Celia Kay Whitford of Milford was born Sept. 9, 1948, to Verlin K. and Doris K. (Helmberger) Peterson in Mitchell, South Dakota. She attended O’Neill High School in O’Neill, graduating in 1966. Following high school, Celia attended college at West-Nebraska Regional Hospital School of Nursing in Scottsbluff and received her Registered Nursing degree. On May 23, 1970, Celia was united in marriage to Alan R. Whitford at Calvary Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff. In her free time, Celia was an avidly prolific reader. She enjoyed cooking and counted cross stitch. More than anything, she loved being a grandma and spending time with all of her grandchildren.
Celia passed away Dec. 12, 2020, in Lincoln, at the age of 72 years, 3 months and 3 days. She is survived by her husband, Alan R. Whitford, Milford; children, Erik (Kori) Whitford, Milford, and Shane (Deena) Whitford, Milford; grandchildren, Kari Whitford, Zoey Whitford, Layla Whitford, Jayse Whitford, Xander Whitford, Celaren Whitford, Liam Whitford and Cordelia Whitford; sister, Debi (Steve) Dunn, Stella; brothers, Earl (Belinda) Peterson, Beresford, South Dakota, and Michael (Lisa) Peterson, Eagle; and many nieces and nephews. Celia was preceded in death by her parents, Verlin Peterson and Doris Ziska.
Visitation is from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Volzke Funeral Home in Seward. Funeral service is at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Milford with interment at Blue Mound Cemetery in Milford. Memorial contributions are suggested to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Milford or the donor's choice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.volzkefuneralhome.com.
