Coralee Yvonne (Keefauver) Barrow

Coralee Yvonne (Keefauver) Barrow of Long Pine, NE passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, in her home at the age of 88, with her children at her side. 

Coralee was born February 4, 1936 (which is NOT Groundhog’s Day, a long running joke in the family), to Mabel Opal (Rockford) Keefauver and James Lebright Keefauver in Columbus, NE. Her father supported the family by share-cropping during the Depression, and the family farmed different places in Nance and Merrick counties. 

Coralee had especially fond memories of the farm on Prairie Island, south of Clarks, NE. She recalled it was there, during her senior year in high school, the family had electricity for the first time. The family never had indoor plumbing while the children were in the home. Coralee developed a strong love for animals and a gift for gardening during this time. She especially loved her African Violets.

During the Prairie Island years, Coralee and her sister listened to the Back to the Bible broadcast with Reverend Theodore Epp. It was through this radio ministry that she became a believer in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord. Her faith and scripture were particularly important to her.

In 1956, the family decided to move to Oregon. Coralee found work as a keypunch operator for State Farm Insurance in Salem, OR and became a loyal State Farm client for life. Her incredible work ethic served her well through the many years to come.

One night while out cruising with her sister Karolyn, she met two brothers, Arthur and John Barrow. After a long courtship, Coralee married Arthur Barrow on June 9, 1962, in Dallas, OR. The couple moved to Nebraska, spending their lives mostly in Platte and Brown counties. Coralee worked in the finance office of Becton Dickinson in Columbus retiring in 1995. Coralee and Art moved back to Long Pine in 2001, where they enjoyed their retirement ther, and made many close friends through their church family. Coralee especially enjoyed having her children, grandchildren, and sister so close. She really appreciated them after Art’s death in 2005.

Coralee settled into her little house in 2007, where she surrounded herself with flowers and pets. She spent much of her time reading and memorizing scripture. She loved walks on the Cowboy Trail with her dogs Archie and Zoey.

Coralee was preceded in death by her sister Norene (Keefauver) Heule, parents James and Mabel (Rockford) Keefauver, husband Arthur Barrow, and brother and sister-in-law Knole and Daralee Keefauver. She is survived by her children, Aaron (Jen) Barrow of Blair, NE, Joel (Pam) Barrow of Long Pine and Miriam (Stan) McNabb of Long Pine, as well as 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and her dear sister Karolyn (Jim) King of Long Pine. 

Funeral Services were held Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the Evangelical Free Church in Ainsworth, officiated by Pastor Charles Kieffer. CD Selections “Till the Storm Passes By” by Gaither Vocal Band, “One Day” by Matt Redman and “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” by Alan Jackson were played. The obituary was read by Aaron Barrow. Casketbearers were: Michael Barrow, Baylor Barrow, Matthew Barrow, Jonathan Barrow, Benjamin Barrow and Joshua McNabb. Graveside Services followed on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbus. Memorials were suggested to Camp Witness or the family in Coralee’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.