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Memorial services for Alberta Grace (Fletcher) Oatman, age 88, of Chadron, NE will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron.

A memorial has been established. Donations may be sent toFirst National Bank North Platte at PO Box 511, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com.

Alberta passed away on October 16, 2015 at Chadron Community Hospital. She had suffered a broken hip on September 2, 2015 and later pneumonia.

Alberta was born in Ainsworth, NE on May 7, 1927 to Albert and Grace (Hollopeter) Fletcher. She was the oldest of five children with four younger brothers. Alberta lived her entire childhood at Willow Lake Resort north of Halsey. She attended grade school in a rural country school. Her first two years of high school were by correspondence courses at home. As a high school junior, she attended the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis, NE. Her senior year, Alberta attended AinsworthHigh School and graduated in May 1945. She then obtained her teacher’s degree and taught in local country schools, often riding her horse to school. Alberta also performed in a band with her brothers as the lead singer and could play most instruments.

On May 7, 1947, she married Robert (Bob) Oatman and changed her career to ranch wife. In the early year of marriage, Bob and Alberta were ranch managers for the Drybread and Arrowsmith ranches. In 1955, the Oatmans partnered in purchasing the Swanson ranch north of Rose. In 1960, they became part owners of Sargent Livestock Co. and moved to Sargent. In 1962, they moved to Thedford and built the Brandin’ Iron Western Wear store and later owned the Arrowhead Lodge and Cafe. In 1990, they purchased a ranch north of Morrill and lived in Mitchell. In 2006, they retired and moved to Chadron. On July 28, 2011, Alberta lost the love of her life after 64 years of marriage.

Alberta is survived by daughters Roberta “Bert” (Dick) Lesher of Chadron and Connie Huckfeldt of Chadron; grandchildren Wade Lesher of Half Moon Bay, CA, Lane Lesher of Chadron, Jami Huckfeldt and (Tish Hier) of Mitchell NE, Joni (Steve) Behrends of Chadron, and Jodi (Andy) Hendrickson of Chadron; great-grandchildren Kyler, Jacksyn, and Beau Behrends and Trey and Cali Hendrickson; and other extended family.

Alberta was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Marion, Glen, Ed, and Clarence; and husband Robert (Bob) Oatman.

Alberta was a devoted wife, mother, and grandma. She loved her flowers, bowling, playing cards, spending time with family and friends and was a savvy business woman.

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Alberta Grace (Fletcher) Oatman.

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