Veda Ann Raben

Veda Ann (Scholz) Raben was born in rural Chambers, Nebraska on March 31, 1929. during the Great Depression.  She was the second of six children born to Ellis and Hattie Scholz.  Growing up with no electricity or running water, and having a father who was ill, she learned to work hard at a very young age.   She attended rural school and graduated from the eighth grade at the age of thirteen when she left home to begin working, first as a housekeeper and later as a nurse’s aide.

     After traveling to Crawford, Nebraska she was hired to work at the Crawford Hospital for Dr. Ivans.  It was here at the hospital she met her husband, Jimmie Raben, who was a patient there, after injuring his eye during the ’49 blizzard.

     Jim and Veda were married at the Raben Ranch on April 15, 1951. Except for a couple years spent in Oerichs, S.D. she resided at the ranch until 2018 when she moved to the Ponderosa Settlement, then to the Ponderosa Villa until her death.  Jim and Veda were married for 61 years until his passing in 2012.  To this union four children were born:  Alice (Paul) Dubs of Ashby, NE, Vicki (Bruce) Troester of Marsland, NE, Fred (Julie) Raben of Whitney, NE, and Gregg (Cathy) Raben of Crawford, NE.

     In addition to caring for her four children, she was always busy with ranch life chores, milking cows, butchering chickens, growing a large garden, canning, sewing, and making homemade butter, jellies and jams.  Veda loved to cook and bake, and was famous for her homemade bread and butterhorn rolls which she often shared with her neighbors, friends and would take to community events. 

    Being a wheat farmer, Veda learned the unique gift of weaving wheat into beautiful creations of dolls, wreaths, crosses and hearts and enjoyed participating in craft fairs.  She loved the opportunity to demonstrate her skills to various groups and gatherings. Her other hobbies included gardening, embroidering, and decorating felt Christmas stocking.

   Veda had a servant’s heart and had a special way with children, making them feel valued, loved, and safe.  Her love and faith in God was demonstrated best by her positive outlook and how she served those she loved.  Above all, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her most cherished treasures.  She was involved in many activities including 4-H leader, Circle of Friends, HOA Club, Chadron Christian Connection, Dawes County Fair Superintendent, Gideons International Auxiliary, and an active member of the Crawford Church of the Nazarene for many years.

   Veda went to be with Jesus on December 17, 2023, at the age of 94.

   She was proceeded in death by her husband, Jim and her grandson, Lane Troester.   

    She is survived by her sister, Ruby Burkhalter of Colorado, four children and their spouses, twelve grandchildren, and 36 great grandchildren.

     Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, December 27, at Christ Community Church with Pastor Steve Mallery and Pastor Vaughn Fahrenbruck officiating.

     A Memorial has been established for the Ponderosa Villa and the Crawford Rescue Unit.