Harlene Kay Masters

Harlene K. Masters, age 84 of Ogallala, NE, died Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Ogallala Community Hospital.

Harlene was born October 5, 1940, in Spalding, NE., the daughter of Merl and Kathryn Peterson Hinkle. When she was thirteen months old, the family moved to Ogallala. Harlene attended Ogallala Public School and graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 1959.

When Harlene was a toddler, she loved to climb the stairs in their home to a bay window where she could look out. It was Dwaine’s job to go up and get her so she wouldn’t fall down the stairs. This process was repeated many times during each day.

Harlene was a little mother hen to her younger siblings and loved to rock them to sleep.

In 1966, Harlene married Christopher Masters in Newton, MA. The couple moved to Lakeland, FL., where Harlene also taught school. She moved to Crete, NE., until returning to Ogallala in 1994. During her retirement, Mrs. Masters served as a substitute teacher in Ogallala and the surrounding area.

Harlene always loved children and went to great lengths to decorate her classrooms to make learning fun for her students.

Dwaine and Nathan's grandchildren loved visiting Harlene as she always had fun projects for them to do.

Harlene belonged to the Doane College Sorority Gamma Phi Iota and the Doane Women’s Club. She held memberships in the National Education Association, the Nebraska State Education Association, the local NEA, and the American Association of University Women.

Harlene is a member of the Congregational Church and has taught Sunday School, Bible School, and served on the Christian Education Committee.

Harlene is preceded by her parents, Merl and Kathryn Hinkle; her daughter, Amber Sue Fette; brothers, Ron Hinkle and LaVerne Hinkle.

She is survived by daughter, Lisa (John); two brothers, Dwaine (Marlene) Hinkle and Nathan (Marilyn) Hinkle; and Granddaughter Aryal Jade.

Cremation has been chosen; services will be at a later date.

Condolences can be left by going to www.drauckerfh.com.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.