Alma Young

Alma Young

April 5, 1935 - March 9, 2021

STRATTON, Neb. — Alma Elizabeth Young was born April 5, 1935, at Grand Island, Neb., to Jense P. and Henrietta (Lewis) Jensen. As a youngster, she grew up in Grand Island area and attended school.

On July 20, 1955, Alma married Richard R. Bethke in Grand Island, Neb. The couple lived in several different locations and settled in North Platte, Neb., while raising their family. Richard passed away in December of 1984 and Alma married Jim H. Young on May 16, 1990.

Alma and Jim first settled in Delta, Colo., and then in Stratton, where they purchased the Stratton Hotel. The couple made Stratton their home and owned and operated the hotel for many years.

Alma loved fishing and never passed up an opportunity to try her luck. She enjoyed day tripping, traveling to someplace new, taking in the sites and museums and returning that evening. She especially loved spending time and visiting with her family. Alma was also very proud of obtaining her GED at the age of 50.

Alma passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 9, 2021, at her home in Stratton, surrounded by her family. She was 85 years of age.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Richard in 1984 and Jim in 2004; daughter, Bonita Jensen; grandson, Chance Ridgeway; two sisters and one brother.

Survivors include daughters, Shirley Lunk (Allen) of Stratton, Karin White (Jeff) of Stratton and Patricia Strauss of Stratton; son, Raymond Bethke of North Platte; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Alice Jividen of Madras, Ore.

Funeral services will be Saturday afternoon, March 20, 2021, 1 p.m. (MT), at the Benkelman Memorial Chapel, Benkelman, Neb., with Rev. Rod Heilbrun officiating.

No visitation, Alma’s wishes were for cremation.

A memorial has been established to Alma’s family for a future designation.

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.