Condolences to the Family of ReDeana Ruby

ReDeana Rae Ruby, 34, of Union died at home Feb. 6, 2011. She was born May 25, 1976 in Nebraska City to Robert and Connie (Christiansen) Gress, Jr. She married Jeffrey W. Ruby Nov. 17, 2007 in Union.

She is survived by husband Jeffrey Ruby; children Austin Gress, Damen Ruby and Azaria Ruby, all of Union; parents Robert and Connie Gress, Jr. of Nebraska City; sisters Joyce Attebery and husband Jerry of Cook, Laura (Lori) Gress and friend Jason Sammons of Nebraska City, and Lisa Clowers and husband Charlie of Nebraska City; parents-in-law Jeffrey Lee and Donna Ruby of Union; sister-in-law Amy Seyler and husband Charles, III of Union; many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded by grandparents Robert and Ellen Gress, Sr. and Ordean and Elsie Christiansen.
She had formerly worked at Larson Motors, American Meter and Best Western.

She was a volunteer at SENCA Headstart and was a member of Narcotics Anonymous.  She loved painting, drawing, music, animals of all kinds, camping, boating and tubing.  She also loved monster trucks, fast cars, hunting, mushroom hunting and spending time with her children.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nebraska City.
Honorary pallbearers are Tim Peter, Joe Preston, Daniel Bennett, Noland Bennett, Charlie Clowers, Jason Sammons, Shaun Betts, C.J. Seyler, Sam Jones, Bobby Brown and Andy Brown.

Pallbearers are Paul Warner, Chad Cook, Rob Becker, Robert Harrah, Jody Jones and Chad Keene.
Burial will be at Camp Creek Cemetery near Nebraska City.

Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Visitation is 1-9 p.m. Tuesday at Marshall Funeral Chapel in Nebraska City with the family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m.

Messages of condolence may be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Funeral Chapel of Nebraska City is in charge of arrangements.

 Union Community Fundraisers

Please support the Community Soup Supper, silent auction and raffle this Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 4-8 p.m. at the ALA Hall in Union.  Proceeds will go towards Union's Park Beautification Project which has recently been awarded a $5,000.00 grant to go towards the planting and maintenance of large maturing trees, which are greatly needed in the area.  Currently, money is being raised to provide matching funds for the tree grant as well as for hardscape and playground equipment to make the park an asset to our community.  Donations are tax deductable.  Please contact Debbie Vidlak for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Get Well Soon Jim Burbee

Jim Burbee is still recovering from a fall he suffered a couple of months ago at his farm in rural Union. He is currently at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha. Click here to send a message of support to Jim!  All messages are hand-delivered to Jim by Methodist hospital staff or volunteers.  

Cass County Veteran’s Outreach Event

 March 4th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and March 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Cass County Fairgrounds Expo Building in Weeping Water, NE.

Lofte Community Theatre to Honor Volunteers

On Saturday, February 26 at 6pm the Lofte Community Theatre in Manley will honor its volunteers and hold their annual business meeting. Actors, ushers, painters, donors and friends are all invited to participate in this special event.  Lofte officers will present Lofte financials and plans for the future.  A complimentary Italian meal and refreshments will be provided.

The Lofte is a non-profit organization and as such is heavily dependent upon its army of volunteers.  During the course of the evening, those with outstanding service during the past year will be recognized by the "Dale Crosby Awards."  Mr. Crosby was a long-time chairman of the Lofte Board of Directors.  His willingness to tackle any duty at the theater served as an inspiration to others.  Over the many years of his service, he performed, cleaned and took on administrative tasks.  Mr. Crosby passed away in 2001. 

Lofte Artistic Director Kevin Colbert will announce upcoming show selections and share some of the behind the scenes antics that he witnessed during the 2010 season. 

Those who are planning to attend are asked to RSVP by calling the theater at (402) 234-2553.

Please email any news or announcements to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Stay warm and have a great week!