Marjorie Janet (Furnas) Hilliard

Marjorie Janet Furnas was born April 21, 1947 at Auburn, Nebraska to William “Bud” and Faye Furnas. She was one of six children. Janet was raised on a farm west of Brownville, and attended country school at Locust Grove and Happy Hollow her first eight years of school. She then attended Peru Prep High School in Peru.

Janet sang in the Methodist Church choir growing up, she had a beautiful voice. She loved watching American Band Stand with Dick Clark, and danced all over the living room while watching. Elvis Presley was her favorite singer. Janet loved fashion, anything that was in style she would want and would wear.

In June of 1965, Janet was united in marriage to Verlan Dean Batt. Three children were born to this union: Verla, Ronald, and Kurtis. The couple would later divorce.

Janet was a nurse and caregiver, going in to peoples’ homes to care for them. She had a caring heart, and the families she served always enjoyed her.

On the Saturday before Father’s Day in June of 1983, Janet suffered a massive stroke at the Auburn Swimming Pool. She had since been in a variety of nursing homes for the last 34 years.

Janet was admitted to Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln, and it was there that she passed away June 24, 2017, having reached the age of 70 years, 2 months, and 3 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers James Furnas, Richard Furnas, Mitchell Furnas, and nephew James Furnas, Jr.

Those left to mourn her passing include her children Verla Whisler, Ronald Batt, Kurtis Batt; 8 grandchildren; sister Faye Allison and husband Marty Hayes of Brownville; brother Tyrone Furnas of Brownville; sisters-in-law Ann Furnas, Deana Pulse; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.



Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to Brownville Historical Society or Mayhew Cabin (care of Bill Hayes).



Viewing of Janet's funeral available via Livestream at:

https://livestream.com/accounts/13846112/events/7555034