Melva May Hinz

Melva May Hinz of rural McCook passed away Monday, July 3, 2017 at the Cambridge Manor, Cambridge, Nebraska. She was 78 years old. Melva was born on May 30, 1939, at Hastings, Nebraska to Elmer Melvin "Jess" and Berniece Evelyn (Post) Buzzell. As a young child the family moved to the Culbertson community where Melva graduated from the Culbertson High School with the class of 1957. She continued her education at McCook College and then Kearney State Teachers College graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. She taught school for over 40 years in various schools throughout southwest Nebraska. On June 5, 1960, she was united in marriage to Alvin Charles Hinz at Culbertson. They made their home on a farm south of McCook where they raised their three children. Melva continued to teach school as well as being a busy farmwife and mother. Melva was confirmed as an adult at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Culbertson. She became a member at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Ash Creek, where she helped teach catechism for many years. Her hobbies included reading, crafts, sewing, and gardening. Other interests included collecting crosses, music, and spending time with her grandchildren which she dearly loved. Preceding her in death were her parents, Jess and Berniece Buzzell; and sister-in-law, Patricia Buzzell. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Alvin Hinz of McCook; daughters, Janie and husband, Mark Hilker, of Cambridge and Helen Hinz of Culbertson; son, Ricky A. Hinz of McCook; brother, Eudean Buzzell of Culbertson; grandchildren, Shalene Hinz of McCook, Lance Hilker and wife, Amanda, of Farnam, Taran Hilker and wife, Sadie, of Holdrege, and Kallie Hilker of Cambridge; great-grandson, Layton Hinz of McCook; nephew, Eric Buzzell of Lincoln; niece, Lisa Coleman of Enid, OK; and a host of family and friends. Memorials may be given in her name. Visitation will be Thursday, July 6, 2917, at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook from 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. The family will be present from 5:00 7:00 p.m. to greet friends. Friends may go online at www.herrmannfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Funeral services will be Friday, July 7, 2017, 10:30 a.m. at St. Johns Lutheran, Ash Creek, with Pastor Brett Hinrichs officiating. Burial will follow at St. Johns Cemetery. Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook has been entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation

Thursday, July 6, 2017 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Family will be present from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. to greet friends.

Friday, July 7, 2017 10:30 AM