Willa Mae Hawkinson

Willa Mae (Wagner) Hawkinson passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at the age of 90 in McCook, NE.

Willa Mae was born July 10, 1933, in Culbertson, Nebraska, the daughter of William Wagner and Clara (Wacker) Wagner. She lived on a farm until the age of 11 when the family moved into the village of Culbertson.  The family also included brothers, Billy Jr., Jerry Lee and sister Elizabeth.

Her education was at the Culbertson public schools, where she graduated at the age of 16.  She attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska where she studied secretarial courses for one year.  Most of her adult life she was employed as a secretary. She worked in the law office of Morrison & Grover and the Bureau of Reclamation, both in McCook and the Social Security Administration in Scottsbluff.  In Trenton she worked at the Farmer’s Co-op, for attorney Jack H. Hendrix, and for the County of Hitchcock in the County Clerk’s office for 24 years.

Willa Mae and Arthur Hawkinson were married in Culbertson on April 17, 1955.  Most of their married life they lived in the community of Stratton.  Their children are Dianne Michelle Shafer, and Curtis Ray Hawkinson.  Chris Reid, who is like a son to them, is also part of their family. Willa Mae’s father, William, lived with them for several years.

Willa Mae was active in many activities in the community including the Woman’s Club, Buzzin Dozen Extension Club, and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She served in several offices in those organizations.  She was involved in community fund drives and served on the election board and the Community Improvement group.  She was also part of a birthday group and card club.

Willa Mae became a member of the Culbertson Evangelical United Brethren Church on March 30, 1947, and transferred her membership to The Community United Methodist Church in Stratton on October 30, 1960.  This church was a big part of her life. She served as Chairperson of the Board, Sunday School Superintendent, financial secretary, and on many committees.  She also sang in the choir and served as a delegate two years to the annual conference.

Willa Mae and Art enjoyed working and traveling together.  They traveled to 49 states and to Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.  They also enjoyed square dancing, boating, and water skiing. In later years they enjoyed long trips in their travel trailer.  They lived in Culbertson, Pueblo, CO, McCook, Gering, Stratton, and Grove, OK.  Her marriage, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren brought much joy to her life.

Willa Mae was preceded in death by her parents Clara in 1954 and William in 1983 and brothers Billy Junior in 1928 and Jerry Lee in 1935, as well as daughter in law Kathy Reid.

She is survived by her husband Art Hawkinson of McCook, NE, children Dianne Shafer and husband Rick of McCook, NE, Curtis Hawkinson and partner Sheila Schmidt of Wilsonville, OR, and Chris Reid of McCook, NE, her sister Elizabeth Kisner of Kimberling City, MO, grandchildren Bryan Shafer and wife Alicia of Garden City, KS, Todd Shafer and wife Deidre of McCook, NE, Dr. Lila Hawkinson of Portland, OR, and Vivian Hawkinson of New Haven, CT.  She is also survived by 9 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.