Carol Jean Lombard, 61, of Lincoln Ne, passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side, Monday September 7, 2015 shortly after being diagnosed with an aggressive and rare type of cancer. Carol was born September 20th 1953 in Sioux City Iowa to Paul and Della Mae Lombard. Carol attended and graduated from Ashland high school in 1971. Immediately after graduation Carol headed to Columbus Ne where she attended Platte College School of Nursing where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Carol started her career at Lincoln General Hospital (Now Bryan Memorial West) working in Orthopedics. She left after a couple years to practice nursing in New Orleans, Louisiana. She returned to Nebraska and Bryan Memorial a few years later, where she quickly found her calling in Mental Health. She was a valued nurse on the Adult Mental Health unit for over 30 years. Some of the comments her peers have made to her supervisor over the years include; “Carol is always helpful to me. She is always checking to see if I need any help”,“ If my patients need something, she just does it and tells me later”, “Carol is the nurse I want to take care of my mother, if she is ever in the hospital”, “Carol is a great resource person, she always has the answers to my questions”. She has been a mentor to many new nurses, and is known as an all around kick ass lady. Carol is one of the first Mental Health Nurses to be the recipient of the prestigious DAISY award. Patients often had positive things to share about the care they received from her. She showed great patience, took her time with them, she listened to them, and she talked to them like they were individuals and not just another patient. Carol demonstrated each shift and every shift kindness, selflessness, comforting, compassionate, nurturing, patient advocate, teamwork, and commitment. Carol enjoyed a few free spirited years in New Orleans before settling down in Lincoln where she singlehandedly raised her only child, Amanda. She may have only had one child, but she was a mom to many. She often kept her cupboards stocked with favorite foods of friends who frequently visited, and always welcomed others into her home. If the weather was nice her weekends off usually consisted of camping trips with Amanda and friends. She was a Girl Scout co-leader for many years, and was active in many of Amanda’s activities throughout school. When grandchildren came into the picture, she spent many days off watching her granddaughters, where she kept them busy with crafts, baking and outings; she was proud of her family and always had pictures to show off. Carol was a highly skilled cake decorator; she has made several unique birthday cakes, and gorgeous wedding and anniversary cakes. Carol had many hobbies and talents including sewing, photography, and painting. With the support of Tabitha hospice, Carol was the main caretaker for both her father and her mother so they could remain in their home when they became terminally ill. In 2011 Carol was diagnosed with Cervical Cancer which she fought hard and beat. She went through chemo, radiation and a couple major surgeries all while working full time, missing a few days here and there, with only long periods of time off after surgery. Carol unknowingly worked her last shift 19 days before her death. During her first battle with Cancer she joined a lifespring support group and formed lifelong friendships with others going through the same battles, Carol is the second one in this small group of brave ladies to lose her battle to Cancer. Carol also became a highly active supporter of the American Cancer Society’s relay for life, raising money and participating in annual relay events.

Rodney Alan Greif, 60, of Lincoln, passed away 9/5/15. Born Des Moines, IA on 1/29/55 Owner/Operator of his own remodeling business for 35 years; Perfection, for Rodney, was his trademark. Rodney loved children, animals, and Nascar. Family includes, wife of 30 years, Ginger; children, Lisa, Eric, and Lon; mother, Nancy; sister Julie; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great customers. Preceded in death by, step-father, Don and grandparents, Lawrence and Mildred.