Lorence Ray Phillips, 95, passed away October 16, 2025 at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska.
He was born April 17, 1930 at his Grandma Phillips’ farm west of Hemingford, Nebraska to Ray F. and E. Irene (Reigle) Phillips. He attended rural school through the 8th grade and high school at Hemingford Public Schools, graduating in 1950. In the summer of 1952 Lorence and his Dad did custom wheat harvesting starting in Kansas going all the way up to North Dakota. One of the farmers they harvested for around Dickinson, North Dakota was Adolph and Emma Ficek. The Ficek’s had a beautiful daughter, Eleanor. After a 5 year long distance courtship Lorence and Eleanor were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson on June 25, 1957. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary before Eleanor’s passing in 2022. Together they worked side by side to build their dream west of Hemingford. They had one daughter, Peggy Ann, who was born May 14, 1959.
Lorence leaves a legacy for his family of hard work, dedication, loyalty and never knowing a stranger. He volunteered many hours to the Hemingford community from helping his friend, Doyle Dyer, to planting trees at the Box Butte County Fair, to helping set up the Hemingford Christmas Diorama. For over 65 years, Lorence and Eleanor were members of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church and helped with many funeral dinners. While still able to drive, Lorence frequently was found in Hemingford visiting his many friends. He was a huge Hemingford Bobcat supporter, attending many volleyball and basketball games.
Lorence was preceded in death by his loving wife, Eleanor; his parents, Ray and Irene Phillips; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Adolph and Emma Ficek; and his brother-in-law, Adolph C. Ficek.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Terry Jensen of Alliance, Nebraska; grandchildren, Scott and Ericka Barber of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Michelle and Kurt Garrett of Alliance, Nebraska and Hope and Mason Nicklaus of Amarillo, Texas; great-grandchildren, Kayla Barber and fiancé’ Jarrod Ballard, Scott Barber, Jr. and fiancé’ Isabella Green, Aubrey and James Larson, Austin Garrett and girlfriend Zoe Cole, Nash Nicklaus and Maley Nicklaus; and great-great grandson, Casen Barber. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Arlee and Betty Phillips of Hemingford, Nebraska, his sister-in-law, Carina Ficek of Dickinson, North Dakota, along with numerous nieces and nephews and his special cat Freckles.
A Rosary service will be Monday, October 20th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church followed by a time to share stories and memories of Lorence and to visit with his family. Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 21st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.
A special thank-you to the staff at Box Butte General Hospital for their compassionate care.
Lorence was such a strong supporter of Hemingford so memorials may be sent to Hemingford Community Foundation, P.O. Box 444, Hemingford, NE 69348 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.