Sidney L. Spencer

February 9, 1928 - May 8, 2017

SIDNEY "SID" L. SPENCER, 89 of Ogallala, passed away Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Ogallala Community Hospital. Sidney was born February 9, 1928 at Hyannis, Nebraska to the Burton Spencer family. Difficult life circumstances led to Sidney being raised by an aunt in Alliance, where he attended school. On September 24, 1948, Sidney married Harriet Creason at Broadwater, Nebraska. The couple made their home in the Broadwater and Bridgeport areas where they both worked at Rush Creek Land and Livestock. Their union was blessed with 4 children, Wendell, Art, Colleen & Mickey. In the late 1950's, Sid and his family moved to Hyannis, where he worked in ranching. In many ways, the ranching lifestyle was imprinted on Sid's life, defining the type of man he was. He was an archetypal rancher, hard-working, tough and wily. His years of experience allowed for him to make meaningful contributions to the ranches he worked on, most notably the Henderson Ranch. Despite his expertise, Sid had a way of wearing humility like a favorite old hat, which was quite endearing. As a result, Sid earned the respect and friendship of much of the ranching community of the area. At the age of 62, Sid transitioned from full-time ranching to open a tack shop in Hyannis. It wasn't long before his work rebuilding saddles and bridles earned him a healthy following. Sid would fully retire about 10 years later. In later years, Sid and Harriet resided in Sutherland. Following his wife's passing in 2013, Sid moved to Ogallala. In addition to his wife, Sid was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Wendell Spencer. Survivors include his 2 sons, Mickey Spencer and his fiance Anita Wagner, and Art Spencer, all of Hyannis; daughter, Colleen (Rick) Cerny of Gordon; 12 grandchildren; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; brother, Bernard (Francis) Spencer of Hyannis; along with many other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. Memorial services will be Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 2pm at the Winter Building in Hyannis, NE. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.