Jean Hatterman

Jean Hatterman, 90, of Ogallala, died Tuesday, June 17, 2014, in Indian Hills Manor. Lutecia Jean (Barnica) Hatterman, first born child of Harry and Dorothy (Chrisman) Barnica arrived March 21, 1924 in Ogallala, NE. "Jean" attended school in District #1, Ogallala, commuting by bus. The first three years were punctuated by many absences due to all the childhood diseases contracted and passed on to the rest of the family. Being a teacher was her goal number one, so she received Normal Training and then passed the State Examinations. Her first job was at the John Berry Ranch north of Lemoyne with one pupil, followed by 13 years of teaching in the rural schools of Keith and Perkins Counties. Summers were spent leading 4-H clubs and teaching children to cook, sew and exhibit their accomplishments. Jean also worked on the farm and attended Summer School in Lincoln to keep her license certified. While residing in Lincoln Jean met Merle Hatterman. They were married January 21, 1945 while he was home on furlough from the service. After Merle was discharged the couple resided in the G.I. trailer court in Ogallala. They then lived on the Fred Macy farm and after the '49 blizzard moved to the farm south of Paxton which they later purchased from Grandmother Bertha Barnica. Jean's hobbies included horticulture, mostly raising the newest varieties of flowers and learning their proper care. She enjoyed flower arranging, winning many awards. Jean joined the Paxton Garden Club in 1954 and continued her membership. She was superintendent of the Floral Dept. of the Keith County Fair for many years till her garden club assumed the duty under Jean's leadership. She was a member of the Ogallala Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Retired Teachers of Keith County, and the Elsie American Legion Auxiliary. Preceding her in death was her husband Merle, brother Lynn Barnica, and sister Frances Campbell. Survivors include her sister Harriet Christensen of Ogallala, two nephews: Rex (Wendy) Christensen of Keystone and Kennen (Kim) Christensen of North Platte; and three nieces: Terry Barnica of Westminster, Colo., Gail (Neil) Fischer of Arvada, Colo., and Valorie Barnica of Montrose, Colo. The family chose cremation. A Memorial Service will be Friday, June 27, at 10 a.m. in the Ogallala First United Methodist Church with Rev. Chuck Rager officiating. Inurnment is in the Ogallala Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the Ogallala First United Methodist Church, Circle Three. Friends wanting to view the service streamed live, go to methodistchurchogallala.com.

Service Information A service summary is not available