Funeral services for 94-year old Veda Raben of Crawford, NE, are Wed, Dec 27, 2023 at 2:00 at Christ Community Church in Crawford with with Pastors Steve Mallery and Vaughn Fahrenbruck officiating.
A Memorial has been established for Ponderosa Villa in Crawford and the Crawford Rescue Unit. Flowers and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Veda Ann (Scholz) Raben was born in rural Chambers, NE, on March 31, 1929 during the Great Depression. She went to be with Jesus on Dec 17, 2023 at Ponderosa Villa in Crawford.
Veda was the second of six children born to Ellis and Hattie Scholz. Growing up with no electricity or running water and having a father who was ill, she learned to work hard at a very young age.
She attended rural school and graduated from the 8th grade at the age of 13 when she left home to begin working – first as a housekeeper and later as a nurse’s aide.
After traveling to Crawford, she was hired to work at the Crawford Hospital for Dr Ivans. It was at the hospital that she met her husband, Jimmie Raben. He was a patient there after injuring his eye during the ’49 blizzard.
Jim and Veda were married at the Raben Ranch on April 15, 1951, and except for a couple years spent in Oerichs, SD, Veda resided at the ranch until 2018 when she moved to the Ponderosa Settlement. She later moved into the Ponderosa Villa, where she remained until her death.
Jim and Veda were married for 61 years until his passing in 2012. To their union were born four children: Alice (Paul) Dubs of Ashby, NE; Vicki (Bruce) Troester of Marsland, NE; Fred (Julie) Raben of Whitney, NE; and Gregg (Cathy) Raben of Crawford.
In addition to caring for her four children, Veda was always busy with ranch life chores such as milking cows, butchering chickens, growing a large garden, canning, sewing, and making homemade butter, jellies and jams.
Veda loved to cook and bake, and was famous for her homemade bread and butterhorn rolls which she often shared with her neighbors, friends and would take to community events.
As a wheat farmer, Veda learned the unique gift of weaving wheat into beautiful creations of dolls, wreaths, crosses and hearts and enjoyed participating in craft fairs.
She loved the opportunity to demonstrate her skills to various groups and gatherings. Her other hobbies included gardening, embroidering, and decorating felt Christmas stocking.
Veda was involved in many activities including 4-H leader, Circle of Friends, HOA Club, Chadron Christian Connection, Dawes County Fair Superintendent, Gideons International Auxiliary, and an active member of the Crawford Church of the Nazarene for many years.
Veda had a servant’s heart and a special way with children, making them feel valued, loved, and safe. Her love and faith in God was demonstrated best by her positive outlook and how she served those she loved.
Above all, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her most cherished treasures.
Veda was preceded in death by her husband, Jim. and her grandson, Lane Troester.
She is survived by her sister, Ruby Burkhalter of Colorado, 4 children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren.