Delia E Mcelhinny

Memorial Services for Delia E. "Dee" McElhinny will be held on Friday, June 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christian Church in Overton, Nebraska with Reverend Dean Pofahl, officiating. Private Family Interment will be held at the Kearney Cemetery at Kearney, Nebraska, prior to the memorial service.

Delia Elizabeth "Dee" McElhinny, 94 years of age, of Kearney, (formerly of Overton, Nebraska) passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at the Mt. Carmel Home in Kearney. Delia was born April 10, 1915 at Lexington, Nebraska, the daughter of Arthur E. and Nancy Jane (Roberts) Carpenter. She received her education from Overton, graduated from Overton High School with the class of 1932. At graduation, Delia and her sister, Louise were recognized for their attendance record of not being absent nor tardy during their entire twelve years of school. Delia was crowned queen at the May fete on the last day of school.

On December 25, 1936 she was united to Carl McElhinny and to this union six children were born: Nancy, Alyce, Patsy, Carol, Connie and Gene. They lived and raised their family around the Overton community. In 1945, she became a member of the Christian Church of Overton, where she enjoyed her involvement through the years serving on committees and making pies for church bake sales. Delia was a loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother. She dearly loved tending to her flowers and had a special touch with her garden. Another aspect of her love for flowers was serving as a State Flower Show Judge at County Fairs throughout the state for many years. On June 3, 1985 she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl. Delia continued to live near Overton until 2003 when she moved to Northridge Retirement Community at Kearney.

Delia enjoyed many friendship bonds formed as part of the Federated Garden Club, she was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Rebekahs Lodge.

She leaves to mourn her passing her four daughters: Nancy Muehling and her husband, Eldon of Lincoln, Nebraska, Alyce Bauer and her husband, Roger of Overton, Carol Thomas and her husband, Don of Raymond, Nebraska, Connie Reeder and her husband, Dick of Wood River, Nebraska; one son, Gene McElhinny and his wife, Deb of Kearney; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; one sister, Louise Stuckey of Monroe, Wisconsin and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides her husband, Carl, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Patsy Joan; five brothers and two sisters.

There will be no visitation, the family is honoring Delia's wish for a closed casket.

A memorial has been established in Delia's memory and kindly suggested to the Christian Church of Overton or the Overton Volunteer Fire Department.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.