Loreen Faye (Figgins) Bird

Loreen Faye Bird, the first daughter of Cecil Russell and Irene (Bisbee) Figgins, was born April 10, 1934, on a farm southwest of Northbranch, Kansas. She departed this life on October 20, 2022, at the Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska.

She attended the Walnut country school #39 her eight years of grade school and then went on to complete her formal education attending the Burr Oak High School and graduated with the class of 1952.  She was united in marriage with Donald Eugene Bird on June 15, 1952 at her parents’ home. Following their marriage she and Don moved to Plainville, Kansas.  Loreen was employed at the Plainville Rural Hospital as a Lab and X-ray technician from 1954 to 1959. They then moved to Colby, Kansas for Don’s work. In 1960, they moved to their home place north of Esbon, Kansas.  In 1975, they started a business called Tuf Lube Sales, that sold lubrications and farm supplies. She then had a full-time job working alongside her husband managing a farm and their business. Don and Loreen greatly enjoyed square dancing during the 1980’s and 90’s.

Both Loreen and Don loved the life at the lakes, so they decided to start being park attendants during the summer months. They spent eight years at Perry Lake, one year at Waconda and nine years at the Harlan County Lake until Don was no longer able to go due to his declining health.  Loreen spent this time in her life taking care of Don, the love of her life, until he passed away February 2, 2018.

Loreen enjoyed her community, church and family. She was a strength and inspiration to all of them. Her love for her grandchildren was immeasurable and they shared many precious moments together both at her home and at the lake.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Donald; brothers, Franklin, Glenn and Carl Figgins; a sister, Carolyn Barnes; son-in-law, Brad Small; grandson, Brent Small; and brothers-in-law, Cleo Morris, Merl Reed, Norman Pletcher and Jr. Mills.

Surviving are daughters, Theresa Small and Mary Morrison and husband, Ray; her son, John Bird and wife, Terri; grandchildren: Melinda and Jeff Conley; Brandon Small and partner, Tommy Sigler; Brady and Regan Small; Brandi Bird; Angela Morrison and Joshua Bird. Also surviving are 11 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte Pletcher, Pauline Mills, Twila Morris, Fern Reed, Marilyn (Rick) Warneking, Joan (Terry) Pate; sister-in-law, Karen Figgins; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Graveside services were 10:00 am, Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10:00 am, at the Burr Oak Cemetery with the Rev. Les Ellis officiating.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone: 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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