Celia Barth

1925 - 2025

Celia Sandoz Ostrander Barth, died August 22, 2025 at Pioneer Manor in Hay Springs, NE at the age of 99 years, a week away from turning 100. She was born August 30, 1925, the eldest child of 3 in Rushville, NE to Jules Alexander Sandoz and Mary Matilda "Kicken" Sandoz. Her parents ranched in Sheridan and Cherry Counties; and she attended rural school nearby. Celia graduated from Gordon High School in 1946 and went on to Chadron State College where she received her teaching certificate; and she taught in rural sandhill schools before she married. On May 19, 1951 she married Orville Lester Ostrander in Scottsbluff, NE. The couple made their home in White Valley south of Gordon for 8 years. Four children were born: Jules, Mary, Cash, and Myrtle. On May 1, 1959 the family moved to the Pine Creek Ranch south of Rushville, One more daughter, Marlene, was born here in 1961. After Orville's passing in 1997, Celia married Lyle Lawrence Barth in September, 2001. Lyle passed away on November 28, 2016. Celia was a faithful wife and mother. She loved to piece quilts, grow flowers and vegetable gardens, take photographs, embroider, dance, play music, and genealogy research. She also served as 4-H leader; and enjoyed the neighborhood hobby club. Celia is survived by 7 children and their spouses, 23 grandchildren; 54 great grandchildren; 2 great great grand daughters; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Preceding her in death were her husbands; parents; brother Earnest, sister, Marguerite; her grandparents ("old Jules" and Mary Sandoz) and (William Hermas and Mathie Marie "Ernest" Kicken); step daughter Peg Bauer; great grand daughter Emma Dietrich; niece Susan Yadon; Son-in-Law Alan Watson, Ex Son-in-Law Dennis West, numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Chamberlain funeral home of Gordon, NE is in charge of arrangements. Viewing is 8/25/2025 from 5-7 p.m. at the Gordon Chamberlain Chapel. Funeral services are 8/26/2025 at 10 a.m. at the Pleasant Point Church South of Gordon. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery near Rushville, NE.