Barbara A. Sholtz-Blecha, 76 years of age from Minden, NE, formerly of Guide Rock, NE passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Kearney County Health Service-LTC in Minden. Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Minden with Rev. Tom Barnes officiating. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Guide Rock Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 4-6 p.m. at the Layton-Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Barbara was born on March 7, 1940 in Superior, NE to William and Marian (Anderson) Kottmeyer. She was one of three children. Barbara was baptized and confirmed in the Salem Lutheran Church near Superior. She attended Cadams School and graduated from Superior High School in 1957.

Barb was united in marriage to Bill Sholtz on October 18, 1959 at Salem Lutheran. This union was blessed with two daughters, Darcie and Delcie.

Together Bill and Barb owned and operated Sholtz TV and Appliance in Guide Rock where they raised their two daughters. They became members of the Guide Rock Baptist Church. Barb was active in school activities, 4-H Leader, Sunday school teacher, American Baptist Women, square dancing and served in different offices in the church. In her younger years she drove the Guide Rock Handi-Bus, enjoyed camping, sewing for friends and family, cooking and cake decorating.

Bill passed away on April 2, 2003. She then worked part time as Guide Rock Librarian until she left Guide Rock in January 2007 to move to Minden and become the wife of Ron Blecha. Barb came to love Ron's four children as her own. What a blessing!

Barb was a dedicated and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her family and Ron's family were her greatest love and enthusiasm in life. Her personality was pervaded by a strong work ethic. Memorials are suggested to the family.

Survivors include her husband, Ron of Minden; two daughters, Darcie Porter and husband, Kern of Orleans, NE and Delcie Garvin and husband, Randy of Hastings; four step children, Gail Kollars and husband, Todd, Jean James and husband, Ed, Joan Jelden and husband, Blaine and Mike Blecha and wife, Tammy; five grandchildren, Stacie Justus and husband, Matt, Sara Beins, Cassandra Olson and husband, Wes, Lindsay Gerritsen and husband, Jason and Lance Garvin and wife, Erin; two great grandchildren, Rhett Olson and Jack Gerritsen; 13 step great grandchildren, Leslie and husband, Travis, Allyissa, Julia, Brian, Kayla, Brett, Bryce, Jennifer and husband, Ryan, Katelyn, Jacob, Nathan, Matthew; two step great-great grandchildren, Lucas and Lexi; her mother, Marian Kottmeyer of Kearney; sister, Linda Carrick and husband, Joe of Sparks, Nevada and brother, Mark Kottmeyer and wife, Eileen of Kearney. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Bill and her father, William Kottmeyer.