Barbara Blauvelt

Mullen, NE- Barbara Blauvelt, age 95 of Mullen, formerly of Thedford, NE, died Monday January 20, 2014 at the Pioneer Memorial Rest Home in Mullen. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Thedford with Pastor Ron Masten officiating. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery at Thedford. Visitation will be held on Friday evening 6 PM to 8 PM at the church in Thedford. Barbara was born on October 23, 1918 to James Patterson and Mary (Hess) Drake near Almeria, NE. She was the 7th child of 9 children. Barbara went to school at Knobby Ridge School, the building was also used as a church this is where her future husband Keith preached but this is not where she first saw him or fell in love with him. That memorable event took place at a church in Westerville, her comment when she saw Keith, That tall handsome cowboy is going to be my husband. They were married August 31, 1939. They spent many happy years together. To this marriage three children were born, LaDean, Severt, and Marvin. Barbara worked as a church janitor and Sunday School Treasurer for many years at Bethel Church in Thedford and at the Eddy Street Assembly of God Church in Grand Island. It has been stated she was never off one penny in her tally but (Duh) she went through the 8th grade. When her youngest son, Marvin finished his senior year by correspondence she helped with a lot of the lessons and enjoyed the challenge. She was a perfect example of a “stay at home mom.” She was always fixing a meal for someone other than her own family, she enjoyed having family for festive occasions even if it meant cooking for up to 25 people, she was a good cook. Barbara traveled with her husband, Keith on road construction and building projects through several states until their oldest son, Severt was hurt in a car accident in California, and then she was an instant care giver until she could no longer handle it. Barbara was preceded in death by her father and mother, Sisters; Pearl (Howard) Ash, Lola (Fred) Goos, Hazel (Ralph) Nelson, Norma (Hank) Cornelison, Vesta (Vernon) Phillips, Brothers; Roland (Dorothy) Drake, Archie (Beulah) Drake and a three year old brother, Lyle. Sisters in law; Greta Madron, Dorothy Blauvelt, Loretta Blauvelt, Mildred Bunner, Brothers in law; Vance Bunner, Forrest Blauvelt, Vernon Phillips, Eldon Blauvelt, Grandsons; Randy Dean Blauvelt, Steven Petersen, and great grandson Dustin Petersen. Left to morn her passing are her daughter, LaDean (Dale) McGonigle of Beaver Crossing, NE, sons, Severt Blauvelt and Marvin (Maxyne) Blauvelt of Thedford, grandchildren; Vonna and Miles (Chris) McGonigle, Karma (Chuck) Anderson, and Jason (Anneliese) Corcoran, step grandchildren; Ron (Jan), Bob (Betty) and Nels Petersen, 19 great grandchildren and some great great grandchildren, her sister in law Ruth Blauvelt (a healthy 102) and many nieces, nephews and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.