Nina Belle McCullough-Oakley April 17, 1930 — August 15, 2025

By Jason Frederick | August 28, 2025 |

What can be said about a woman who has lived 95 years, outlived four husbands, bore nine children and has a legacy of over 80 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren? Many pages of joy, sorrow and celebration would it take to recall all the history of one life but here we go. Nina Belle Kuhns was born on April 17th, in 1930 on the Wine Glass ranch North of Haigler during the dirty thirties. She was a strong woman who started her journey of life at young age. In 1945 she married George “Jim” Hanes and bore two boys, Jim and Tim. Nina loved to fish and you could find her and the “boys” fishing at the many lakes that dotted the Dundy County landscape at that time. Later in life Nina married Henry Hanes and was blessed with five more children: Jeanne, Tom, Alice, Nina Louise, and Lora. During this season of her life when her oldest had left for college, Nina decided to move to Alliance, where she earned a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) with high honors. Once graduated, the family packed up and moved back to Benkelman where she took a job at the Sarah Ann Nursing Home. After a few years in the nursing home, she applied to the newly built Dundy County Hospital and spent 30 years serving the community of Benkelman. Nina was well known for many years for her amazing back rubs and painless shots and her servant’s heart for the ailing. But Nina didn’t just care for the ailing at work, she went home to her husband who suffered from respiratory disease and a son who was born with muscular dystrophy. Tragically Henry passed away after moving back to Benkelman and Tom passed in 1976 from the results of MD. In 1970 Nina married Leo “Shorty” McCullough and bore two more children: Jennifer and Trina. Shorty and Nina had a love for the farm to which they moved the family from Benkelman to enjoy the life of country living. Many long hours were spent tending the variety of livestock they raised. Nina had a love for animals and had cattle, milk cows, pigs, chickens and ducks. Haying the bottom was a must and the children were taught how to run the tractors and throw bales. Milking the cows was daily duty that Nina loved to do. Every cow had a name and a special place in her heart. Raising so many children required a lot of groceries and Nina was always busy gardening, canning, making butter and cottage cheese, and baking all sorts of delicious homemade goods. Not only did she know the kitchen but she also liked to make the children clothes. Sewing dresses for the girls was something that all will remember her for. But her learning never ended and just like her mother, Nina had a knack for crocheting and after retiring from nursing she found the time to crochet many large afghans which she would gift to her children and daughters-in-law. All this knowledge she made sure to pass on to her daughters and grand daughters so that the art of homemaking would be passed from generation to generation. Family was always an important factor in Nina’s life. Company would come to the house where the door was always open and the family of uncles, aunts and cousins and also friends would gather and enjoy a bit of music. From pianos, guitars, banjos, accordions and of course the occasional yodel, a night of music was always a happy time. Gatherings always had music and Nina passed this and many other traits on to her children and children’s children. It was not uncommon for her to play and sing “You are My Sunshine” for any grandchildren that were in the house on any given day or to pick out a favorite tune by ear and have all join in song. And who could forget the ever memorable scrabble taunt “Don’t you girls know how to use a dictionary?” Her love of music did not stop at home, Nina also shared her love of the hymns by playing piano at the Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman where she and the children attended for many years. Nina was a caring woman who loved the Lord, her family and friends. Her home was always open to any and all who came to visit. Coffee was offered and a meal if you were hungry. She was always eager to serve. Mom and Dad would often say “there is always room for one more” and “No need to hurry off”. She taught her children about God, being kind and caring for others. She was always there for advice when her children, friends or family were going through hardships and even when she was in the middle of one herself. This life of giving to others she passed on to her family as many of them have gone into the healing arts to care for those who are hurting and sick. Nina will be greatly missed by her children: Jim Hanes, Tim and Sherry Hanes, Jeanne and Gary Hunkins, Alice and Robert Wright, Nina Louise and Jeter Isely, Lora and Doug Baney, Jennifer and Dorey Hansen, Trina and Michael Pierce, 24 grandchildren, 48 plus one on the way great grandchildren, 22 plus one on the way great great grandchildren, one living sister Betty and Robert Campbell, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Sam Kuhns and Mildred and Ralph Kephart, one son Tom Hanes, one daughter-in-law Pam Hanes, three brothers and sisters-in-law: Jerold (Darlene), Dale (Mary), and Sammy (Evie) Kuhns. Two sisters and brothers-in-law: Barbara (Elmer) Hanes and Doris (Fred) Biggs. Two grandsons: Jason Draper and Jeremy Hunkins, three great grandchildren: Isaiah McCauley, Nicholas Cook and Cassandra Eckhoff. Three great great grandchildren: Lathan Long, Lilly Kechn and Gracelee Cook. Her best friend: Wylene and Ace Brown and many other family members and friends. A graveside inurnment will be held at 10:00 A.M. (MT) Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Benkelman Cemetery in Benkelman with Dorey Hansen to officiate. Liewer Funeral Home / Benkelman Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.