Martha Lou (Schance) Applegate, 88 of Scottsbluff, Nebraska passed away Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. At her request, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral services. Fond memories and online condolences may be made by viewing Martha’s memorial page at www.dugankramer.com. Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with her arrangements.
Martha was born January 13, 1937, to Gilbert and Pearl (Winters) Schance.
Martha graduated from Hemingford High School in 1954. She then attended Chadron State College, obtaining a Teaching certificate. While Martha was teaching at a rural school in the Hemingford area, she met Stanley Applegate during a Saturday night social. Martha married Stanley, May 27, 1956. They lived and ranched in Sioux County, Nebraska. To this union 6 children were born: Sherrie, Sharon, Sue, Sally, Shirley and Joe. They enjoyed 66 years together before his passing.
In addition to her taking care of her family and ranching, Martha worked at Regional West Medical Center in the business office from 1974 until retirement in 1999. Martha was a talented and avid gardener, enjoying the outdoors whenever possible. She also relished traveling with family to Alaska, Scotland and Hawaii.
Survivors include: daughters Sherrie (Jerry) Leistritz, Sharon (Doug) Bauer, Sue (Brian) Looney, Sally (Allan) McCoy, Shirley Kreman; son Joe (Carolyn) Applegate. Grandchildren Sara (John)Fehringer, Jeff Leistritz, Andy (Sherry) Leistritz, Dustin (Emyly) Bauer, Mitch (Casandra) Bauer, Alyssa (Andrew) Fraiser, Adam (Casey Mapes) Looney, Aaron McCoy, Ashley (Taylor Mothershead) McCoy, Geoff (Lindsey Roundtree) Groskopf, Shane Groskopf, Catherine (Derrik) Conard, Matthew Applegate; 19 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers William, Robert, Gilbert; sister Doris; husband Stanley Applegate; son in-laws Gary Groskopf, Arlyn Kerman; and great grandson Timothy Fehringer.
Memorials in Martha’s name can be made to the Vine United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff or to the family to be designated at a late date.