beach, Florida, passed away in Lincoln, Nebraska on Thursday, October 8, 2026. She was born on August 31, 1946, in Fresno, California, to Thomas and Dorothy Grimes.

Betty was a woman of deep faith and remarkable strength. Through hardships over the course of her life, she learned to face challenges with resilience and perseverance. She was known for her honesty, straightforward nature, and her fierce self-reliance. Above all, Betty was a devoted mother who would fight to put her children first. Her family admired her ability to overcome adversity, her fighting spirit, and the strength she drew from her faith.

Betty had a deep love for the ocean and found peace and happiness at the beach. One of her proudest accomplishments was fulfilling her dream of retiring to an oceanside condo in Ormond Beach, Florida. She enjoyed the little things in life, such as swinging on her porch swing, spending time with her grandchildren, walking along the beach, listening to the waves, and dancing to her favorite music.

Betty worked most of her adult life for the State of Nebraska and also the State of Florida. In her free time, she volunteered for many organizations but always looked out for the people she could have a personal impact on. She volunteered for the March of Dimes, the Salvation Army, various hurricane relief organizations, and supported those experiencing homelessness and substance abuse. She also contributed to organizations close to her heart, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Smile Train, and numerous Christian ministries.

While Betty possessed many wonderful qualities, her greatest legacy will always be the example she set of a strong work ethic, self-reliance, personal spiritual growth, and love for and loyalty to family. With 41 years of sobriety, she became a source of strength to her children and others, offering support when they needed it most. Those who knew her will remember a woman who stood firm in her beliefs and who never gave up. She was truly a unique person.

Betty is survived by her five daughters, Marlene (Tom) Montgomery (Benjamin and Adam), Kim (Phil) Raymond (Mackenzie, Ainsleigh and Hadley), Carla (Terry) Rousseau (Sarah, Alex, Austin, Audrey, Ayden and Anna), Staci Carlton-Jones (Jordan, Ethan, Isaiah, Micah and Xavier), Jodie (Shaun) Krzycki (Kendelle, Ariah, David, Gabi and Anders), and seven great-grandchildren; and her sister, Beverley (Harold) Young.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Herb Smith, and Thomas Grimes; her brother, Michael Grimes; and her beloved son, Shawn Carlton.

Betty’s life was a testament to the love of a mother, faith, sobriety, overcoming adversity, and independence. Though she will be deeply missed, her family will always be grateful for the example she set.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Smile Train (an organization dedicated to providing cleft palate-focused care to children around the world).

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Loretta is survived by her children, Nancy (Dale) Sutter, Joyce Chriestenson, and Darrell Chriestenson; sisters, Jane Waggoner and Susie Croul; brother, Bill Mechnig; grandchildren, Dustin (Heather) Sutter and Alisha (Andrew) Starke; great grandchildren, Tessa Sutter, Daniel Sutter, Adelyn Starke, and August Starke; and numerous family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elroy Chriestenson; and sisters, Kate and Ilene.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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Mark A. Givens, 50, of Lincoln, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at his home. He was born September 3, 1976, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Jerry and Kathleen (Bouc) Givens.

Mark was a 1995 graduate of Lincoln High School. He worked as a custodian both in and after high school, worked at Pfizer, and also pursued his passion for music by creating loops and beats from different soundtracks, which he sold on eBay. Music producers purchased his CDs and digital downloads to incorporate into their own music productions. Mark spent many years as “Mister Mom” to his children, and during that time, he attended Southeast Community College for computer programming. In recent years, he returned to custodial work.

Mark enjoyed spending time with his friends playing cards, with Texas Hold’em being a favorite. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching football, basketball, billiards, and bowling. Mark also loved music and could often be found listening to rock or rap.

Most of all, Mark loved spending time with his children. With his son, Collin, he enjoyed talking about cars and video games and sharing their mutual love of music. Mark and his daughter, Sadie, would spend hours playing card games, with Old Maid being one of their favorites. They also enjoyed reading books together, which became one of Sadie’s most cherished memories with her father.

Mark is survived by his children, Collin and Sadie Givens; his mother, Kathleen Givens; and his siblings, Craig (Mindi) Givens, Ryan (Amy) Givens, and Travis (Laura) Givens.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Givens; grandparents, Ernest and Anne Bouc and Juanita and Donald Givens; godmother and aunt, Joanne Komenda; uncle, John Givens; and cousins, Nathan Worley and Holly Givens.

To this obituary, we add our thoughts, prayers, and memories of the life shared with Mark.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” street, Lincoln Nebraska, from 5-8 pm with a Rosary beginning at 7pm. Services will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 10AM, at North American Martyrs, 1101 Isaac Drive, Lincon, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for further designation

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David was born January 4, 1951, to his parents, Fillmore E. and Cecilia A. Willsie (Lusebrink), of Parsons. David grew up in Parsons attending Grammar School, and Junior and High School alongside his three younger sisters, Sandra, Debra, and Barbra. David talked of fond childhood memories of fishing with his dad and sisters on the Neosho River. He also admired his mother’s excellent cooking and took a love of food through life. While in high school, David met Sherrie Hess of Altamont, KS, and eventually proposing with Sherrie accepting.

David went on to Pittsburg State University where he obtained a B.S. in Biology. He went on to work for different railroads in his youth, eventually specializing in industrial hygiene and working on his graduate degree. From there, David had an impressive career, serving as the Safety Director for the state of Kansas, and Safety Director of Burlington Northern Railroad. He eventually started his own business, DFW & Associates, providing safety, environmental health, and industrial hygiene services and training. He was persevering in building a successful business for himself and his family.

David married Sherrie on December 27, 1980, in Altamont with friends and family present. They had their two sons, Philip and Grant, in Downers Grove, IL. From there, David and his family moved to Topeka, KS, and then to Lincoln, NE. Lincoln is where he raised his family and he and Sherrie remained.

In his spare time David enjoyed coin collecting, a hobby from his youth he turned into a business as well. He also loved watching sports (Nebraska Cornhuskers football, KC Chiefs football, and KU Basketball). He also had an impressive hat collection he’d wear year-round, especially while sitting on his beloved deck. He was a loyal husband and father and shared with his sons his wisdom of how to be successful in life through patience and hard work. He gave Philip and Grant every possible advantage to succeed in life. David had a quick wit, loved to engage in a lively debate, and not much went past his watchful eye, letting him take care of his family in the most meaningful way.

David is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Philip, and sister, Sandra. David is survived by his wife, Sherrie, his sons Philip (Mary), Grant (Josh); and grandchildren Fillmore, Harvey, and Olive; and sisters Debra and Barbra. He will be truly missed by those who knew him well and loved him the most.

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August 29, 1953 – September 17, 2026

Jay Martel “Marty” Madsen passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 73.

Marty spent more than five decades working in his family’s business, Madsen’s Bowling and Billiards, where he became a familiar and beloved presence to generations of customers. He was especially well known for his “Party with Marty” evenings.

Bowling was a lifelong passion for Marty, and throughout the years, he coached and encouraged countless bowlers, always willing to share his knowledge and help others improve their game. More than anything, Marty treasured the relationships he formed along the way. To him, the people who walked through the doors of Madsen’s were far more than patrons; they were his friends.

Outside of bowling and the family business, Marty loved baseball and riding his bicycle. He will be remembered for the friendships he made, the many lives he touched throughout his years at Madsen’s, and the joy he found in spending time with the people around him.

Marty is survived by his son, Benjamin J. Madsen; his brother, Thomas E. Madsen; and his niece, Sara J. Madsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Viola Madsen; and his brothers, John and James Madsen.

Marty’s presence at Madsen’s and in the lives of those who knew him will be deeply missed, but the friendships, memories, and good times he shared with so many will continue to live on.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Madsen’s Bowling and Billiards, located at 4700 Dudley St in Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association of Nebraska.

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William Craig Carver, 77, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on September 20, 2026. Craig, as he was known by his family, was born May 10, 1949, in Lodi, Ohio, to Alvin and Katherine Carver.

Craig proudly served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1971 as an Electrician’s Mate Second Class (EM2) aboard the USS Putnam. After leaving the Navy, he attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, graduating in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

Craig married his wife, Coralee, in 1984. They shared 42 years of marriage and raised five children: Stacie, Craig, Brandy, Jodi and Kerri.

Throughout his career, Craig worked for Snyder Industries and as a sales representative for Masport. He later joined Coralee in owning and operating Midwest Paramedical/ExamOne. He then worked for the City of Lincoln as the Graffiti Prevention Coordinator until retiring in 2025. Craig also served as president of the Near South Neighborhood Association and was a member of Vine Congregational Church.

Craig was dependable, strong-willed, a perfectionist and, above all, a fighter. That fighting spirit was part of him from an early age. As a kid, he got into enough fights to earn himself the nickname “Billy the Kid.” Many years later, that same strength and determination carried him through a 16-year battle with cancer and the lasting side effects of his treatments.

Craig was direct, had a quick, sarcastic sense of humor and was particular about the way things got done. He was a good storyteller. One family favorite was his story about making “fly sandwiches” for his Uncle Don.

Craig loved playing pool and spent countless hours enjoying the skill and competition of the game. He spent many years coaching and refereeing soccer and was a loyal Husker and Cleveland Browns fan. He enjoyed motorcycles and traveling, especially motorcycle trips with his cousin Dennis. He also enjoyed classic rock ’n’ roll, country music and going out country dancing. At home, Fox News was often on, and he didn’t like to miss Wheel of Fortune. Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies and Pepsi in a bottle were also favorites of his.

Craig loved his family and enjoyed having everyone together for the holidays and being there for his grandchildren’s sports, activities and important moments.

Craig is survived by his wife, Coralee; his children, Stacie (Jon) Gropp, Craig (Michelle) Carver, Brandy Al-Yass, Jodi (Nate) Newcomer, and Kerri Nelson; his grandchildren, Lindsay Carver, Shanice Patak, Ben Hinrichs, Cal Carver, Secilia Carver, Jaden Trosper, Samirah Al-Yass, Christian Newcomer, Jasmine Trosper, Hunter Newcomer, Jace Harper, Lily Newcomer, Ashlyn Newcomer, and Journey Limbach; his great-grandchildren, Lyrik Fischer, Landon LaPage, and Elowyn Spencer; and his sister, Cynthia Ann Foreman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Katherine Carver; sisters, Connie Miller and Linda Sue Carver; brothers, Michael Wayne Carver and Timothy L. Carver; nephew, Gary Lee Carver; and niece, Angel Carver.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 27, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 O Street in Lincoln.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Wyuka, followed by graveside services. A luncheon will be held at 1:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

Craig’s Service will be livestreamed HERE

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