JoAnn Kurth

JoAnn Kurth, 85 of Gurley, passed away July 17, 2015, with her family at her bedside, after a two year battle with breast cancer and its complications. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Federated Church in Mitchell, with Rev. Dr. Charles Richardson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gurley Rescue Unit or Heritage Estates in Gering. Online condolences may be left at http://www.dugankramer.com

JoAnn was born April 14, 1930 in North Platte to Vern Sr. and Myrtle B. (Blair) Sinsel. She was raised in North Platte, Scottsbluff, and Sidney where she received her education. She was employed by the telephone company in Sidney, was owner/operator of Ken and Jo's Lounge in Gurley, and worked at Cabela's in Sidney.

JoAnn married Kenneth A. Ewert in 1948 and to this union three daughters were born: Sandra Ann, Barbara Ann, and Debra Ann. JoAnn enjoyed spending time with family and friends, oil painting, crocheting, crafts, playing cards (especially Pitch), and listening to "old" country music with Lyle on Saturday nights.

JoAnn is survived by her daughters Sandra (Terry) Kaan of Cheyenne, Barbara (Rick Teters) Lebruska of Mitchell, and Debra Donham of Springfield, Mo .; sister Delores Jurgens of Springfield, Mo., seven grandchildren Bryan (Elizabeth) Beyer of Cheyenne, James (Aileen) Beyer of Omaha, Marci (Kent) Docekal of Mitchell, Rebecca (Gene Snodgrass) Lebruska of Lincoln, Kristin (Luke) Pankonin of Mitchell, Joshua (Katie) Donham and Robert Donham both of Springfield, Mo .; eight great-grandchildren; very special friend Lyle Kurth of Dalton; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, brother Vern Sinsel Jr., three husbands Kenneth Ewert, Robert Zuhlke, and Everett Kurth, and great-grandson Bryson Beyer.