Orville A. Vass

May 17, 1950 - January 12, 2017

ORVILLE ALLEN VASS, 66 of Big Springs, NE, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the Sterling Regional MedCenter in Sterling, CO. Orville was born May 17, 1950 at Chappell, Nebraska to Henry and Pauline (Sauer) Vass. Orville was raised on a farm and was active in 4-H. Orville attended Chappell High School, where he was a member of the graduating class of 1969. Following high school. Orville joined the Army National Guard, which would eventually bring him to Sidney, where he met Donna Schmidt. Orville and Donna were married on August 14, 1971 in Sidney, where the couple made their home for a year before moving to Big Springs. Their union was blessed with 3 children, Bryan, Billie Jo and Brooke. Orville had worked for area farmers in a career in agriculture that spanned over 40 years. Orville loved the Lord, and was a 55 year member of the United Methodist Church. He was actively involved in his church, and served on various committees. Orville was a kindhearted man, always willing to give a helping hand and cherishing time spent with his family. He was also known to be an avid Husker football fan. Orville was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, LeRoy and Kathryn Schmidt; sisters-in-law, Velma Jean Vass, Norma Goldtrap; brother-in-law, Bob Goldtrap; and a great niece, Katie Maestas. Survivors include his wife, Donna Vass of Big Springs; son, Bryan Vass (Angel Tomlinson) of Gillette, WY; 2 daughters, Billie Jo (David) Benge of Imperial, Brooke Vass (James Ringler) of Lincoln; 2 granddaughters, Brittanie and Ashlie Benge of Imperial; 2 brothers, Eugene Vass of Big Springs, Harold (Janet) Vass of Gothenburg; sisters-in-law, Ruth (Kent) Wimmer of Greeley, CO, Mary Day of Roswell, NM; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorials are suggested to the Big Springs United Methodist Church or the Big Springs Volunteer Fire Department in his memory. Condolences can be shared online at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend. Services will be held on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 11am at the Big Springs United Methodist Church with Pastor Bun Koo Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the Big Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 15th from 5pm to 7pm at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.