Reva Skeen

Reva Jean Skeen passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, at Quality Senior Village in Broken Bow, NE. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and teacher. She touched many lives, leaving fond and happy memories to cherish.

Reva Jean was born November 25, 1927, to Vern and Louise Hayes in Ansley NE. She was the third oldest of 6 children. She attended school in Ansley, where she participated in music, class plays, sports and was even a cheerleader. She graduated from Ansley High School in May 1945. After high school, she took "Normal Training" and began her teaching career. Later in life Reva Jean earned her Bachelor of Arts in education from Kearney State Teachers College.

On September 14, 1946, Reva Jean married Dale Parks Skeen, and they lived on a farm southwest of Ansley where she enjoyed milking cows, raising chickens, picking up hay bales and moving irrigation pipes. In 1949, on Dale and Reva Jean's 3rd anniversary, she gave birth to their first son, Gary. In 1952 their second son, John, was born. She was a stay-at-home mom until the boys started school. She then went back to teaching at country schools in Custer County. In 1968 they moved to Broken Bow, and she taught school in Mason City. Reva Jean retired from teaching in 1990 but continued to be a substitute teacher for years to follow. One of her former students, who became a teacher and taught in Broken Bow, nominated Reva Jean for the "Who's Who in American Teachers". She was honored when she received the award.

Reva Jean participated in Ansley Rebeka's, Post Noble Grand NSEA and NEA. She and Dale were active members of Our Savior Lutheran Church. They were also members of the Elks club for 59 years and loved taking family to the Elks when they came to visit

Reva Jean was an avid bowler attending many tournaments. She, along with nine special friends traveled to the National Bowling Tournaments where she received numerous prizes. She was elected into the Bowling Hall of Fame in Broken Bow, where she held the high series for the women for a long time. She was a president of the Women's Bowling Association.

1974 brought Reva Jean her first grandchild, a girl. She loved being able to dress her granddaughter up and curl her hair before taking her to the Elks Club. Reva Jean and Dale had 5 grandchildren: Alicia, Christopher, Eric, Rachal, and Benjamin. Reva Jean enjoyed helping when they struggled with schoolwork and attending school activities to cheer them on.

Reva Jean leaves to mourn her passing, her sons; Gary (Gerald) Skeen and wife Mindy of Wichita, KS; John Skeen and wife Linda of Broken Bow, NE. Her 5 grandchildren; Alicia and husband Jeff Harvey of Wichita, KS; Chris and wife Anna of Lusk, WY; Eric and wife Andrea of McCook, NE; Rachal Skeen of Kearney NE; and Ben Skeen of Grand Island NE. Great grandchildren; Rilee and wife Caitlin, Chanze and wife Jada, Alyssa, Kalyn, Riece, Cooper, Joslyn, Harper, Raylan, Bowen and Mia. Great-great-granddaughters; Adilyn, Huntleigh and Waylynn. Sibling Ralph Hayes and wife Marianne of Johnston, Co. Brother-in-law Ron Hanshew of Ansley, NE. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Reva Jean is preceded in death by her husband Dale; parents Vern and Louise Hayes; brother Larry Hayes and wife Sherry; sisters Zel Marie (Jo) and husband Hank Stych, Pearl and husband Wayne Plambeck and Elaine Hanshew. Her in-laws Laura and Floyd Skeen; sister-in law Kathleen and husband Cecil Patterson; brother-in-law Don Skeen.

Memorial services are pending, Govier Brothers is in charge of arrangements.