Ethel N. Filmer

Born in Peru, Nebraska, a girl from the hills and a boy from the Missouri River bottom became best friends in the 5th grade. As they grew up together, they became high school sweethearts and later married, sharing 68 wonderful years.

Rex served in the U.S. Air Force, taught at Gretna High School, and later worked for the Nebraska Department of Education. In his younger years he acted in plays, sang in the church choir, and was a member of the library board. He was an avid reader who also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and Husker sports.

Ethel spent most of her life as a loving caregiver to many Gretna children and later became a paraprofessional for Gretna Schools. Before COVID, she was an active member of her church, the Arbor Day Society, Gretna Food Pantry, Gretna Neighbors, and was a generous blood donor. She shared Rex’s love of gardening (and chickens), quilting, baking, and her little dogs.

They were truly devoted and giving — to each other, their family, friends, and community.

Left to miss them are sons: Mark (Julie) and Mike (Pam); niece loved and raised as a daughter: Sherre (Alan) Sheppard; grandchildren: Lauren, Josh, Jana (Brendan), and Brooke (fiancé Patrick); great‑grandchildren: Brooklyn and Bowen; and many beloved grand‑pups over the years.

Rex and Ethel chose cremation. Services will be held Tuesday, July 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Gretna United Methodist Church, followed by a luncheon. They will be interred together at 2:30 p.m. at Omaha National Cemetery. 

Memorials may be directed to Gretna Neighbors or any charity supporting our military veterans. 

Special thanks to the Hillcrest Highlands caregivers and hospice team who guided them — and our family — through this difficult journey.