Bernard J. Miles

Bernard J. Miles, 93, of Valentine, Nebraska, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska. Born on January 10, 1933, the youngest of six children to Austin P. and Mae (Lester) Miles, he entered the world in a sod house two miles northeast of Brownlee, Nebraska. Bernard attended grade school in District 37 and graduated from Valentine High School in 1951. A gifted athlete, he participated in football, basketball, and boxing during his school years.

Following high school, Bernard began ranching with his father and brothers, forging a lifelong connection to the land and agriculture. On June 15, 1953, he married Lovella Marie Nollett at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Valentine. He volunteered for the draft and served in the United States Navy from March 1956 until his honorable discharge in October 1957, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp. His service took him to the Far East, around South America, and above the Arctic Circle.

Bernard and Lovella made their home near Valentine, where they partnered in ranching with her father, Adolph Nollett. They were blessed with two children through adoption: Rory J., born April 17, 1960, and Anne Marie, born November 29, 1961. Bernard joined the Catholic Church in 1958 and became a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight and singing in the choir. Deeply committed to his community, he founded the Cherry County Open Horse Show in 1959 and remained involved for 41 years, served on the Cherry County Fair Board for nearly four decades, and acted as a Director of the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District from 1971 to 1993. He was also one of the original incorporators of the district.

Bernard had a special gift for working with young people, organizing roller skating for local children and serving as chairman of the State High School Rodeo Finals. In 1987, he and Lovella sold their ranch and moved to Valentine, where he later worked in construction before retiring in 2016. For twenty-seven years they spent winters in Tucson, Arizona, where he enjoyed volleyball and golf. In recognition of their many contributions, Bernard and Lovella received the Valentine Outstanding Citizen Award.

Bernard is survived by his loving wife Lovella, his brother Sam Miles, his son Rory Miles of Grand Island, Nebraska, his daughter Anne Clark (Dick) of Valentine, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Lester Miles, sisters Merle Marie Melcher and Eldora Hardy, grandson Chad Miles, and great-granddaughter Olivia Miles. He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to his family, his faith, and his lifelong service to his community.