Pearl Kuskie

PEARL KUSKIE, 92 of Grant, NE, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Golden Ours Convalescent Home in Grant.

Pearl was born September 8, 1927, to Orris and Ollie (Coppersmith) Tatum on a farm northeast of Elsie, NE. She was one of five children with two sisters and two brothers. She went to District 41 county school through the 8th grade and she attended Perkins County High School. Pearl was baptized and confirmed in the United Methodist Church and was a lifelong member.

Pearl met and married Harold LeRoy Kuskie, and their marriage was blessed with three children, Jacqueline, Marlene, and Dennis. They lived in Grant and ran the local grocery store, "Kuskie Market." The couple moved to Phoneix, AZ, for one year, but returned to Grant, and all three children went through school and graduated from Grant High School.

Pearl worked at many different jobs during her life, but her favorite job was serving as ward clerk at the Perkins County Hospital, a position she held for 25 years. Throughout those years, Pearl also enjoyed giving hair cuts to friends and neighbors, even giving permanents. She was a gifted seamstress and made countless articles of clothing over the years. Pearl also took care of the mending and alterations for family, friends, and even the hospital.

Pearl loved people and was quite affable. She was fairly well known for her jokes, which, more often than not, had the power to elicit a blush from the casual hearer. Pearl was a true spitfire. She made many meaningful connections over the years at the hospital and had a way of brightening the halls when she was there. Her family and grandchildren had a gravitational pull in Pearl's life that left them knowing that they were especially loved. Pearl had a penchant for greeting people with her catchall address, "Merry Christmas." Pearl's unorthodox warmth and humor was disarming and had a way of reaching people in a unique and impressionable way.

Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Wilda and Mae Rowen; two brothers, Frank and Bernard.

Pearl is survived by her children, Jacque (Terry) Bohling of Grant, Marlene (Larry) Pritchett of Grant, and Dennis (Marlene) Kuskie of Green Forest, AR; six grandchildren, Lori Griffin of Hemingford, Troy (Kelly) Pritchett of Lincoln, Travis (Denise) Pritchett of Lincoln, Jennifer Kuskie of Casa Grande, AZ, Kristyn (Tracy) Smith of Casa Grande, AZ, and Michael Kuskie of Ogallala. Seven great-grandchildren, Lindsey (Jessica) Fricke, Mireya Kuskie, Domonic Wendell, Liam Smith, Calen Pritchett, Kyler Pritchett, Kenley Pritchett; one sister-in-law, Marge Tatum; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial has been established in Pearl's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where a recording of the service will be posted.

Private graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, with Pastor Lorri Kentner officiating.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.