TWILLA GARTNER, 90 of Grant, passed away Saturday, December 22, 2018, at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant.
Twilla was born September 19, 1928, on the family farm northeast of Elsie, Nebraska to George and Louis (Harms) Terry. She graduated from Wauneta High School.
On March 18, 1948, she married William "Bill" Gartner at Holyoke, Colorado. Their union was blessed with three children, Cindy, Vickie, and Billy Ray. Twilla worked at the hotel, located on Central Avenue in Grant, owned by Rosser "Ole" Herstedt. They would eventually purchase the hotel, and the family made their home their until selling the business in 1974. Twilla would spend time working at the hospital, grade school and high school kitchens before her eventual retirement.
Twilla lived her life as a caregiver; from her work in hospitality and food service to her willingness to care for and raise a couple of her nephews, she seemed to have a spring of love within her that never ran dry. She also babysat countless children over the years, many of whom saw her as a mother figure.
Twilla loved to dance, which was an enjoyment that encapsulated how she lived her life. No matter what was going on in life, Twilla maintained a lightheartedness and humor that always allowed her to persevere. Even when hospitalized, Twilla, with the help of her nurses, danced her way to and from the bathroom and incorporating a dip in the routine, when it came to climbing back to her bed. Twilla is undoubtedly dancing for joy at this moment, in the presence of God.
Twilla was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; brother, Clayton Terry; sister, Patsy Borton; nephew, Steven Terry; niece, Shelly Wilson; sister in law, Roma Terry.
Survivors include her daughters, Cindy Gartner of Grant, Vickie (Earl) Scheuer of Meeker, CO; son, Billy Ray (Holly) Gartner of Snow Mass, CO; grandchildren, Tyson, Brent, Mary, Troy, Jill, Colby, Tyrone, and Joshua; great-grandchildren, Shylo, Shea, and Colton; Brendon, Cameron, Krista, Dylan, and Logan W. and Logan M.; two great-great-grandchildren, Clayton and Charlee Marie; siblings, Alva Terry of Valentine, Carolyn (Bruce) Wilson of Ellensburg, WA, and Ronnie (Sharen) Terry of Ogallala; along with many other relatives and friends.
A Memorial has been established in Twilla's memory for later designation by the family. Condolences can be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
A Memorial Service will be Friday, December 28, 2018, at 10:30 am at Grant United Methodist Church with Rev. Lorri Kentner officiating. Committal of Cremains will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.