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Mrs Teresa Belle Downing Wilkins

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Birth	:	17 Apr 1918 Wood Lake, Cherry County, Nebraska, USA
Death	:	15 Dec 2016 Ainsworth, Brown County, Nebraska, USA
Burial	:	Ainsworth Cemetery, Ainsworth, Brown County, USA
Coordinate	:	42.5341988, -99.8503036
Description	:	Mrs. Teresa B. Downing Wilkins April 17, 1918 ~ December 15, 2016 Ainsworth, Nebraska ~ Age 98 Loving Mother, Wife, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother Teresa Belle (Downing) Wilkins, age 98, was born April 17, 1918, near Wood Lake, Nebraska. She was one of 12 children born to Joseph Halsey and Julia Belle Rhoads Downing. Most of her early life was spent near the banks of the Niobrara River north of Wood Lake. She attended the Rocky Ford School in Cherry County. If the weather cooperated, she and her siblings made the three mile trek on foot carrying their lunch in a syrup bucket. Sometimes they... Read More	Mrs. Teresa B. Downing Wilkins April 17, 1918 ~ December 15, 2016 Ainsworth, Nebraska ~ Age 98 Loving Mother, Wife, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother Teresa Belle (Downing) Wilkins, age 98, was born April 17, 1918, near Wood Lake, Nebraska. She was one of 12 children born to Joseph Halsey and Julia Belle Rhoads Downing. Most of her early life was spent near the banks of the Niobrara River north of Wood Lake. She attended the Rocky Ford School in Cherry County. If the weather cooperated, she and her siblings made the three mile trek on foot carrying their lunch in a syrup bucket. Sometimes they were fortunate enough to hitch a ride with a team and wagon. Attendance was "hit and miss" as wind and snow frequently whipped the prairie. She learned the perils and hardships of "pioneer" life early. Drought, grasshoppers, wind, storms, and fires often made life miserable. The dirty 30's, was a particularly difficult time for the family. She remembers her mother hanging wet cloth, (probably feed sacks) over the windows and doors to keep the blowing dirt out. At times, she remembered hearing the cries of her younger siblings because they were hungry. Everyone was relieved when the rains finally came and the crops could once again be grown. During her early teen years, she became a nanny/hired girl for a prominent ranch family. When that family decided to take a land grant claim in Wyoming, Teresa went along and had many new adventures. These years remained in her mind as some of her most cherished memories. In her early twenties, she returned to Valentine, Nebraska and worked at the Jordan Hotel. A new church had started in town and it was here she made her confession of faith and was introduced to the pastor's brother who would later become her husband. She married Chester Duane Wilkins on August 1, 1941 and moved to the Burton area. There she worked along side her husband in the hayfields and with the cattle. Two children were born to this union: Chester Dale and Naomi Jean. In 1960 the family moved to a farm north of Ainsworth, Nebraska. They were excited to farm with irrigation which was coming to the area. Teresa began working at J.M. McDonalds and continued there for about six years. She retired to become a full time grandma. She enjoyed taking care of the grandchildren and shared her stories and knowledge of pioneer living with them. She became known as "Grandma Teresa" to a number of extended family and neighbor kids. In 1995, Duane and Teresa moved off the farm and into Ainsworth. Duane passed away in 2001. Teresa became involved in a neighborhood Bible study and dearly loved the Word and fellowship. Her friendship has continued with her loyal neighbor, Marilyn Philben, long after most of the other members have gone to their eternal rewards. She was able to live in her own home with the help of her family and many devoted and loving health care givers. She passed away in her home surrounded by those she loved on Thursday, December 15, 2016. Preceding her in death were her husband Duane, her parents, all her brothers and sisters, and grandchildren, Rhonda Denny and Bryent Wilkins. She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Chet Wilkins and wife Marjorie; daughter, Naomi Denny and husband Garry; four grandchilden, their spouses and families. Teresa was the sole remaining branch on her family tree, but numerous nephews and nieces are scattered across the area. Also surviving her are sister-in-law, Irene Correll and husband Bernie and many Wilkins nephews, nieces and extended family. Funeral Service on Monday, December 19, 2016 at Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Interment in Ainsworth Cemetery in Ainsworth. Obituary information from Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth, Nebraska.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Mrs Teresa Belle Downing Wilkins's memorial?
Mrs Teresa Belle Downing Wilkins's memorial is located at: Ainsworth Cemetery, Ainsworth, Brown County, USA.
When did Mrs Teresa Belle Downing Wilkins death?
Mrs Teresa Belle Downing Wilkins death on 15 Dec 2016 in Ainsworth, Brown County, Nebraska, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Mrs Teresa Belle Downing Wilkins's memorial?
Latitude: 42.5341988
Longitude: -99.8503036

Family Members:

Parent

Joseph Halsey Downing

(1881 - 1942)

Julia Belle Rhoades Downing

(1889 - 1972)

Spouse

Chester Duane Wilkins

(1911 - 2001)

Siblings

(unknow - unknow)

(1910 - 1973)

(1912 - 1976)

(1913 - 1983)

(1923 - 1993)

Edith M. Downing VanHorn

(1926 - 1996)

Bessie Cecelia Downing Cook

(1928 - 2008)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Ainsworth Cemetery
Ainsworth, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5341988, -99.8503036

2. East Park Cemetery
Ainsworth, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5511017, -99.8244019

3. German Cemetery
Ainsworth, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5922012, -99.9103012

4. Buffalo Flats Cemetery
Ainsworth, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5786700, -99.7357700

5. Grandview Cemetery
Long Pine, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5251500, -99.7020000

6. Grand Prairie Cemetery
Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5886002, -99.9894028

7. East Woodlawn Cemetery
Johnstown, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5718994, -100.0382996

8. Highland Grove Cemetery
Ainsworth, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6954000, -99.8530000

9. Woodlawn Cemetery
Johnstown, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5828018, -100.0736008

10. Grant Cemetery
Long Pine, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6944650, -99.6794000

11. Bassett Memorial Park
Bassett, Rock County, USA
Coordinate: 42.5806007, -99.5768967

12. Hulshizer Cemetery
Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7219009, -99.7155991

13. Cuba Church Cemetery
Long Pine, Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7101000, -99.6780000

14. Thurman Cemetery
Bassett, Rock County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4668999, -99.5591965

15. Putnam Cemetery
Rock County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7080994, -99.6468964

16. Goodrich Cemetery
Riverview, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7357760, -99.6875650

17. Leonard Cemetery
Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7358017, -99.6868973

18. Brinckerhoff Cemetery
Bassett, Rock County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7302200, -99.6575700

19. Keller Ranch Cemetery
Bassett, Rock County, USA
Coordinate: 42.4887000, -99.4838000

20. Union Cemetery
Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8091780, -99.9043730

21. Highland Cemetery
Springview, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7811012, -99.6650009

22. Rogers Cemetery
Springview, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7961006, -99.7003021

23. Cornish Cemetery
Brown County, USA
Coordinate: 42.2406006, -99.7863998

24. Mount Hope Cemetery
Wood Lake, Cherry County, USA
Coordinate: 42.6372920, -100.2330200