Jane M. Herbster

Jane Maxine Herbster, 97, of Holdrege, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2014 at the Holdrege Memorial Homes. Jane was born May 15, 1916 at Verdon, the eldest of five children born to Jake Allen and Ethel Blanche (Houtz) Cook.  

She graduated from Verdon High School in 1934.  

Following her education, Jane was employed by F.W. Woodworth in Falls City. On May 22, 1940 she was united in marriage to Walter L. Herbster and to this union two sons were born: Jerry and Philip. The couple made their home in Verdon for a couple of years, before relocating to California in 1942. In 1945 they returned to Verdon. Then in 1949, they moved to Nebraska City and then to Fremont in 1956. In 1963 they settled in Holdrege, where Jane was employed by Becton-Dickinson until her retirement.  

In 1978, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Walter. In her retirement years, Jane provided babysitting for many area families, and became known as “Grandma Jane” to many of the children who she cared for. She will be remembered by her unconditional love and always putting everyone first in her life before herself.  

Jane was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege.  In her spare time she enjoyed sewing and made handmade aprons and patriotic neck ties that she gave to many family, friends and dignitaries.   

Jane was preceded in death by one son, Philip in 1989; one brother, Clarence Keith Cook; three sisters, Eva (Loren) Hatcher, Pearl Merritt and Anna Hahn.

She’s survived by her son, Jerry Herbster and his special friend, Fran Hartwell, both of Omaha; daughters-in-law:  Phoebe Herbster, of Omaha and Lorie Butler, of Texas; four grandchildren:  Samantha Jane Herbster, of Omaha, Amanda Herbster, of California, Jacob Herbster, of New Mexico and Jessie Herbster-Renick, of Oklahoma; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

A Celebration of Life Service for Jane M. Herbster will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church in Holdrege, with Rev. Dr. W. Kirwin Stewart Jr. officiating. Family inurnment will be held at a later date at the Verdon Cemetery.

A memorial book signing will be held from 1-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Jane’s honor and kindly suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Holdrege or the Phelps County Senior Center.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

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