Dardenella I. Weskamp

Dardenella Irene Jeffers Weskamp

Feb. 27, 1924 - Jan. 3, 2014

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Dardenella Irene Jeffers Weskamp, born Feb. 27, 1924, in McCook, Nebraska, passed away Jan. 3, 2014, at the Hillcrest Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Cora (Schoenholtz) Jeffers; brother, Todd; sisters, Ruth Whaley and Mary Seeman; grandchild, Christopher; great-grandchild, John; and her husband and love of her life, Andrew C. Weskamp.

Dardenella is survived by her sister, Shirley and husband, Willis Wagner of Minnesota; her two sons, Andrew and wife, Charlene Weskamp of Norton Kansas, Michael and wife, Julia Weskamp of Aurora, Colorado; five grandchildren: Daniel and Caroline Weskamp, Andrea and James Buchmeier, Dominic and Kayla Weskamp, Sarah Weskamp, Christopher Weskamp, 10 great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces, all of whom were so very much loved by her.

Dardenella, also known as Darden, Dard or Dee, grew up in McCook and married Andrew Weskamp on Nov. 18, 1939. In 1965, they moved to Denver, Colorado, with Andy's job at Burlington Northern Railroad.

Living in Denver was a playground for Darden's love of locating and selling antiques, and decorating homes. She also loved birds and little dogs, and was a joy to watch when she interacted with children. They always knew they were loved and could do anything they tried to do. Darden worked at Singer and JC Penney before retiring in the late 1970s due to health issues.

When Andy retired in 1983, they moved to Norton, Kansas, to be near their oldest son, Andy and his family. While there, she teamed up with her sister, Mary, in using their artistic talents to make porcelain dolls and teach others the skill.

Andy and Darden lived between Denver and Norton off and on until he passed away in 2000, at which time her health wavered. Eventually she moved to Aurora, Colorado, to be near doctors and to spend time with Michael and his family. In 2007, she became a resident of Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, where they lovingly cared for her needs.

Needless to say, she will be missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in her name. Memorials for the Masses may be given.

Rosary was 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Gary Brethour as celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.