Martha Opal (Bennett) Wilson

Martha Opal Wilson, 76, of Arthur, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2016, in the Ogallala Community Hospital.

Martha was born September 27, 1939, in Valentine, Nebraska, to John "Jack" and Opal (Clark) Bennett. She grew up south of Cody on the family ranch near the Niobrara River and attended grade school and high school in Cody, graduating in 1957.

After attending Chadron State College for one year, she started teaching rural elementary schools on a temporary certificate. She would teach in the winter months and attend summer classes working toward a degree. After teaching seven years, Martha went back to Chadron one year and student taught at Ogallala. It was there she met her future husband, Delwin Wilson. Martha graduated from Chadron in the spring of 1967. She then taught one year at Aurora, Nebraska, and two more years in Ogallala.

Martha and Delwin were married July 12, 1969. She retired from teaching in 1970 and made her permanent home on the Wilson ranch. Daughter Mindy was born in 1970 and son Dusty in 1973.

Martha enjoyed growing flowers and taking care of her yard. She was an avid reader and had a love of creative things, from cake decorating to making crafts to quilting. She was also an ardent sports fan, following everything from boys and girls high school teams to the Nebraska men and women’s teams to pro football and baseball.

Martha loved living in the Sandhills of Nebraska and actively supported her local community. She led 4-H clubs, served as treasurer on the local library board, and was a member of the Glenrose Extension Club and the Arthur Quilting Club. She also served in the Arthur Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, as well as heading up the Beneficent Committee for many years.

Martha was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in January 2014 and accepted her prognosis with the same dignity and poise as she had lived her life. She loved her family and grandkids, always putting their needs ahead of her own.

Martha is survived by her husband, Delwin, of Arthur; two children, Mindy (Jon) Kroesche of Lincoln, and Dusty (Brandee) of Arthur; four grandchildren, Jeremiah Kroesche, Kaylee Wilson, Sarah Kroesche, and Braden Wilson; one sister, Margo Bennett, of North Platte; two brothers, Shelby (Angela) Bennett of Auburn, and Truman Bennett of Sandpoint, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandchild, Jayden Wilson.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Arthur County High School Gymnasium with Rev. Ben Keene officiating. The Service will be streamed fromdrauckerfuneralhome.com, for those unable to attend. Visitation will begin on Wednesday from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at the Arthur Baptist Church.

Memorials may be given to the Arthur Baptist Church and the Arthur Betterment Authority.

Interment is in the Arthur Cemetery. Online Condolences by signing the Guest Book.
Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

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