Dora Hale

The daughter of Henry and Minnie (Wright) Soester, Dora was born at the family home in Dawes County on November 9, 1918. Her childhood was spent on her parents' farm near Squaw Mound. She attended a rural school through the 8th grade then worked for her room and board during her high school years in Crawford. After graduating, she was employed at the Crawford Bakery. Dora was an active 4-H member as a child and attended the first 4-H camp held at the Crawford City Park. She later served as a 4-H leader. She was also a member of the Squaw Mound Band under the direction of Bill Schmidt and often told of the band traveling to the State Fair in Lincoln in the back of a truck. On July 23, 1938, she was united in marriage to Ellis Hale. Two children, a son Emmett and a daughter Pam were born to this union. Ellis and Dora farmed 80 acres southeast of Crawford for a few years before moving across the road to a larger farm which they rented until 1956. At that time, they moved to Crawford where Dora lived until her death. Dora worked as a janitor at the Crawford telephone office until going to work in 1960 as a secretary at the Fort Robinson Historical Museum. Her interest in local history made this position very enjoyable for her. She retired from the Fort museum in 1990 but later spent many hours as a volunteer at the Crawford Historical Museum. Throughout her life, Dora was involved in community service. She was active in the Methodist Church, Squaw Mound Homemakers Club, Royal Neighbors, the Foster Grandparent program, RSVP and many other organizations. For several years, she and Ellis organized the served Christmas dinners for those who had no other place to go. Anyone who wished to attend was welcome. Dora enjoyed gardening and sharing her produce with others. She especially liked raising flowers and always had a beautiful yard. Sewing, cooking, traveling, and attending music jamborees were also favorite activities. Survivors include her son, Emmett (Jan) Hale of Crawford; daughter, Pam Schuetz of Cheyenne, WY; granddaughters, Brenda (Ron) Fanning and Wendy Pino; great-grandchildren, Chris (Jaime) Schuetz, Kevin Pino, and Cody Harris; great-great-granddaughter, Jayda Schuetz all of Cheyenne; sisters-in-law, Edith Soester of OK and Verna Soester of Lusk, WY and numerous other relatives and friends. Dora was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ellis; brothers Kenneth, Howard, and Raymond; son-in-law Joel Schuetz and grandson Dennis Schuetz. Memorials are suggested to the Crawford Methodist Church, Crawford Historical Society, Crawford Fire Department, or the donor's choice. Memorials may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337. �½�½

Service:

Monday, July 6, 2015 ~ 10:00 AM

United Methodist Church ~ Crawford, Nebraska