Martha M. Skrabal

Martha M. Skrabal, 97 years of age, of Beatrice, passed away at the Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln Monday morning, April 13, 2015. She was born on January 11, 1918 in Odell to Tony and Matilda (Zarybnicky) Shalla. She was raised on a farm near Odell and was involved in helping on the farm while growing up. She attended Glenwood Rural School District #98 and then graduated from Odell High School. Martha and Albert Skrabal were married on March 15, 1941. During the war years she worked at Dempsters in Beatrice and then followed Albert to Denver where he worked at a munitions plant until drafted into the army.

Following the war Martha and Albert were in the retail grocery business and served many wonderful customers in Steele City, Crab Orchard, Virginia, Diller, and Wilber. After retiring in Beatrice, she enjoyed her garden, cooking for family (especially fried chicken and apricot pies), and visiting with her wonderful neighbors. She was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice and had been involved with the Women's Circle; and was a former member of the Diller American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed a sharp mind and was able to live independently until one month ago.

Survivors include 2 sons; Albert Skrabal and wife Jan of Lincoln, and Edward Skrabal and wife Carmel of Columbia, MO; daughter in law Rachel Skrabal of Columbia, MO; 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; sister Olga Franzen of Beatrice; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents Tony and Matilda (Zarybnicky) Shalla; husband Albert Skrabal Sr. (2011); son Harold Skrabal (2014); and 7 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice with Reverend Charles Spence officiating. Interment will in the Odell Czech Cemetery, Odell, NE. The body will lie in state Thursday from 10-9:00 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 6-7:00, and at the church one hour preceding the service on Friday. A memorial has been established to the family's choice with the funeral home in charge. A family prayer service will be held at 1:45 PM Friday at the church. Sign Martha's online guest book at www.ghchapel.com.

These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.