Ilda Irene Dodson

Arapahoe, Nebraska Ilda Irene Dodson, age 101, of McCook, Nebraska formerly of Arapahoe, Nebraska, died Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Hillcrest Nursing Home, in McCook, Nebraska. She was born February 16, 1907 south of Edison, Nebraska to Clyde & Lillian (Bishop) Fleharty. After attending grade school south of Edison, Nebraska, she wanted more education, so for the next 4 years she drove a horse and buggy eight miles morning and night to Edison High School and graduated with top honors. She would go on to Kearney College, Kearney, Nebraska for a year and then became a rural school teacher. After many years of rural school, she went back to Hastings College, in Hastings, Nebraska and received her degree. She went on to teach at Deshler, Nebraska for several years. Upon retirement, she worked at Williams Brothers Dept. Store in Arapahoe, Nebraska. In January of 1950, she married Harry Dodson at her parent’s house south of Arapahoe, Nebraska. They made their home on the Dodson Farm north of Arapahoe, Nebraska. Harry passed away on October 26, 1969. Because of health problems, she would move to Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Nebraska in March of 2006. She became a member of the church at very young age and was very faithful in attendance, also teaching sunday school classes for many years. She enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, chocolate pie, and her daily walk to town. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, of Arapahoe, Nebraska. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry Dodson, & sister Madge Hill. Survivors include her sisters: Esther Farrington of Little Silver, New Jersey Gladys & husband Ray Aldrich of McCook, Nebraska Condolences or personal reflections can be left at www.wenburgfuneralhome.com. Viewing & visitation will be Tuesday, March 11, from 9 AM till 8 PM at Wenburg Funeral Home, in Arapahoe, Nebraska and prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 12, at 1:30 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Arapahoe, Nebraska with Rev. Michael Flury, officiating. Interment will be at Arapahoe Cemetery, at Arapahoe, Nebraska. Wenburg Funeral Home, of Arapahoe, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.