Catherine E. McElroy

Catherine E. McElroy, 93, of Sidney passed away February 13, 2016 at Golden Living Center. Per her wishes, no services will be held. Cremation has taken place and private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to view Catherine’s Tribute Wall and leave condolences for the family. Memorials may be made in Catherine’s memory to the donor’s choice. Cantrell Funeral Home of Kimball is serving the McElroy family.

Catherine Evelena (Caywood) McElroy was born August 10, 1922 in Sennett Valley of Custer County, NE to Edward & Lillian Caywood. Catherine grew up in rural Broken Bow, NE before moving to Sidney and graduating from Sidney High School in 1941. After graduation Catherine worked for the Sioux Army Depot as a laborer and then was moved into the bookkeeping department because of her beautiful handwriting. She met Emmett (Mac) McElroy in Sidney, January 1945, and they were married September 23, 1946. Catherine was a receptionist for Drs. Cook & Bitner until her only child, a son, Michael, was born. In 1953, Catherine and family moved to the Keith Sprenger farm where Mac worked until September of 1961 when they moved back to Sidney to their home on Elm Street. After being a homemaker for several years she returned to work as a receptionist for the offices of Drs. Cook, Bitner & Thayer. In 1970 Mac decided it was time for Catherine to get her driver’s license, which she successfully obtained in September of that year at the age of 48. Catherine retired from Sidney Medical Clinic in July 1989, then later worked part time for her niece at Nancy Bryan’s Physical Therapy. During the years and during retirement Catherine & Mac enjoyed going to auctions, spending time with their three grandchildren, Catherine’s nearby sisters, and special friends. In 1996, Catherine & Mac celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. A special highlight came in 1999 when she braved flying to Alaska with some of her sisters to visit their cousin. In Catherine’s free time she loved to bake cookies, angel food cakes, homemade meringue pies, and her famous rolls many of which she shared with a multitude of people. She also loved to garden and was known for her canned goods.

Catherine is survived by: (1) Son Mike & wife Judy of Gurley, (2) grandsons Ryan & wife Stephanie of Kimball, Andy of Gurley, (1) granddaughter Ann of Sidney, (3) sisters Eleanor Lafler & husband Robert of Sidney, Janice Howle of Florida & Eileen Muich of Wisconsin (2) brothers James Caywood & wife Virginia of New Mexico, John Amsberry of Florida, (1) brother-in-law Lawrence “Bud” Heitz of Sargent, NE and many nieces, nephews & extended family members.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Emmett “Mac” McElroy in 1998, sisters: Edna Sprenger & husband Keith, Anna Schoolcraft & husband Jerry, Shirley Koppisch & husband Ernie, Fern Heitz, sister-in-law Joan Amsberry & brother-in-law Archie Howle.

The family thanks Golden Living Center, Dr. Dorwart, and Dr. Allard and the nurses at Sidney Regional Medical Hospital for the great care Catherine received. And a thank you to Catherine’s neighbors who kept a helpful eye on her throughout the last few years before she entered the care home.