Keith Gartrell
Keith Arvene Gartrell, of Wallace, passed away November 26, 2020, at Perkins County Health Services in Grant.
Keith was born May 13, 1946, to Ernest and Bonnie (Trusty) Gartrell. He attended grade school in Dickens and graduated from Wallace High School with the class of 1965.
On August 14, 1966, Keith married Janet Culver at Elsie, Neb. Their union was blessed with four children, David, Melinda “Bender,” Daniel “Buster” and Tonya. The couple made their home in Gothenburg for a few years, where Keith worked for the State Department of Roads. They later moved to Hayes Center before moving to Dickens in 1977, where Keith worked in ranching. In 1996, they moved to the Strawder Ranch, before moving into Wallace in 2009.
Other than his years spent on a road grader, Keith spent most of his life and career working in ranching and agriculture. He had worked at Kellogg Elevator, Southwest Feeders, Oppliger Feeders and the North Platte Feed Lot, in addition to day labor for many of the area ranchers. Keith served as the local Brand Inspector for many years.
Keith was a longtime member of 4-H. He was a Junior Leader in 1963. He was a Horse 4-H Leader for nearly 30 years. Keith was a longtime member of the Wallace & Wellfleet Roping Clubs and was honored with the Old Timer belt buckle in 2005. He was part of the effort to build both the old and new Wallace Roping Arenas.
Keith was a Hunter’s Safety Instructor for over 30 years. He was a recipient of the Good Neighbor Award from the Wallace Community in 2019. Keith was a treasured member of the “Creek Crew.”
Keith was a member of the Masons, being elevated to Master Mason in 1990 and serving as Lodge Master for several years.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, Keith and Margaret Culver, and a brother-in-law, Eldon Adams.
Survivors include his wife, Janet of Wallace; children, David (Barbara) Gartrell, Melinda ‘Bender” Gartrell, Daniel “Buster” (Shawn) Gartrell, Tonya Anders (Royce Kennicutt); grandchildren, Derek Gartrell, Dustin Gartrell, Ethen (Karen) Scott, Lane Scott, Shane Anders, Bethann (Travis) German, Bridgett Anders, Dalton Gartrell, Kaden Scott and Conner Kennicutt; great-grandchildren, Kamaron German, Sawyer and Owen Scott; brothers, Ken (Irvaleen) Gartrell, Dennis (Becky)Gartrell, Matt (Kelli) Gartrell; siblings-in-law, John (Jane) Culver, Genice (Mike) Berry; special friends, Dick and Teresa Pratt; along with many loved relatives and wonderful friends, human and animal.
A memorial has been established in Keith’s memory for later designation. Condolences and memories may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where a recording of the services will be posted.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 4, 2020, at 2 p.m. CT at the Dickens Cemetery with Pastor Dan Wetzel officiating.
Visitation will be on Thursday, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. MT at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant. Masks are strongly encouraged.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.