June Ellen Crofutt, age 96 of Keystone, NE, died Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala, NE
June Ellen Crofutt was born June 29, 1928, in Keystone, at the home of her parents, August Henry Blomenkamp and Marie Julia (Irwin) Blomenkamp.
June attended grade school at Liberty Knoll Rural School near her home. She was a member of the last graduating class at Keystone High School in 1945. After graduation, she attended a 16-week Teacher Education Training at Kearney.
She taught for one semester in rural Keith County before accepting a teaching position at Ted McGinley's Red Deer Ranch near Valentine. It was there that she met her best friend and true love, Paul Crofutt. Paul and June eloped and were married at Scottsbluff in 1946. Their friendship and partnership continued for 74 years.
Their first home was on the Ralph Hawkins ranch at Keystone. In 1949, they moved to Keystone, where they operated the Central Office of the Keystone Arthur Telephone Company. The switchboard was in their home and open for business twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They operated it for four years.
During this time, the young couple purchased their first land, a quarter section northwest of Keystone known as the "Hans Thompson place." They moved to the farm in 1952 with two small children to a two-room house, so a building project was in order. The first addition was completed with the addition of two more children. More buildings were necessary to accommodate a fifth.
Paul and June purchased the "Berquist" place in 1961 and moved to a much larger house there. Paul and June farmed and ranched north of Keystone for 60+ years. They raised 5 children and always had room for a few more.
June was the Postmaster in Keystone for many years, retiring in 1991.
In 2003, June and Paul sold part of the place to Ron and Lea Ann Graham, which allowed them to return to their original land purchase to enjoy their retirement.
June was active in her community, a longtime member of the Keystone Library Club and Key Club, a leader of 4-H, Ladies Aid, and the Historical Society. She was a member of the Keystone Presbyterian Church and was ordained as an Elder.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 23rd,2025, at 10:00 AM, at the Presbyterian Church in Keystone, NE, with Ron Jay Officiating.
After the service, the family invites you to stay for a picnic at June's request. Bring your lawn chairs, a dish is optional but not necessary.
She is survived by her children, Paula Crofutt (Thom Barkes) of Port Townsend, WA, Sally Crofutt (Larry Green) of Bayside, TX, Larry Crofutt of Bayside, TX, and Mary Lou Crofutt (David Peterson) of Keystone; daughters in law, Rosalee Crofutt and Marcia Crofutt; sister Virginia (Don) Dedmore of Prescott, AZ; grandchildren, Kevin, Jesse, Ross, and Walt Crofutt, Joellen (Ben) Clark, Hillary Green (Sunjay Lal), and Kelly Sue O'Brien (Matt Reichert); and great granddaughter Avy Clark.
June was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, her parents, son Wayne Crofutt, son-in-law Jimmy O'Brien, and sisters Judy Peterson and Nancy Hultquist.
Memorials are suggested to Keystone Presbyterian Church, Keystone Library, or to the donor's choice.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences may be left by going to www.drauckerfh.com.
Services will be live-streamed and can be watched by going to www.drauckerfh.com.