Sadie (Silva) Helms a beloved mother, partner, and friend, passed away peacefully June 10, 2025 surrounded by family. Born June 5, 1947 in Rociada, New Mexico to Eufracio and Sofia (Romero) Silva. Sadie married Alan Paul Helms in 1969 and together they had Alan Gene in 1970 and Kevin Michael in 1973.

Sadie’s heart belonged to her sons, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her love for them was fierce, unwavering, and evident in every word she spoke and every action she took. Her home was always a place of comfort and unconditional love.

She created a deep and lasting bond with her life partner, Gene Schoeppner. Together, they built a life full of quiet moments, shared dreams, and enduring love. Their connection was a source of strength and joy to those who knew them.

To know Sadie was to love Sadie. She found beauty in life’s simple pleasures and had a special love for sunflowers – bright, cheerful, and always reaching for the light, much like she did throughout her life. To Sadie, family was everything. Whether gathered around a table, phone calls with those from afar, or during life’s celebrations and challenges, her presence made every moment more meaningful. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her unwavering devotion to those she loved, and the way she made everyone feel like family. Sadie’s legacy lives on in the love she gave so freely and the memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Sadie was preceded in death by parents Eufracio and Sofia, sister Onesima (Harry) Nolan, brother Fracio Silva, husband Alan Paul Helms, son Alan Gene Helms, brothers-in-law Anthony Martinez and Mickey Copeland, and mother-in-law Martha (Merle) Mayer.

Sadie is survived by son Kevin (Whittney) Helms of Cortland, grandsons Trent (Alex) Helms of Beatrice and Carson (Lillie) Helms of Cortland, partner Eugene Schoeppner of Lincoln, sisters Ida Martinez of Albuquerque, NM, Stella Copeland of Albuquerque, NM, brothers Ben (Shirley) Silva of Rio Rancho, NM and Joe (Jennifer) Silva of Rociada, NM, brothers-in-law Ric (Barb) Helms of Pawnee City, David Helms of Auburn, and Mark (Nettie) Helms of Marthon FL, sisters-in-law Renee Helms of Papillion, Sam (Tom) Mayer of Omaha, JJ (Dee) Adams of Lincoln, Jeanette Knight of Carroll, IA, stepdaughters Jill (Dan) Hurtz of Lincoln and Beth (Jeff) Miller of Lincoln, stepson Troy (Becky) Schoeppner of Kansas City, step grandchildren Morgan Hurtz of Lincoln, Farren Hurtz of Lincoln, Cole Miller of Lincoln, Lily (Nolan) Dean of Kansas City, Colby Schoeppner of Kansas City, Landry Schoeppner of Kansas City, Laney Schoeppner of Kansas City, and great grandchild Wilder Dean of Kansas City.

Visitation will take place Monday, June 16, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Historic Rudge Chapel located in Wyuka Cemetery at 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Rosary will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at North American Martyrs Catholic Church located at 1101 Issac Drive in Lincoln, NE 68521.

Memorials may be directed to son, Kevin Helms, to be donated to charities that Sadie was passionate about at a later date.

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November 13, 1938 – May 27, 2025

Lois Watts, age 86, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025. Born on a farm 13 miles outside of Thomas, Oklahoma, Lois was the eldest of four siblings – Perry, Linda, and Nell. From an early age, Lois stood out for her intelligence, drive, and compassion. She graduated as Co-Valedictorian from Thomas High School in 1957, earning numerous scholastic awards and being voted “Most Likely to Succeed” – a title she lived up to in every way.

She began her academic journey on a music scholarship at Southwestern State College in Weatherford, Oklahoma. It was during this time that a Methodist minister introduced her to the love of her life, Darrell Watts of Martha, Oklahoma. Recognizing their shared ambition and strength of character, the minister proved to be quite the matchmaker. Lois and Darrell married and continued their studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, where Lois majored in Home Economics.

In 1959, their daughter Sylvia was born in Stillwater. When their son Joel was born in 1964 in Corvallis, Oregon, with Down Syndrome, Lois made the selfless decision to change her major to Special Education. She dedicated herself to learning how to make Joel’s life – and the lives of others with disabilities – richer and more fulfilling.

Lois and Darrell’s adventurous spirit took them around the globe, where they immersed themselves in different cultures and sought to understand the lives of others. Lois earned her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska and devoted her career to Special Education. After relocating to Lincoln, Nebraska, she taught for Lincoln Public Schools and retired from Lincoln East High School in 2000. She also played a vital role in helping many individuals from the Beatrice State Developmental Center (BSDC) transition into welcoming communities while living in the North Platte area.

Lois was known for her deep love of learning, her generous heart, and her lifelong commitment to helping others. She was also an avid gardener who found great joy in planting, pruning, and preparing delicious meals from the fruits of her labor – especially cherry pies and fresh green beans, a favorite of her son Joel.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrell Watts (2017); daughter Sylvia Kelly (2018); son-in-law Danny Kelly (2018); son Joel Watts (2020); her parents and in-laws; and her brother Perry Johnston.

Lois leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was truly a blessing to many – both those who knew her personally and those who benefited from her selfless work.

A memorial service honoring Lois’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Historic Rudge Chapel at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Interment will follow at Wyuka Cemetery, with a reception afterward in the Historic Stables at Wyuka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Arbors Memory Care through The Legacy:
https://www.alz.org/nebraska
https://www.legacyretirement.com/communities/legacy-arbors

Lois’s beautiful spirit lives on in all who were blessed to know her.

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Ralph Allen Stump of Beatrice was born March 31, 1933 and passed away at the age of 92, on June 6, 2025 in Beatrice.  He was born in Beatrice to the late Lucille (Maiwald) and Ted Stump.  Ralph graduated from Beatrice High School in 1951.  He attended Texas A&M for one year transferred to and graduating from the University of Nebraska where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.   After graduation he was employed by Western Electric in Chicago and then in Omaha.  He has been affiliated with and had been owner of Beatrice Iron & Metal Co. since 1960.  He has been a member of and on the Board of Directors of the Beatrice Community Chest, the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce, the Beatrice Country Club, the Beatrice National Bank, and the Beatrice Rotary Club.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Radene Goldberg Stump and his parents, Lucille and Ted Stump.   He is survived by his sister-in-law, Audrey Goldberg Sachs of Dayton, Ohio.

Graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Wyuka Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife. Procession to the gravesite will begin at 1:15 p.m. from Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln. Light reception will follow the service at the Historic Stables at Wyuka. Friends and associates are invited to attend.  In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Radene Goldberg Stump Scholarship Trust, Pinnacle Bank, 523 Court Street, Beatrice, NE 68310 or a charity of your choice.

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Calvin West, 86, of Lincoln, passed away May 28, 2025. Graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 9, at Wyuka Cemetery. Memorials to Mental Health Association of Nebraska.

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Paul E. Sayer, 81, of Lincoln passed away May 27, 2025, while listening to his children, who were out on the front porch sharing stories and memories of a life well lived.  Born in McCook, Nebraska, growing up on the east side of Cambridge, he Graduated from Cambridge Public School and McCook Community College.  After attending UNL, he joined the Navy.  While in the Navy, he met the love of his life in New York City.  He brought that city girl back to Lincoln Nebraska and for the next 55 years made a family and a home.  Paul’s passion was architecture and all things beautiful.  Over the course of 50 years, he drew close to 10,000 sets of house plans, giving generations to come a place to call home.  Paul never missed a road trip to see the beauty all around us.  Paul loved a good political debate and would remind us all to vote at every election, even the local ones.

Paul is survived by that love of his life, Louise (Butler) Sayer; Children Janice (Joe) Dodge, Gloria (Robert) Eddins, Tyler (Megan) Brown.   Siblings; Catherine Fischer, Howard (Linda) Sayer, Frank (Ruth) Sayer; Grandchildren Philip (Aubrey) Eddins, Samantha Eddins, Joseph Dodge, James Dodge, Crystal Eddins, Miles Eddins, Jaclyn (Dylan) Swedlund, James Brennan and great-grandchildren Colton Anderson, Genevieve Eddins, Lucas Eddins. Numerous Nieces and Nephews and hundreds of cousins.

Preceded in death by his siblings, George and Walter.

Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2025, at Rudge Chapel (Wyuka) 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510, reception to follow. Memorials to the family for further designation.

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Sister Bullock had a deep faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was baptized at a young age at the Macedonia Baptist Church. Her passion for ministry and fulfilling God’s perfect will started early in her life. She was actively involved in teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, working with the youth ministry, and taking on any tasks asked of her to help build God’s Kingdom.

Sister Bullock matriculated through the school system in Okmulgee, graduating from Dunbar High School. She then attended and graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where she majored in Education and received her teaching certification.

As a young educator, she worked in several school systems within the state of Oklahoma for many years. On a trip to visit her sister in Lincoln, Nebraska, a chance meeting resulted in her meeting the love of her life, Millard H. Bullock. The two were united in holy matrimony on Christmas Day in December of 1961. To this beautiful union, two children were born, Todd Alan and Sharilyn Elaine.

Throughout her teaching career, she worked as a Special Education teacher for students with special needs, and despite the many needs of the children, her passion for this work always led her to view them as capable. It was a joy for her to see students rise to greater heights despite their challenges. She instilled in all those she came into contact with her love for the importance of hard work, perseverance, and a caring spirit.

Her dedication extended beyond her profession, as she sought to support her church family through her love of Christ. As a member of the Mount Zion Baptist Church for over 50 years, she served in numerous ministries, serving as a role model for persons of all ages. She offered encouragement in both professional and spiritual areas of life to all she encountered. Sister Bullock was a gracious and impactful member, serving as a member of the mission circle, Sunday School superintendent, Deaconess, Mass Choir Member, and Co-Chairperson of the G.L. Collins Annual Scholarship Banquet.

Among other organizations, Sister Bullock served on numerous boards and committees, including Woman in Community Service (WIC), the NAACP, and as a charter member of the Lincoln Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Sister Bullock was preceded in death by her loving husband, Millard H. Bullock; two sisters; one brother; and her parents. She leaves to cherish fond memories, son, Todd Alan Bullock (Jeannie Bullock) of Normal. IL; daughter, Sharilyn Bullock, of Lincoln, Nebraska; two grandchildren, Jacob and Kayla Bullock; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; and a wonderful church family.

Visitation: Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4PM-7PM, at Rudge Chapel (located in Wyuka Cemetery), 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510.

Funeral Service: 9AM, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 3301 N 56th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504. Interment to follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: Sharilyn and Todd Bullock.

The Funeral Service will be livestreamed through Mount Zion Baptist Church’s Facebook page HERE

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Katie was born January 7, 1928, in Mitchell, NE to William and Ida Wallace and graduated from Scottsbluff High School. She married William (Bill) Phipps in 1947, in Lincoln. Her loving husband passed away in 2008.

She is survived by her daughter, Sandi (Steve) Fredrickson; son, Jerry (Cheryl) Phipps; grandchildren, Troy (Andrea) Barker, Monica (Brent) Rose, Camille (Steve) Price, Lindsey Phipps, and Scott (Sara) Fredrickson;  great-grandchildren, Sydni (Ben) Billesbach, Shea Price, Tyler Barker (fiancée Morgan Peters), Joshua Barker, Adley Rose, Harper Rose, Eloise Fredrickson, and Axel Fredrickson; 1 great-great-grandchild, Felicity Billesbach; sister-in-law, Bobbie Harms; brother-in-law, Dale Hinrichs; and many nieces and nephews.

Katie worked many years as an accountant at Hollywood Bowl in Lincoln. After retiring she decided to go back to work at Union Bank, working with customers and leading many bus tours through Nebraska and across the country with her friend, Donna Gill.

After moving to Eastmont in 2019, she made many new friends there and led an active life with her Eastmont family, bridge friends and church family.

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Memorial Day is far more than just a holiday marking the start of summer. It is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces. For veterans, military families, and patriotic Americans, it is a deeply solemn day steeped in history, resilience, and reverence. 

At Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery, we understand the profound emotional weight Memorial Day carries for Gold Star families and others closely affected by loss. This blog is dedicated to remembering the sacrifices of fallen service members and encouraging reflection, community involvement, and support for their families. 

Understanding the True Meaning of Memorial Day 

It’s easy to get swept away by the long weekend sales and invitations to barbecues. But Memorial Day is not just about relaxation and festivities. It is a sacred day of remembrance for those who gave their lives in defense of our nation and its freedoms. Observing Memorial Day is an opportunity to acknowledge their courage, honor their memory, and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Stories of Heroism and Valor 

Throughout our nation’s history, countless stories of bravery and selflessness have emerged from the battlefield. Whether it’s the heroism shown on D-Day during World War II, the resilience of service members in Vietnam, or the sacrifices made in modern-day conflicts, these stories remind us of the human cost of freedom. This Memorial Day, take a moment to honor their legacy by reading about historical accounts, watching documentaries, or simply sharing the stories of loved ones with your family.

Support for Gold Star Families 

For Gold Star families—the loved ones of fallen service members—Memorial Day is particularly poignant. It’s a day marked by both pride and pain. Many resources are available for families needing support, including grief counseling, financial aid, and community events specifically designed to honor their sacrifices. At Wyuka, we want you to know you’re not alone. Our grief resources are available to provide comfort and guidance during this time. Visit us online at Wyuka.com or call us directly at 402-474-3600 to access support or learn more about ways to commemorate your loved one meaningfully.

How You Can Honor Memorial Day 

Everyone can participate in honoring our fallen heroes. Here are a few thoughtful ways to reflect on their sacrifices this Memorial Day:

• Observe a Moment of Silence: At 3 PM local time, pause for the National Moment of Remembrance to reflect on the service and sacrifice of fallen soldiers.
• Attend Community Events: Participating in local parades, memorial services, or wreath-laying ceremonies is a meaningful way to show your support and gratitude.
• Visit a Cemetery: Lay flowers, flags, or other tokens at the graves of service members to honor their memory. Wyuka Cemetery offers a peaceful, historic setting to pay your respects to those who served.
• Support Veterans’ Causes: Contribute to organizations that provide support for veterans and military families, ensuring their ongoing needs are met.
• Teach the Next Generation: Share stories of heroism with younger generations. By passing down their legacies, you ensure these sacrifices are never forgotten.

Recognizing the Ongoing Needs of Veterans 

While Memorial Day primarily focuses on honoring the fallen, it’s also a fitting time to reflect on the needs of living veterans and their families. Many veterans face challenges related to physical health, mental well-being, and career transitions. By supporting veteran advocacy organizations and staying active in community efforts, we can contribute to their ongoing care and success.

Honor and Remember With Us 

At Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery, we are committed to upholding the dignity and memory of all those who have served. Whether you are searching for grief support, looking to honor a loved one, or simply wishing to learn more about Memorial Day’s significance, we are here for you. This Memorial Day, we encourage you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and honor the sacrifices of those who gave everything for our freedom.

To learn more about Wyuka, visit us online at Wyuka.com or give us a call at 402-474-3600. 

Together, we can ensure that the memories of our fallen heroes live on—forever etched in the hearts of a grateful nation.

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For 74 years, Betty played the role of both wife and adviser to her husband, the Honorable C. Arlen Beam of the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Though neither was a native of Lincoln, they lived most of their lives in the Capital City, and, at the time of her death, Betty resided at The Landing senior living community.

Betty was born on April 15, 1932, on a farm in Mitchell County, Kan., the younger of the two children of Vera and Gerald Fletcher. The family moved to Nebraska when Betty and her late brother, Robert, were children.

She attended school in Lincoln, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1949. She enrolled at the University of Nebraska that autumn and joined the Kappa Delta sorority. She started as a home economics major but soon changed to commercial arts.

She met Arlen in the fall of 1950 at a dance. Each was with a different date, she recalled many years late, but “something clicked” between them that night, and shortly thereafter, they began dating. They married on July 22, 1951.

After the wedding, they headed to Estes Park, CO, where they had rented a cabin for a week for their honeymoon. They bought groceries at a small store, and she made their first meal as a married couple – pork chops, potatoes and gravy, beans and peaches.

“Arlen ate it all,” she would say later.  “He said it was good – and then promptly went outside and threw up. I haven’t liked to cook since.

Arlen, who was two years older, had finished his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska College of Agriculture before their wedding, and he was set to go into the Army. In the autumn of 1951, after their wedding, Betty accompanied him to his first assignment at an Army training facility in Aberdeen, MD.

When he left Maryland in 1952 for the Korean War, Betty and their newborn son returned to Lincoln to live with her parents. Arlen rejoined them in Lincoln in 1953, after returning from South Korea.

Arlen started law school at the University of Nebraska that year but withdrew after a year because a health problem arose for Betty. He took a job with Steckley Hybrid Corn Co., which was headquartered in Lincoln.

During the mid-to-late 1950s, she and Arlen lived in several small towns in Illinois and Iowa while he traveled the Midwest as a representative of Steckley, but eventually they moved back to corporate headquarters in Lincoln. When Steckley was sold in 1963 to another agribusiness company, Arlen decided to complete his last two years of law school.

One of Betty’s most challenging assignments was to rear five boys, born across a span of nine years, though she also played other important roles in the family and in the communities in which they lived.

During the years that Arlen was finishing law school, she helped manage the consulting business that he had started to support the family. She also devoted considerable time to shuttling her sons to numerous sporting events, meetings for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, church choir rehearsals, high school programs, and many other activities in which the boys participated.

Betty was active in the Nebraska Republican Party for many years (as was Arlen until he became a federal judge), and she belonged to a Lincoln chapter of P.E.O. International, a philanthropic organization that supports education for women through grants and scholarships.

For many years, she participated in alumna activities of Kappa Delta and Lincoln High School. From 1980 to 1982, she served on the Nebraska Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In the early 1980s, she and Arlen moved to Omaha, after he became a federal judge, but they eventually returned to Lincoln.

In later years, Betty became an avid birdwatcher and would enjoy the cardinals, hummingbirds, and turtle doves that frequented her homes. She also traveled, domestically and internationally. She and Arlen made trips to Mexico, Europe and South America, some with family and others with friends and business associates. For about a decade, while she and Arlen were in their late 70s and early 80s, they would spend several weeks each winter in the Palm Springs, CA, area.

Betty had enjoyed playing bridge since learning the game in college, and through the years belonged to several bridge groups.  She liked to do crossword puzzles and play table games of all kinds. She could be quite competitive, especially at dominos.

Even as she grew older and her eyesight began to fail, she still would play games with family and with other residents at The Landing and at The Grand Lodge, where she and Arlen had lived previously.  She excelled at Wii bowling.

As her children grew and went off to college, eventually establishing careers and families of their own, she could always be counted on for words of encouragement and unconditional love and support.  (Those are the moments that we, her sons and our families, will miss the most.)

Betty is survived by her husband; her sons and their spouses Randy Beam and Jerry Baldasty of Seattle, Jim Beam of Rockford, IL, Tom and Debbie Beam of Littleton, CO, Brad Beam of Lincoln, and Greg and Flora Beam of Everett, WA; four granddaughters; and two great-grandchildren.

The family plans a private service now and a public celebration of her life at a future date.

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At Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery, we’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact memorial services have in the healing process. Whether you’re planning to celebrate the life of a loved one or simply seeking a better understanding of their importance, here’s why memorial services can be so powerful.

A Space for Collective Grieving and Support

Grieving alone can feel overwhelming and isolating. Memorial services provide a space where family, friends, and the wider community can gather to share their sorrow and find support. Knowing others share in your pain brings a sense of solidarity that can be deeply comforting. Through shared stories, a hug, or even shared silence, these moments remind us that we’re not alone in this time of loss.

Honoring and Celebrating a Life

Every person leaves behind a legacy uniquely their own, full of memories, achievements, and love. Memorial services create a meaningful opportunity to celebrate that life. Whether through heartfelt eulogies, cherished photographs, or mementos representing the individual’s passions, these ceremonies are an important reminder of the joy they brought to the world.

A Path to Healing Through Expression

Grief isn’t a linear process—it demands time and space to be expressed. Memorial services play a critical role in this process by providing an outlet for emotions that might otherwise feel too complex to confront. Whether it’s through the spoken word, music, or quiet moments of reflection, these services allow attendees to process their feelings and take the first steps toward healing.

The Power of Personalization

No two lives are the same, and no two memorial services should be either. Personalization transforms a service into a deeply meaningful experience that resonates with family and friends. From choosing a favorite song to incorporating personal items or rituals, tailoring the service to reflect the individuality of the deceased enhances its significance.

Strengthening Community Bonds

Loss has a way of drawing people together. Memorial services build a sense of connection not just among close family and friends but within the broader community as well. These gatherings remind us that each life touches countless others, fostering a sense of unity and compassion that can sustain us long after the service ends.

Finding Support When You Need It Most

The healing process doesn’t end after the memorial service. That’s why Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery is committed to being more than just a provider of end-of-life services—we’re here to be a source of ongoing support. Our grief resources and compassionate staff are always available to guide you through these challenging times.

If you’re considering planning a memorial service or simply exploring options, we’re here to listen and help.

Moving Forward with Grace

Though grief is a deeply personal experience, memorial services help us take one of the most important steps forward. By honoring the life of a loved one, expressing emotions in a supportive space, and leaning on the bonds of community, we begin the difficult yet vital process of healing.

At Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery, it’s our honor to help families through these times. With respectful care and thoughtful planning, we’re here to ensure the memory of your loved one is preserved in the most meaningful way possible.

When you’re ready, we’re here to help. Visit Wyuka.com or call 402-474-3600 to learn more about planning a memorial service that provides comfort, hope, and healing.

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