Barbara Porter, 81, of Alma

Barbara Porter, 81, of Alma
November 15, 1939 - January 30, 2021

     Funeral Service for Barbara A. Porter will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Alma, Nebraska, with Pastor Jason Bonnicksen and Mr. Gary Janssen officiating.  Following the service, interment will be held at the Alma Cemetery in Alma, Nebraska we will also hold the inurnment for her late husband Max Porter who passed on November 3, 2020.

     Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services and Gatherings will be followed.  The Casper family sincerely encourage each person to make their decision whether to attend Barbara’s services, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.  Barbara’s funeral service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622)  

     Barbara Ann (Casper) Porter, 81 years of age, of Alma, passed away on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.  Barbara was born on November 15, 1939, in rural Harlan County, Nebraska, the 6th of 12 children, born to Frank H. and Edna M. (Bear) Casper. Barbara attended District 8 school through the sixth grade, and then attended and graduated from Alma High School, with the class of 1958. During high school, she enjoyed working as a nurse’s aid at the Alma Hospital. 

     Barbara was employed by the City of Alma as deputy clerk, and later served as the deputy county assessor for Harlan County, until she began working at Kansas-Nebraska Gas Company until her retirement.

     On May 4, 1980, Barbara was united in marriage to Max Porter in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Chapel of the Bells. She then gladly accepted the role as step-mother for Max’s children:  Jerre, Jeanette, and Jennifer.  The couple made their home in Phillipsburg until 2007, when they moved to Alma. Together, the couple enjoyed attending Nebraska football and volleyball games, and traveling, especially to:  Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and Wales. She was a history buff, so seeing these beautiful countries and cities was special for her.

     Barbara was an avid reader and enjoyed collecting Hummels and bird figurines. But most of all, Barbara loved spending time with her family. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Phillipsburg and the Peace Lutheran Church in Alma.

     Besides her husband and parents, Barbara was preceded in death by; her brother, Don Casper.

     Barbara leaves to celebrate her life; six brothers: Ray Casper and his wife, Rita of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; Dave Casper and his wife, Alida of Mannford, Oklahoma; Robert Casper and his wife, Judy of Lancaster, California; and Richard Casper and his wife, Bea of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; Ron Casper and his wife, Kathy of Lincoln, Nebraska; Larry Casper of Alma; four sisters: Linda Vincent and her husband, Loyal of Omaha, Nebraska; Sharon Crawford and her husband, Doug of Alma; Shirley Casper of Alma; and Cathy House and her husband Douglas of Alma; step-son, Jerre Porter and his wife, Kayleen Logan of Rock Springs, Wyoming; two step-daughters: Jeanette Marfield and her husband, Jim of Platte City, Missouri; and Jennifer Byarlay and her husband, Doug of Randolph, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

     Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Alma. 

     A memorial has been established in Barbara’s honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

     Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com 

     The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.