Clara "Nellie" Nell Christian

Nellie C. Christian

Nellie C. Christian died Oct. 22 at Niobrara Memorial Hospital in Lusk- the 95th anniversary of her birth. Born Clara Nell ZumBrunnen on Oct. 22, 1889, daughter of Jake and Ida ZumBrunnen, Mrs. Christian was the first child born in the Pleasant Ridge Community (later called Kirtley). She was a life-long resident of Niobrara County, and the county's oldest native at the time of her death.

Nellie was educated in the schools of the community. She was married to James W. Christian April 10, 1907. They moved to a ranch on Indian Creek where they raised eight children. In 1928 they purchased the Node ranch. The couple moved to Lusk in 1936 where they opened the Lusk Sales Pavilion. During the later years of his life, Jim Christian was a horse racing enthusiast and also a pioneer irrigator.

Mr. Christian died Oct 12, 1952 and Nellie continued to live in the family home until declining health forced her to move to the nursing home. Mrs. Christian's interests were varied and very dear to her. She was an enthusiastic gardener who kept her grounds well landscaped. She was a skilled and capable cook who used her talents to make an occasion more festive or to bring comfort in a time of sadness.

She was an ardent supporter of the Congregational Church, involved in every facet of the Church's program. She belonged to Eastern Star and to the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Nellie Christian had a great interest in history of the area, and a remarkable ability to place things in their proper perspective. She often spoke and wrote with fondness of the pioneer days, when the Kirtley area was such a thriving community. But she was very realistic about the hardships and unpleasantness and prevalence of death on the frontier.

She was interested in having an accurate written record of the early days preserved. But she admitted in an article she wrote for the Diamond Jubilee Edition of the Lusk Herald in 1961, "The most interesting and valuable records, however, would be the word of mouth from the real pioneers. But the hour for that is becoming very late..."

Mrs. Christian outlived six of her eight children. Preceding her in death were her children Evelyn Knori, John Christian, Blanche Schaefer, Frank Christian, Dr. Bruce Christian and George Christian.

She is survived by two sisters Dorcas Bigelow, Scottsbluff, Edna Ammons, Denver, daughter Edith Culver and her son Charles Christian, and numerous third, fourth and fifth generation descendants.

The death of Nellie Christian is the passing of one of the last true pioneers. The life of Nellie Christian was an example of the willingness to adapt, the strength and resiliency of character that made the pioneers such a sturdy breed.

Services for Nellie Christian were held at Lusk Congregational Church in Lusk, Oct. 25, 1984 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Roy Howell officiating and Eastern Star Service. Music was Jane Bardo, organist and Mark Lohr sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Beautiful Isle."
Active pallbearers were James Knori, Bruce Culver, Keith Culver, Jay Schafer, Chris Christian and Bill St. John.

Interment was at Lusk Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Peet Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to the Congregational Church or Niobrara County Nursing Home.

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