Virginia L. Near

Virginia L. Near, 78, of Central City, Nebraska died Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at her home. Condolences may be sent to the family atwww.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Virginia Lorene was born to Calvin and Grace (Harzman) Paxson on June 10, 1938 in Ford County, Kansas. She grew up in Ford County until the 8th grade and then moved with her family to Cheyenne Wells, CO. Virginia graduated from Cheyenne County High School. She was the first in her family to go on to and graduate university, attending Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas where she received her teaching degree. She married Harold Roger Supernaw on August 9, 1959 and the two then made their home in Salina. During their marriage, they lived in Cheyenne County, CO, Fowler, KS, back to the Salina, KS area and then to Pinconning, MI. In December of 1973 Virginia and her children moved back to Salina. On June 5, 1977 Virginia was united in marriage to Rev. Richard (Dick) Near and they made Chapman, KS their home and then lived in several other Kansas communities. Upon Dick’s retirement, the couple moved to Abilene, KS where they owned and managed the Sunflower Apartment Building until moving to Central City, NE in 2014. While living in Hillsboro, KS Virginia learned signing and worked as a translator for a deaf student. Virginia was also a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Dick of Central City; her children, Ralph (Lori) Supernaw of Central City, Cheryl (Keith) Atkinson of Berthoud, CO, Barry (Annie) Supernaw of Central City, Bradley Supernaw of Central City, David Near of Napa, CA and Laurie Near-Shockley of Eureka, KS; 21 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren,brother-in-law Marion Stout and sister-in-law Betty Anderson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth (Wanda) Paxson; and her sisters, Mildred (Robert Pinkney), Betty Stout, Rebecca (Norman) Knight, and Roberta Kline. As per her wishes, Virginia’s ashes will be returned to her childhood family farm in Ford County, KS, where her life began. Memorial donations may be made to: Merrick County Fitness Center, a facility she and Dick have much appreciated since their move to Central City, NE.

Virginia L. Near

June 10, 1938 - April 26, 2017