Marilyn Kay (Raben) Vencill was born on April 22, 1939 to Lorentz and Martha (Milne) Raben in Crawford, Nebraska. She grew up on the family farm/ranch south of Crawford. She went to grade school at District 60 and graduated from Crawford High School in 1957. While in school she was a charter member of the Corn Valley 4-H club and Jobs Daughters.

 

After high school she attended Colorado Woman’s College. Young and looking for adventure, she became a stewardess for American Airlines out of New York. She then embarked on a new adventure and moved closer to home and taught school on a ranch in Wheatland, Wyoming. 

 

On June 17, 1961, she married Darold (Butch) Norman in Las Vegas as he returned home from the Navy. They made their home in Ontario, California where she worked for an escrow company. While in California they had their first child Laural Lea on June 12, 1967.

 

They then moved back to Crawford and worked at Fort Robinson and then owned the Gambles store.

 

Their second child Andrew Michael was born on October 18, 1976 in Crawford, Nebraska. After having Andy she sold real estate and again worked at Fort Robinson.

 

After her first marriage ended she started working for Health and Human Services. On August 23, 1991 she married Dennis K. Vencill and welcomed 4 step-children Todd, Terry, Tammy, and Tim. She then set out to accomplish her next goal and receive her Bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College.

 

In 2008, she retired from Health and Human Services. In 2011, she fulfilled her dream to own an antique store, and opened Rustic Reborn which she owned until her death on December 17, 2011.

 

Marilyn was a lifelong member of the Congregational Church and PEO. She was involved in many organizations over the years such as; the Library Board, Park Board, Red Hats, Royal Neighbors, Eagles, Mrs. Jaycees and PW.

 

Marilyn loved the Crawford area and worked tirelessly on relocating the Library and other projects in Crawford. She loved life, her family, her grandchildren, cats, auctions, Class of 57 functions and treasure hunts. She also loved to buy junk and sell antiques.

 

She is preceded in death by her parents Lorentz and Martha, and first husband Butch.

 

Her survivors include husband Dennis Vencill of Rushville, Nebraska, daughter Laural (Dave) Andrews of Gordon, Nebraska, and son Andrew (JoElla) Norman of Crawford, Nebraska. Five grandchildren, Brady, Lane and Rett Andrews of Gordon, Nebraska and Dalton and Emma Norman of Crawford, Nebraska. Three sisters, Anita (Jim) Lemons of Kansas City, Missouri, Jaci (Frank) Mills of Crawford, Nebraska and Jeri (Mick) Eschenbrenner of Lincoln, Nebraska. Step-children Todd (Nancy) of Casper, Wyoming, Terry (Cindy) of Central City, Nebraska, Tammy (Darrin) Prelle of Bison, South Dakota, and Tim (Christina) of North Platte, Nebraska. Nine Step-grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the First Congregational Church in Crawford with Pastor Bill Bagley officiating. Burial will be at the Crawford Cemetery.

 

A memorial has been established for the Crawford Library or the Crawford Rescue Unit or the Congregational Church. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

 

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

 

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.