Virginia Tewell

Virginia Elizabeth Tewell, age 101, of Hastings, Nebraska, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning March 22, 2026, with family and friends beside her at her home.

Virginia was born November 25, 1924, in York, Nebraska, to Ralph Eldsworth Cleland and Leola Catherine (Van Anda) Cleland. She spent her early childhood in Waco and later grew up in Benedict, Nebraska, where she graduated from Benedict High School in 1942. She went on to attend Barnes Business School in Denver, Colorado.

Prior to marriage, Virginia worked at the Nebraska Statehouse in Lincoln. She later devoted the majority of her life to her role as a homemaker, caring for her family and supporting her husband’s farming operation for many decades.

On August 28, 1948, Virginia married LaVern Edgar Tewell on the porch of the Stromsburg farm. The couple made their home in Trumbull, Nebraska, where they raised their family and were active members of the community for more than 60 years. Virginia spent the final 10 years of her life in Hastings.

Virginia found great joy in her faith, family, and the simple blessings of life. She enjoyed ladies Bible study, church activities, myriads of games, gardening, sewing, nature, animals, and carefully keeping many types of records. She loved being outdoors and went on many adventures with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Notoriously jumping in Lake Superior and zip lining at the Olympic Sports Park in Park City when she was in her 90’s.

She was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern Tewell; her son, Donald Tewell; a stillborn daughter; her parents, Ralph and Leola Cleland; her sister, Glenna Larson; and her brother, Eldsworth Cleland.

She is survived by her children: Duaine Tewell; Bernice (Mike) Larson; Bonita (Bill) Sichler; Lamoine Tewell; and Larry (Tonia) Tewell. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Seth Schuster, Brady Schuster, Logan Sichler, Taylor Ellsworth, Sara Fivaz, Samantha Pruschki, Nolan Tewell, Tameena Lee, and Tandra Murray; along with many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday March 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Livingston-Butler-Volland Funeral Home, 1225 North Elm Avenue in Hastings, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to holdingouthelp.org. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center is serving the family.