Esther Marie Dobbins, 96 of Stapleton, passed away February 25, 2017, at her home. Esther was born February 2, 1921 to Abraham “Earl” and Maude (Arritt) Gallington on the family homestead north of Arnold, NE. Esther completed her elementary education in a country school north of Arnold. Esther attended two years of high school in Anselmo and graduated from Arnold High School. While in high school, Esther worked at the Arnold Library and at the Arnold Theater. After high school, Esther worked northwest of Arnold, at the Britton ranch as a cook. Esther worked five years at the Gamble’s Store in Arnold while her future husband, Arthur Uphoff, was stationed for four and a half years in the Pacific during WWII. In 1946, Esther married Arthur Henry Uphoff. To this union three children were born. The family ranched northwest of Stapleton. Arthur died in 1963. In 1967, Esther married Hershel Dobbins. Hershel and his three children joined the family. The family continued northwest of Stapleton. They later relocated to a ranch east of Stapleton along the South Loup River. In addition to helping with the ranch work, Esther was an excellent cook and seamstress. Esther loved the country life, especially the Sandhills. Esther was an avid gardner and enjoyed watching things grow. She especially loved all of her family. Esther was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Arnold. She was a member of the Senior Friendship Club in Stapleton, the monthly card club, and loved going to senior meals in Stapleton to socialize with her friends. Esther is survived by son, Ronald (Kay) Uphoff of Stapleton; daughter, Deanna Uphoff-(Kendall) Allison of North Platte; daughter-in-Law, Beverly Uphoff of Omaha; stepdaughter, Janet (Vern) Boeser of Stapleton; stepson, Robert (Rita) Dobbins of Hershey; step daughter-in-law, Dotti Dobbins of Omaha; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Arthur Uphoff and Hershel Dobbins; two sisters, Vera Gallington and Edna Rutt; two brothers, Edward and Sylvester Gallington; son, Kenneth Uphoff; step-son, Willis Dobbins; and foster brother, Marion Downing. Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in Arnold and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson. com Services were held Wednesday, March 1, at Adams and Swanson’s Chapel in North Platte, NE with the Reverend Ben Eikhoff officiating. Interment was at the McCain Cemetery near Stapleton. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
