Gwendolyn R. Aten, 88, of Blair died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair after a valiant struggle with cancer.

A memorial service (prior cremation) will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, at First Christian Church, 1133 N. 28th Avenue in Blair.

Gwendolyn Ruth "Gwen" Johnson was born on April 6, 1922, to Lee and Muriel Johnson near Nickerson. She was a 1939 graduate of Nickerson High School and a graduate of Dana College.

On June 8, 1941, she married J. Clyde Aten. The couple moved to Blair in 1950. Mrs. Aten taught at Gull Country School before starting her 31-year teaching career in Blair Community Schools.

She was a member of Royal Neighbors, Rebecca Lodge, and a faithful member of First Christian Church in Blair.

She is remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, teacher and special friend to many.

She is survived by her children: David L. Aten, Sr., of Fremont, Calif., Daniel C. and Harriet Aten, of West Des Moines, Iowa, Janice Feeley, of Fremont, Calif., Jeneane C. Wise of Grand Blanc, Mich., Duane E. Aten, of Oakland, Calif., and Sue Sheridon (special daughter/caregiver), of Grand Blanc, Mich.; nine grandchildren and spouses, Patrick and Mary Ann Aten, of Blair, Kristi Aten of Fremont, David and Rachel Aten, of Blair, Jason Aten of Austin, Texas, Justin and Monica Aten, of Flower Mound, Texas, Amanda and Phil Stover of Des Moines, Iowa, Bobbi and Jason Brooks, of College Station, Texas, Nathan Wise of Minneapolis, Minn., and Heidi Aten of San Francisco, Calif.; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and one sister, Gladys Rhinehart, of Lynwood, Wash.

Gwen was preceded in death by husband, J. Clyde Aten, brother, Russell Johnson and special friend, Harold Davis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to MCH Hospice, 810 N. 22nd Street, Blair, NE 68008 or First Christian Church, 1133 N. 28th Avenue, Blair, NE 68008.

Campbell-Aman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.