- Berniece Esther Gorthy (Druliner) Kehlbeck
St. FRANCIS, Kan. - Berniece Esther Gorthy Kehlbeck was born Dec. 22, 1929, in Benkelman, Neb. She was the youngest daughter of Ross and Josephine Druliner.
She died on Sept. 3, 1998, in St. Francis, Kan., at the age of 68.
Berniece grew up in Benkelman and graduated from high school in 1948. She attended the University of Nebraska for one year, after which she worked in her father's law office.
On Aug. 31, 1950, she was united in marriage to Paul V. Gorthy in Benkelman. They lived and fanned 15 miles northeast of St. Francis. To this union three daughters: Debbie, Cindy and Sue, were born. In June 1980, Paul passed away. Berniece continued to manage the farming operation.
In 1987, she married Don Kehlbeck of Bird City, Kan. They enjoyed traveling while continuing to manage their families' farms. Eventually, they moved to St. Francis. Don passed away in October 1992.
Berniece was involved in many community activities. She was a Sunday school teacher, 4-H leader and a member of Holly Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. In later years, she volunteered in the Western Plains Arts Association, the American Cancer Society and the United Methodist Church. The main focus in Berniece's life was her family. She faithfully followed her children's and grandchildren's activities. Her home was a favorite spot for the young people.
A sister, Francis, and a brother, Glenn, preceded Berniece in death.
Surviving siblings are brother Ross Druliner Jr., and his wife, Sarah; sister Elaine and her husband, Stan Ehresman; sister Shirley O'Connor, and brother Jerome Druliner and his wife, Tish.
Surviving children are her daughters: Debbie and her husband, Robert Grace, Cindy Ham and Sue and her husband, Mark Zimbelman. Grandchildren include Shane Ham and wife, Amy, Shannon Ham, McKenzie and Mikaela Grace, and Dennon and Alecia Zimbelman.
Surviving stepchildren are Royce Kehlbeck and wife, Darci, and their children, Brittany and Aubrey, and Roxie and her husband, Ron Neitzel, and their children, Benjamin and Clarice.
Funeral services for Berniece Gorthy Kehlbeck were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 7, 1998, at the St. Francis United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dennis Livingston officiating. Organist was Eunice Burnham. Althea Lebow sang "A Perfect Day" and "In The Garden." Congregational hymns were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace."
Casket bearers were Brad Waters, Ron Louden, Frank Bolio, Elton Keller, Jim Barnhart and Royce Kehlbeck. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery, with arrangements by Knodel Funeral Home of St. Francis.
Printed in the Benkelman, NE Post, September 1998
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1929 - 1998 (68 years)
