Charlain (Chuck) White, age 81, of Ashby, Nebraska, passed away on Aug. 22, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Chuck was born on Sept.
23, 1943, in Alliance, Nebraska, to Clifford and Jewell ‘Beem’ Ferguson. She spent her childhood on the family ranch north of Ashby, where she developed the strong values and work ethic that shaped her life. Chuck attended grade school in Ashby and went on to graduate from Hyannis High School in 1961.
During her school years, she made Girls State and was a member of the state volleyball team.
In 1962, she married Butch White at the United Church of Christ. They made their home in Whitman, Nebraska, where they worked for Jack Lowe.
From 1962 to 1964, Chuck played volleyball and softball for the Hyannis town team.
In 1968, Butch and Chuck moved to the Shadbolt Ranch north of Ashby. Chuck cooked for the ranch, hay crew and sometimes for the road crew.
No matter where they lived, she always took pride in caring for her yard as well.
In 1995, they leased a ranch near Antioch, Nebraska, where they stayed until 2006. That same year, they moved to the Black Ranches. Chuck cooked for the ranch crews and at the Black Ranches Bull Sale, where her homemade meals became well known and appreciated.
In 2013, Butch and Chuck retired in Ashby. From 2022 through 2024, Chuck worked part-time cooking for Hyannis Area Schools. She enjoyed helping in the kitchen and being around the students.
Family was the center of Chuck’s life. She loved hosting meals, bringing everyone together, and spending time with her siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She rarely missed a school activity, ball game, recital or rodeo her family were a part of. Chuck was and always will be a beloved part of the family.
Chuck is survived by her husband of 63 years Butch; daughters Ronda White of Hyannis and K.C. (Chad) Schaack of Hyannis; granddaughters Courtney (Wayne Sweet) Sheets, Bailey (Jessie) Hefner of Hyannis, and Brandy (Lane) Day of Chadron; greatgranddaughters Scarlett and Clarissa Sweet, and Bexley and Brinley Hefner; and greatgrandson Luke Day. She is also survived by sisters Melly (Dave) Sexson of Gordon, Lola (Scott) Webster of Manitoba, Canada, Lora (George) Jenkins of Mullen, and Jan Burges of Ashby; brothers Joe Ferguson of Scottsbluff, Ted (Tricia) Ferguson of Ashby, and Lee Ferguson of Hyannis; brothersin- law Fred Michael and Glen Kerrigan; brother-in-law Tom (Ellen) White of Ogallala; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mabel Michael, Judy Burton, and Carol Kerrigan; sister-in-law Barb Ferguson; and brother-inlaw Lyle Burton.
A dinner in honor of Chuck’s memory, which she thoughtfully planned herself, will be held from 12:00-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at the Hyannis Winters Building. Planning this final meal reflected her love of bringing people together around food, something she did throughout her life. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the UCC Church with Kevin Burton of Scottsbluff officiating. Following the service, cookies will be served at the Winters Building. Inurnment will take place at the Hyannis Cemetery.
Honoring Chuck’s wishes, a memorial fund has been created in her name. Rather than flowers, she hoped that any gifts would be given to the ‘Chuck White Memorial Fund,’ which she thoughtfully planned to support others facing cancer.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.