Yuma County, Colorado
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Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Addison and Adora (Gribble) Dent, Wray




Adison is in Albia, Iowa in 1860, age 2, with Samuel Dent and his second wife Anna (Savage)(Schooley) Samuel is buried in Wayne County, Iowa # 75868781

In 1880 Decatur County, Iowa, Dora Gribble is 13, with parents Samuel Gribble 47 and Eliza 38. Mary is 17, Mable 15, Jennie 8, Frank 6, and Clide 3.

A.S. Dent, born about 1857 to Samuel Dent and Anna Savage, married Dora Gribble in Wayne County Iowa Feb 18, 1883. She was born about 1867 to Samuel Gribble and Eliza Delsaver.

In 1900 Garfield County, Nebraska, Addison Dent born May 1857 is farming, with A. Dora March 1868, Claude E. ??? 1884, Ethel Jan 1887, Mary June 1884, Nettie March 1893, Annie Nov 1895 - all in Iowa - with Samuel June 1899 Nebraska.

In 1910 Garfield County, Addison is 52, Dora 40, Mary G. 20, Anna M. 13, Nettie J. 17, Samuel L. 11, Ernest F. 6, Hildred D. 4 and Mildred B. 1.

In 1920 Hitchcock County, Nebraska, Addison is 62, Dora 52, Samuel L. 20, Ernest F. 15, Hildreth D. 13, Mildred B. 11, and Muriel D. 8.
In 1930 Yuma County, Addison is farming, 72, widowed, with Earnest 25 and Muriel D. 18.

Addison 1857-1944 # 81740951 and Adora 1867-1929 # 81740975 are buried in Wray.

February 28, 1929 " Mrs. Adora Dent, wife of Adison L. Dent, died at their home near Wray on Feb. 26, 1929. Mrs. Dent was born March 18, 1867. A more complete announcement will be made later."

"Addison L. Dent, who died August 3, 1944 at the Wray hospital, where he had been brought as a patient after suffering a paralytic stroke, was born on May 19, 1857, and was 87 years two months and 14 days old at the time of his death.
He was united in marriage to Adora Gribble on February 18, 1883, and to this union twelve children were born, two of whom preceded their father in death. The surviving children are Claude E. Dent of Burwell, Nebraska, Ethel E. Mars, Mary Neltz and Anna Miller of Wray, Ernest Dent, Muriel Biddinger at Rodeo, California, Mildred Dorrance of Crockett, California, Dorothy Meade and Nettie Barnes of Denver. There are also thirty-nine grandchildren and forty-two great grandchildren, besides less near relatives and friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Dent were pioneer settlers at Burwell, Nebraska, in 1894, and continued their residence there until 1913 when they moved to Western, Nebraska. In 1925 they came to Colorado and farmed south of Wray until 1929 when Mrs. Dent passed away. Throughout his long and useful life, Mr. Dent was highly esteemed by those who knew him and he won a host of friends who sincerely mourn his death.
Rev. D. E Palmer conducted funeral services on Sunday afternoon at the Lockwood Mortuary. A burial service waa held on Wednesday with Rev. J. T. Wheeler officiating, and burial was in Grandview cemetery."

CLAUDE

Claude "My name is Michelle Dent Roberts. My great grandfather was Claude Dent. His son Eldon was my grandfather and Robert is my father."
Claude Elmer registered for WWI in Burwell, Garfield County, Nebraska, born June 15, 1884, married to Edith May.
Claude is buried in Burwell 1884-1956 # 136620802.

NETTIE

Nettie was born March 27, 1883 in Wayne County Iowa.

In 1920 Hitchcock County, Nebraska, Janette J. is 26, Lynne A. Barnes 24 - living with Frank E. Miler 24 and Anna M. 23 - so they must be sisters.

In 1930 Denver, Lynne A. Barnes is 34, Minnesota, and interior decorator. Nettie J. 34 Iowa was married 13 years ago. Muriel A. 9, Duane A. 8 were born in Nebraska, and Lyle H. 3 in Minnesota.
In 1940 Denver, Nettie Barnes is 47 married but no spouse, with Duane 18, Lyle 13, and Gwendolyn 9, Colorado.
Lynn was living with his mother in Rochester Minnesota in 1940, married but no spouse, a painter. He was in Denver in 1935.

Lynn Barnes registered for WWII in Spokane, with Maude Dallman of Rochester, Minnesota his reference.
Lynn Arlington Barnes 1896-1949 is buried in Spokane, Washington # 144672328.

Their daughter Muriel probably married Joseph Kestel, and they're in Denver in 1940 - Joseph is a butcher, 26, Muriel 19, with Annie Nettie one month.

Duane Arlington Barnes was born April 8, 1922 in McCook Nebraska, dying August 5, 2000. He's buried in San Diego # 72103574.
Gwendolyn O'Dell born Oct 2, 1930, died August 1971. She was married to

SAMUEL

Colorado Springs July 6, 1972

Samuel Lorenzo Dent Rites Set Friday
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel for Mr. Dent, 73, who died Tuesday in his home. He was born June 26, 1899 in Burwell, Neb. and had been a resident since 1954. A veteran of World War I, he was a retired farmer. He married on Oct. 2, 1922 in McCook , Nebraska.
Survivors include his widow, Lucille Dent; a son, Paul Dent of Wray; five daughters, Ellen Mansfield of Wray, Blanche Williams of Anchorage, Alaska, Maxine Reingardt of Fort Collins, Donna McCourt of Denver;
sisters, Mary Neitz of Washington, Ninette Barnes of Denver, Mildred Dorrance of Crockett, Calif., and Muriel Biddinger of California. Chapel of Memories Mortuary is handling arrangements. Samuel is buried in Colorado Springs # 84523853.


ANNA

Anna married Frank E. Miller, and lived in Wray for many years.

MARY

Mary was in Minnesota in 1920, married to Leo "Nitz" (but some posts say he was "Earnest.")

In 1930 Yuma County Mary Neitz is 42, with Ray 19 Nebraska and Annie 16, Minnesota. She's a housekeeper for Harrison Ball 41 Nebraska.

Albert W. Neitz, 1909-1978 is buried in Fort Logan # 36083857, with Violet M. Neitz 1909-1988 # 36083858.

December 1940 " Mrs. Mae Ball suffered a broken leg when she fell on the ice last Thursday. Mrs. Ball is a patient at the Wray hospital this week."

" KENNEWICK — A funeral service for longtime Hermiston resident Muriel Myrtle Johnston will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Hermiston Assembly of God Church. Burial services will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Mrs. Johnston died March 21, 2006, at Canyon Lakes Restorative and Rehabilitation Center in Kennewick. She was 90.
She was born March 17, 1916, in Rochester, Minn., to Ernest and Mary Dent Neitz.
She worked as a cook for the Hermiston Day Care Center for many years.
Mrs. Johnston was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Johnston, in 1984.
She is survived by sons Rev. William R. Johnston of Swaziland, South Africa; Rev. Robert Johnston of Seattle; daughter Mary Lou Coleman of Issaquah, Wash.; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. "

December 1948 "Private John A. Neitz, son of Mrs. Mae Ball of 255 North R. R., Wray, Colorado, is now on duty with the 25th Mechanized Caval- i ry Reconnaissance Troop. The 25bh Reconnaissance is stationed at Osaka, Japan, and is part of the Pacific famed 25th Infantry (Tropic Lightning) Division which is commanded by Major General William B.| Kean. He has just returned to his unit from a tour of duty with the Wakayama Military Government Team -where his job was that of boat guard. Joining the army on November 18, 1946 at Denver, Colorado, he was sent to Fort Lewis, Washington for his basic training. He arrived in Japan on April 10, 1947."

Feb 1952 "Pfc. Francis L. Neitz, son of Mrs. Mae Ball of Wray, is currently assigned to Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas, as a jet mechanic student, according to a recent announcement by Colonel Ray H. Clark. Base Commander. Pfc. Neitz was transferred to Amarillo from Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He attended Wray high school."

July 1955 "A/lc Francis L. Neitz, assigned to the 479th Fighter Intercepter Squadron at Portland, Ore., has successfully completed the course of instruction at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, 25th Air Division (Defense), McChord AFB, Wash., and was graduated July 2.
He is the son of Mrs. Mae Ball of Derby. Airman Neitz was selected for attendance on the basis of being the most qualified in his organization for advancement to the grade of Staff Sergeant. He is also the holder of the American Defense Medal."

"Ruby Adelaide Polly was born on August 2, 1883 at Red Cloud, Neb. Her parents moved to Riverton, Neb., where they lived until 1902 when they moved to Maryville, Mo.
In 1903, she united with the Christian Church at Maryville, and remained faithful to her church all her remaining life. On February 15, 1913 she was united in marriage to E. R. Shelton at Maryville, moving to Wray with her husband in January 1919. They have made their home in this community since. She departed this life on December 1, 1932, at the Wray hospital after a three weeks illness.
She leaves to mourn her departure, her husband, a twin brother, R. E. Polly of Salt Lake City, other brothers, O. S. Polly of Weiser, Idaho, and W. L. Polly of Wray and one sister, Lutie B. Olson of Littleton, Colo., besides many less near relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held from the Christian Church in Wray last Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock with the Rev. Clark Bower in charge. Interment was in Grandview cemetery."

"Bob Shelton, well known farmer of northwest of Wray, and Mrs. Florence Curry were married on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 1936 at Kansas City, Missouri. They are making their home on the Shelton farm near Wray. "

January 1946 "Word has been received in Wray of the death two weeks ago of Mrs. Bob Shelton of Hayward, California. The lady is the mother of Mrs. Mae Ball of Wray. She had been ill with influenza and the complications which followed caused her death. The Shelton family lived in Wray until two years ago when they moved to the coast state."

"Funeral services for Evert Ross (Bob) Shelton, a resident of this area since 1919, were held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Lockwood Mortuary, conducted by the Reverend Archie H. Marsh, and burial followed in Grandview cemetery. Mr. Shelton, a son of George Wesley and Annie Palmer Shelton, was born near Fairbury, Neb., on June 24, 1884. He died October 2, 1956 at the age of 74 years, three months and 12 days. His mother died when he was about two years old and he went to make his home with his grandparents near Maryville, Mo., remaining there until the death of his grandmother a few years later.
He was married February 15, 1913, to Addie Polly of Maryville, Mo. They made their home in Missouri until coming to Colorado in 1919. They settled near Wray. Mrs. Shelton died on December 1, 1932. He continued his residence in this community excepting for the period during the war when he spent some time in defense work in California and a very short time when he lived in Oregon. He was one of three brothers. Chester lives near Wray. Earl died at the age of 14. In addition to his brother, survivors include two nephews, Ross Shelton of Vallejo, Calif., and Chester Shelton Jr. of Wray; a niece, Edith Howe of Denver; three half brothers, George Shelton of Nebraska City and Frank and Herbert Shelton of Hamburg, Iowa, and two half sisters, Mabel Shelton and Bertha Shelton of Salina, Kansas."

June 1954 "Mrs. Mae Ball and daughter Wanda will leave this Thursday to spend the summer with Mrs. Ball's sister at Haywood, California."

Ray is in 1940 Wray, 31, born in Nebraska, with brother Albert 33, Nebraska, divorced. Albert's sons Charles 12 and John 10 were born in Kansas. Mother Violet 57, widowed born in Iowa is with them.

August 1954 "Rev. and Mrs. Alvin Cassens of Harper, Kan., spent Saturday with the Caleb Ekbergs, and Ray and Elva Neitz and family of Sidney, Neb., were supper guests."

"Eva M. Neitz, 87, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2007, at the Hemingford, Nebraska Community Care Center surrounded by her family.
She was born Feb. 12, 1920, at Edison to Daniel and Eva B. (Hosier) Orcutt.
She grew up in Missouri and at Wray, Colo. Eva met Ray E. Neitz in December of 1940 and married him on Sept. 12, 1944, at Saint Francis, Kan., after he served in the Army during WWII.
She spent her life serving others as an in-home caregiver to families and the elderly. Eva was especially proud of obtaining her GED at the age of 68 and her 12 years of service to the mentally handicapped. She served her community by sewing and making quilts for others in need.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4, at the Congregational Church at Hemingford, with Pastor Jim West officiating. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. in the veterans' section of the Greenwood Cemetery at Sidney.

Joleen 'Jo' Gay Sample, 64, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020 at her home in Hemingford, Nebraska after a brief battle with cancer.
She was born June 9, 1955 in Sidney, Nebraska to Ray E. and Eva (Orcutt) Neitz.
She married Monte D. Sample on September 20, 1972 in Torrington, Wyoming. After their marriage, they lived in San Diego, California for the duration of Monte’s naval service. In 1976 they moved to Hemingford and at this time she was a stay at home mom and worked various jobs from time to time. She loved spending time with her family.
Jo is survived by her husband, Monte Sample of Hemingford; her daughters, Kristin (Roy) Bryner of Vienna, GA and Emily (Thomas) Linegar of South Beach, OR; sisters, Anita (Jim) Lentz of Hemingford, LaRonda (David) Minich of Hemingford and Marlinda (Dean) Rubenthaler of Gothenburg; and her brother, David (Cheryl) Neitz of Boston, MA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Clarissa (Trevor) Carter of Glenrock, WY, Colin Bryner of Rock Springs, WY, Clay Bryner of Vienna, GA, and Natalee Linegar of South Beach, OR; her great-grandchildren, Harper and Arden Carter of Glenrock, WY; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Janet Hudnall and Ila Jackson, and her infant brother, Philip Neitz.
At Joleen's request, cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time."
ALBERT NEITZ

Albert William Neitz was born June 22, 1907 at Burwell Nebraska, to Ernest Neitz and Gertrude Dent, dying July 1978.
In 1930 Cowley County, Kansas, Albert, 21, born in Nebraska, parents in Minnesota and Nebraska, is a farm laborer. May, his wife, 22, born in Oklahoma, parents in Kansas, Charles W. 20 months and John A. two months, both born in Kansas.

July 20, 1933 "Word received by Mrs. Mary Neitz from her son Albert at Cambridge, Kan., tells of the tragic death of his year old daughter, Velma. The little child was bitten by a rattle snake while playing outside on Friday afternoon and passed away Sunday. "

In 1940 Wray, Albert is divorced, 33, with Cahrles 12, John 10, and mother Violet 57 and brother Ray 31.

April 1953 Eckley items "Mrs. A1 Neitz and children were train passengers to Denver Thursday morning for medical attention and few days' visiting. "

February 1962 "Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jackson were Denver visitors from Monday until Wednesday of last week. They report that Albert Neitz, former Wray resident who had spent several years in the veterans hospital, was now operating a wrecking yard in west Denver although confined to a wheelchair."

Albert is buried in Fort Logan, # 36083857.
He might be the 1952 Eckley "Bill Neitz and Tiny Spelts have rented the Jack Peavler garage building here and are open for business for general garage work and car wrecking."

John A. Neitz, born Feb 1, 1930, died January 30, 2011, last residence Byers, Colorado.


"Charles 'Bill' William Neitz passed away peacefully of natural causes at Hillcrest Care Center in Wray CO on March 14th, 2016 at the age of 87. Bill was born on August 18th 1928 in the town of Cambridge, KS. He was the first born and the first son, of Miranda and Albert Neitz. He had 2 brothers, 2 sisters and several half siblings. Family was a very important part of his life.
Bill grew up in Laird and Wray CO and was a blessing to many communities around the area. Throughout his long life he worked at various jobs in the farming community. Bill was a very self-sufficient man who was straight forward about life. As a teenager he traveled to California and learned numerous trades. He returned to Colorado and married Betty Jean Redden on February 3rd, 1947. They had 4 children. Bill owned Neitz trucking with his sons until he retired in 1992. Being a hard working small business owner he had limited chances to travel, but enjoyed any chance he got to see other parts of the country. He was considered a jack of all trades. One of his best traits was his generosity. He would give you the shirt off his back. He found great joy in reminiscing about the past and things he had done with his beloved wife Betty.
In his last years he moved to Hillcrest Care Center. Despite his determination to stay in his homestead, once settled in Hillcrest it became his home away from home. He enjoyed recollecting with his many friends and participating in all of the various activities. The staff held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed their visits and “gossip sessions.” He was extremely thankful for the care they provided.
Bill is survived by his two daughters and his brother.
Bill has 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren some of which he had a large part in raising. He took pride in their many accomplishments.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Miranda & Albert Neitz; his wife, Betty Jean Neitz; sons, Barry Neitz & Evert 'Willy' William; his brother, John Neitz; sisters, Velma Neitz & Wanda Vasquez; and son in-law, Ron Huser.
Service will be April 1st, 2:00 p.m., at Hillcrest Care Center. Inurnment will follow the service in the Eckley Cemetery in Eckley, Colorado. "

July 29, 1948 - Mrs. Mattie Spelts "who passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Al Neitz in Wray Monday night."

Annie Neitz 1913-1932 is buried in Wray, next to grandparents Addison and Adora.
March 27, 1952 the Yuma hospital reported that Mrs. Al W. Neitz of Eckley and little twin daughters were dismissed Sunday. "
"Mr. and Mrs. Al Neitz are the happy parents of twin girls born at the Yuma hospital Tuesday."

July 1952 Mrs. Myrtle Neitz and twins Myrtle Marie and Mona Mae were injured in an accident in Morgan County. William Zwirn was killed.

August 1952 "Mrs. Myrtle Neitz returned home Sunday after several days in Denver where baby Myrtle had surgery on Wednesday."

Mrs. Hazel Zwirn was the sister of Mrs. Neitz.

1957 "Myrtle and Myrna Neitz are visiting a few days with their Aunt Hazel and cousins in Eckley."

1961 Eckley "Myrtle and Mona Neitz of Fort Morgan are visiting their aunts and uncles in this vicinity for several days."
May 1952 Hospital Dismissals include those of Mrs. Charles Neitz and baby

Everett William (Willie) Neitz, 54, of Brady, formerly of Colorado, died Saturday, April 29, 2006, in Brady. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 5 at 10 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel, Gaylon Morris officiating. A second memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 10 at 10 a.m. at Eckley Community Church in Eckley, Colo. A private family burial will follow. He was born April 24, 1952, in Wray, Colo. to Charles William and Betty Jean (Redden) Neitz. On April 16, 1977, he and Julie Brown were married in Denver, Colo. He was a truck driver.

Survivors include his wife, Julie Neitz of Brady; two sons, James Neitz and wife, Cindy, and Billy Neitz, both of Austin; his father, Bill Neitz of Eckley, Colo.; two sisters, Barbara Huser of Loveland, Colo. and Charlene Stowe and husband, Mervin, of Caldwell, Id.; a brother, Barry Neitz and wife, Jan, of Morrison, Ariz.; a grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother and a brother-in-law, Ron Huser. Memorials may be made to a favorite charity of choice.

ERNEST
Ernest F. Dent 1904-1960 is buried in Chico, California # 93044282.


MILDRED

Mildred Dent married E.T. Dorrance December 25, 1926, recorded in Yuma County.
In 1930 Yuma County, Evert Dorrance and Mildred V. are both 21, with Voyle A. 1 born in Colorado.
Voyle Addison Dorrance was born Nov 30, 1928 to Everett Dorrance and Mildred B. Dent, dying May 1978.

In 1940 Contra Costa County, California, Mildred Dorrance is 31, divorced, with Voyle A. 11 in Colorado and Dolores 8, Nebraska.

July 1941 Beecher Island items " Mildred Dorrance and children, Mr. and Mrs. William Biddinger, of Oakland, Calif., visited at the Sam Dent home and with other relatives last week."

1961 Santa Cruz "Kenneth R. Maus - bridegroom - parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Maus of Bellevue, Wash.....Among those from out of town was the bridegroom's grandmother, Mrs. Mildred Dorrance of Watsonville."

ETHEL

1932 " Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Sarnowski, Mrs. Mars and Lawrence and Sam Mars spent Wednesday evening at the Carl Brown home."


1933 "Mrs. Ethel Mars spent the week end with her daughter, Mrs. Clarence Samowski. Mrs. Mars is working at the Henry McKinney home."

February 1937 "Lawrence Mars, 23, received a jail sentence of 6 months from the justice of peace on Tuesday after a complaint of assault and battery had been placed against him for which he was tried. Mars was found guilty of assault and battery against a 14 year old Wray girl, and he received the maximum penalty of the justice court, which is a six months jail sentence or $lOO fine. Unable to pay the fine the jail sentence was given. The girl suffered a laceration above the eye .shock and hysteria from the harrowing experience."

1941 "Mr. and Mrs. Sam Dent and family, Mr. and Mrs. Mars of Montana, Mr. Mars is a nephew of Sam Dent, were supper guests at the Clarence Sarnoski home last Tuesday evening. "

MURIEL

Muriel Dent married W.A.Biddinger March 3, 1931, recorded in Yuma County.

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