Pinky Clemens

LYLA JANIECE (PINKY) CLEMENS, 81 of Wallace, NE, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2015 at the Perkins County Community Hospital.

Pinky was born May 4, 1934 at Gordon, NE to Albert and Ima (Shepard) Hebbert. She graduated from high school at Curtis, NE in 1951.

On August 31, 1952, she married Jerome Clemens at Gordon, NE. The couple made their home in Wallace, NE for a few years before purchasing the Clemens family farm Southeast of Grainton, where they lived the rest of their married lives. In the coming years the farm underwent a complete transformation, as Pinky and Jerome worked tirelessly to clean up the grounds and make it their own. It has become adorned with beautiful flowers, garden, and trees. For 31 years, Pinky hosted the Hebbert reunion either at the lake, Paxton or at their home. There was always the smell of her fried chicken as family and friends gathered.

Pinky lived a life of faith, and taught her family the value of a strong spiritual foundation. She did so through her actions, which were often quiet and behind the scenes. She was involved in activities within the United Methodist Church, Wallace School, and a host of projects in-between. She even founded the local chapter of Moms in Touch, which is an organization that prays weekly for the local school district. She was also a blood donor and gave platelets to the American Red Cross.

Pinky loved to quilt, and encouraged several people to take up the hobby. She was known to make quilts for fundraisers, as well as the occasional lucky family member or friend.

While Pinky always seemed to stay busy with projects, or working in her yard, she and Jerome maintained an unwavering dedication in following the activities of their children and grandchildren. Their fervent support of Wallace athletics continued, even after their children and grandchildren had gone through school.

Pinky was a long time member of the United Methodist Church, Harmony Home Extension Club, Wallace Quilt Club, Nebraska Flying Farmers and Women in Agriculture.

Pinky was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Gene Hebbert.

She is lovingly survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, Jerome Clemens of Wallace; children, Linda Jespersen of Alliance; Scott (Cindy) Clemens Dallas TX, Joan (Don) Barner and Kelly (Sonny) Smith, all of Wallace; 11 grandchildren, Jim Pruitt, Lisa Pruitt, Brennan Jespersen, Katelyn Clemens, Aubrey Clemens, Denis Clemens, Jay Barner, Andy Barner (Amanda Buehner), Quenton (Molly) Smith, Jacob (Rachel) Smith; Whitney Smith of Kearney; 3 great grandchildren, Stella Smith, Sawyer Smith and Alaska Barner; 3 brothers, Mose (Merla) Hebbert of Hyannis, Roger (Bonnie) Hebbert of Bellvue, CO, Gary (Charlene) Hebbert of Roswell, NM; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 10:30 AM CT at the Wallace United Methodist Church with Pastor Charles Nyamakope officiating. Burial will be in the Morning View Cemetery at Wallace.

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