Ray H. Dell

Ray H. Dell, 89 years of age, of Beatrice, passed away Monday, November 21, 2016 at his residence. He was born on August 2, 1927 in Beatrice to Claude and Genie (Reel) Dell. Ray graduated from Holmesville High School in 1945. In the spring of 1946 he delivered cattle to Poland as part of the NRRA later known as The Heifer Project. He married Esther Bear on December 14, 1946 at the Church of the Brethren near Holmesville. In the spring of 1947, using a borrowed tractor, Ray entered and won the Nebraska Jr. Plow Terrace competition receiving a heifer calf as first prize. Ray's passion was farming and he spent his life pursuing that passion in the Holmesville and Rockford areas. He received the Nebraska Outstanding Young Farmer award in 1962, was a member of the Church of the Brethren and served many years on several boards including Beatrice Public Schools, Norris Public Power, Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation, and he was one of the five development members for Hidden Acres Golf Course. In 1991, Ray and son Dan graced the cover of Nebraska Farmer magazine where the feature article honored their on-going commitment to soil conservation thru the no-till farming method. Ray also served as the chair of the Virginia Elevator Board and then the Southeast Nebraska Coop Board. He enjoyed wintering in Yuma, AZ, golfing, square dancing, playing cards and especially spending time with his grandchildren. 

Ray is survived by his wife, Esther; 2 daughters, Joanna Little and husband Craig, Judy Johnston and husband Tom, both of Grand Junction, Colorado; son, Dan Dell and wife Diana of Beatrice; 5 grandchildren, Jake Little and wife Dana, Shea Little and husband Jeff Burke, Isaiah Dell and wife Carrie, Micaela Thomas and husband Steve, Jenna Dell and fiancé Shawn Fitch; 4 great grandchildren; brother, Emerson Dell and wife Elenor of Carlsbad, California; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 sisters, Evelyn, Ila, Mildred; and 3 brothers, Byron, Joe and Paul.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Church of the Brethren with John Snyder officiating. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation, Beatrice Community Hospital Hospice or the charity of your choice in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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