Jennifer Joan (Bivens) Gunning

Funeral services will be held for Jennifer Joan (Bivens) Gunning age 52 of Plainview at the St. Paul's Catholic Church on Thursday, January 19th at 2:00pm. Father Marc Lim of Pierce will be the celebrant. Visitation be held from 6-8 P.M. Wednesday at the Ashburn Funeral Home in Plainview along with one hour prior to service at the church. Burial will be in the St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery. Jennifer passed away January 15, 2017 at the University of Nebraska Med. Center. Ashburn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Jen was born on April 25, 1964 in Plainview to Bill and Dorothy (Weaver) Bivens. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul's Catholic Church. She attended Plainview Elementary and Plainview High School, graduating in 1982. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from UN-L in 1986 and was employed as a family counselor in Boy's Town for six years. She was then promoted to Child Protective Services in Omaha for many years. She helped many, many less fortunate people to have better lives.

She moved back to Plainview in 2008 and held a few jobs, but her health began failing her. She enjoyed being with family and friends, especially outdoor activities. Her favorite activities included watching her son in sports, going to the river and hanging out with her brothers.

Left to mourn her passing is her pride and joy, son William David Gunning, who she loved absolutely, brothers Mike (Maureen) Bivens of Norfolk, Rich (Vickie) Bivens of Pierce, niece and nephew Michelle and Tony, great nieces and nephews, Josh, Rachel, Jake and Paige.. Preceding her in death were her parents, Bill and Dorothy Bivens, her brother Tony, grandparents, cousin Dan, 3 uncles and an aunt. She also leaves behind many cousins who she always loved seeing, and a host of friends.

Her hearty laugh, her way with kids and her always worrying about how everyone else was doing will be so greatly missed.