Elsie Grubaugh, wife of Marvin Grubaugh, founding members of the Nebraska Auctioneers Association, passed away at age 89 December 8, 2010 at the Cottonwood House in Columbus, Nebraska.
Elsie Grubaugh was born October 27, 1921 in Geneva, Nebraska to Roy and Zella (Baldwin) Rakestraw. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1939 and then graduated from the Midwest Beauty Academy in Lincoln. On February 6, 1951 Elsie married Marvin Grubaugh. She was a beautician in Geneva, Osceola, Rising City and David City and worked at the David City Hospital for 3 years. On April 14, 1982 Marvin passed away. In 1986 Elsie moved to Columbus where she worked at the Columbus Community Hospital for 16 years. In 1995 Elsie received the Caring Kind Award from the Nebraska Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. In 2007 Elsie moved to the Cottonwood House where she was a volunteer bell ringer. Elsie was a member of St. Anthony Church, St. Theresa Sodality, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and a lifetime member of the Nebraska Auctioneers Association Auxiliary. She was an active member of the Nebraska Democratic Association and was part owner of Grubaugh Bros. Auctioneer in David City.
Husband Marvin J. Grubaugh was honored and inducted into the Nebraska Auctioneers Hall of Fame at the 2010 Nebraska Auctioneers Associaton Convention.
Elsie is survived by: Son: Rick Grubaugh of Columbus, NE, Daughter: Connie Grubaugh of Henderson, NV, Daughter: Gayle (Terry) Hughes of Gretna, NE, Sister: Elva Robbins of West Liberty, IA, Granddaughter: Jena Grubaugh of Columbus, NE and Granddaughter: Stacy Hughes of Omaha, NE.
She was preceded in death by: Parents: Roy & Zella Rakestraw, Brothers and Sisters: Mildred Ruhl, Lois Hlina, Nellie Fiddler, Myrle Rakestraw, William “Shorty” Rakestraw, Inlaws: Dick & Carol Grubaugh, Al & Bess Grubaugh, Marie & Oz Gerlinger.
Memorials may be directed to Scotus Central High School or the American Diabetes Association.
Funeral Service is 11:00 AM, Monday, December 13, 2010 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 562 17th Ave., Columbus, NE. Visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 12, 2010 at McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, NE. Visititation will continue Monday morning from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. also at the funeral home. Interment: St. Mary’s Cemetery, David City, NE.
Celebration of Life: 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 12, 2010, McKown Funeral Home, Columbus, NE