Ina Harwick

Ina Grace (South) Harwick was born in Sarles, North Dakota on June 29, 1918 to Jay and Hannah South. She passed away on May 19, 2013 at the North Platte Care Center in North Platte, NE. Her family moved to Bemidji, Minnesota where she graduated from high school in 1936. She moved to California to live with her sister and look for work. She met Paul Smith there and they were married in Las Vegas in 1941. Daughter Billie was born in California. She and Paul moved to Nebraska in 1945 and settled in Maywood in 1946, where son Dan was born. Paul passed away in 1958. Grace married V. J. (Fritz) Harder in 1966 and they lived in rural Stockville and Curtis. Fritz passed away in 1975. Grace married Kenny Harwick in 1988. Kenny passed away in 2002.

Grace worked out of her home doing laundry and ironing. She also cleaned houses and worked several years as a custodian at Sunset Haven in Curtis. She also cleaned several businesses and private homes in Curtis. She enjoyed reading and had a book by her side at the very end. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and made blankets, pillows, bean bag chairs and other items for her family and friends. She also enjoyed collecting turtles and her collection numbered over 400 in a variety of sizes. She also liked to fish and spent many hours at lakes in the area. Her greatest joy was her families.

She was preceded in death by her parents and eleven brothers and sisters. Grace is survived by her sister Laverne Whelan of Bemidji, Minnesota; daughter Billie Christensen of Littleton, CO; son Dan (Karen) Smith of Maywood, NE. Step daughter Darlene (Tedd) Hinton of Colorado Springs, CO; step daughter Lynda (Denny) Drayton of Lemon, SD and step son Fayette (Ronnie) Harwick of Alliance, NE. Grandchilden Dan Christensen of Littleton, CO; Paul (Dawn) Smith of Kansas City, MO; and Chad (Jean) Smith of Overland Park, KS. Great-grandchildren, Jessica (Ben) Vinci; Troi Christensen; Trysten Brown Christensen; Josie Smith and Gavin Smith. Great-great grandchildren Cadence, Michael and Avery Vinci, of Littleton, CO. Numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be Tuesday May 21st from 1-7 PM at the Blase-Wetzel-Strauser funeral home in Curtis NE. Private services and burial at the cemetery in Riverton, NE will be on Wednesday, May 22.

Memorials may be directed to the Curtis Public Library, 316 Center Ave, Curtis, NE 69025