Dwana R. Christy age 88 of Sidney, NE passed away December 2, 2021, in Loveland, Colorado.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 10:30 am at the Grandview Cemetery in Anselmo, NE with Don Schauda officiating.
Dwana Rae (Axtell) Christy was born to Forrest and Edna Axtell on Dec. 11, 1932, at the Axtell Ranch two miles from Anselmo.
She grew up in the Sandhills of Nebraska during the Great Depression. She was raised with her big brother Gene and younger sisters Wanda and Mary on the family ranch. Life was not easy, but it was a lifestyle that helped Dwana develop an appreciation of “the simple things.”
Dwana married William Stephen Christy on Dec. 21,1952. Although they grew up five miles apart, they did not meet until they attended high school in Anselmo. They both attended Kearney State Teachers College prior to returning to the Sandhills to teach at country schools.
After the birth of their daughter, Pamela Rae, Dwana became a full-time homemaker and daughter Penny Lynn arrived three years later. Bill and Dwana moved their family of four to Sidney in 1961 after Bill accepted a teaching job there. Daughter Terri Jo was born the next year.
Sidney became Bill and Dwana’s permanent home. Dwana raised the girls, being a strong and stable support for Bill and his dual careers as a teacher and his 1ise to Brigadier General for the National Guard. She was awarded The Order of Molly Pitcher as she “Distinguished herself through faithful and devoted and patriotic service to the Nebraska National Guard.”
When her children were older, Dwana worked as a dental assistant, a librarian assistant and helped with special needs children at Sidney High School. Dwana was much loved by her students. As one friend noted, “Dwana was always kind to the children and knew exactly what they needed.”
After Bill passed away in 2019, Dwana continued to be the link between Bill, the family and earthly affairs. She remained independent until her passing.
Dwana and Bill were beloved as caring and generous members of their family and communities. They did not know a stranger and were a help to many in time of need.
