Nila Fern Powell

Nila "Fern" Powell age 92 formerly of Cambridge, died at the Bethany Home Nursing home in Minden on August 13, 2011. She was born in Holbrook, NE on March 18, 1919 to Clarence and Iva (Henry) Robeson. Fern graduated from Holbrook High School in 1937. She moved to California, where she worked for Lockheed Douglas Aviation. In 1939, Fern married Ralph Freeborn, Sr. To this union 2 sons were born, Ralph Jr. (Bob) and Gary Freeborn. In 1945, Fern returned to Nebraska and married John "Jack" Powell. Jack preceded her in death on June 7 of 1987. They made their home north of Cambridge. In 1948, Catherine was born. Fern worked as a nurses aide at the Cambridge Hospital and Minnicks Rest Home for many years, always caring for others. She also spent many years cleaning the Twin Valley REA building in Cambridge. Fern loved to garden and can fruits and vegetables. She volunteered for the American Red Cross blood mobiles. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Altar Society. In 2000, Fern moved to Minden, to be closer to her family. As her health declined, she moved into the Bethany Home nursing home in Minden. She was preceded in death by her parents: husband: John "Jack"; a son: Gary; one brother and 2 sisters: and her beloved cat Bootie. Survivors include her son: Ralph Jr. "Bob" and wife Lupe Freeborn of Sylmar, CA; daughter: Cathy and husband Richard Pesek of Minden, NE; 5 grandchildren: Debra Freeborn of Moorpark, CA; John and wife Kathy Freeborn of hunting Beach, CA; Carrie Tye of York, NE; Colleen and husband Paul Jensen of Minden, NE; Jenny and husband Tim Bell of Kearney, NE: 5 great grandchildren. Rosary will be recited at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 20011, 10:30 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cambridge, NE with Farther Robert Barnhill officiating. Interment will be in the Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, NE on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 2:30 PM. Memorials may be left in her name to either the Asra Care Hospice or the Bethany Home. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:00 AM till 9:00 PM. Friend may leave on line condolences at lockenour.com.

Services Visitation Tuesday August 16, 2011 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM Lockenour-Jones Mortuary 604 Penn St. Cambridge, NE 69022 Lockenour-Jones Mortuary 604 Penn St. Cambridge, NE 69022 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 709 Shole St Cambridge, Nebraska 69022