Elizabeth Gennrich

Funeral Services for N. Elizabeth Gennrich will be conducted from the United Methodist Church in Oxford, Nebraska on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Eldon Fablinger, officiating. Interment will be in the Oxford Cemetery in Oxford.

Nora "Elizabeth" Gennrich, 89 years of age, of Bertrand, Nebraska (formerly of Oxford), passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2011 at the Phelps Memorial Health Center at Holdrege. Elizabeth was born August 22, 1921 in Phillips County, Kansas, the youngest of two girls born to James V. and Ana (Bruning) Hodge. In 1934 she moved with her family to a farm north of Oxford where she attended a rural school in Gosper County. She was baptized in the United Methodist Church in Oxford. She graduated from the Bertrand High School with the class of 1939 and then attended Kearney State Teacher's College where she received her Associate Degree in Education in 1945. She taught school for six years.

On February 29, 1948 she was united in marriage to Lester Gennrich of Bertrand at the United Methodist Church in Oxford and to this union two sons were born: Leslie and Ashlie. The family made their home in Oxford. Lester preceded her in death in March of 1982.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Oxford where she was active in the U.M.W. She joined the Oxford Rebekah Lodge #347 in May 1948 and was an active member for 46 years holding many local offices and in 1960 was an officer at the State Rebekah Assembly held in Norfolk, Nebraska. She was a member of the Oxford Women's Club where she enjoyed the office of Treasurer the best serving as their treasurer for 22 continuous years then later accepted it again for a number of years. Elizabeth was also a member of the Women's Society of Christian Service at the Methodist Church when her health permitted.

Elizabeth and her husband, Lester were very much concerned about animal welfare. Many homeless and abused cats and dogs found this a better place to live due to their compassion. Elizabeth gave much of her time, personal aid and compassion to many animals as well as financial support to organizations engaged in the humane treatment of animals. Elizabeth would like to be remembered for her love of the animals who could not help themselves.

She was a devoted homemaker and an expert seamstress making many things for their home as well as countless garments for herself and for gifts. She liked working in her vegetable and flower gardens when able to care for them. She enjoyed doing mathematical puzzles.

Besides her parents and husband, Lester, she was preceded in death by two brothers in infancy, her two sons in infancy: Leslie in 1952 and Ashlie in 1957; and a special cousin, Erma Lee Krueger.

She leaves to mourn her passing a sister, Agnes Lilyhorn of Bertrand; three nieces; one nephew; cousins; plus other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford on Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the United Methodist Church in Oxford.

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

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.