Delores “Dee” Jeanette Fugate, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on September 27, 2026, in North Platte, at the age of 82. She was born on July 24, 1944, to Dale and Opal (Philby) Brue in Newton, Iowa.

Dee was a successful business owner of multiple hair salons and even the only disco in North Platte. Her entrepreneurial ventures included The Cutting Co. (Ogallala), My Lord & My Lady, Cuts "R" Us, Attitudes, My Place, and the Sound Stage Disco, all in North Platte. Dee was a regular champion competing in hair shows across the country and brought cutting-edge style from Vidal Sassoon to the Midwest, serving as an inspiration to countless stylists. Few people also knew that Dee was a talented artist who painted murals and caricatures and created everything from stained glass to runway clothing designs.

 All of her hard work enabled Dee to spend the last 20 years living on her dream horse ranch, which she named Cedar View. It was a place where she could be surrounded by the people and animals she loved, including her horses, dogs, and cats, who thrived under her care. When time allowed, Dee enjoyed trail riding and camping. Some of her happiest times were spent on the deck enjoying the beauty of her horses grazing the hills overlooking North Platte.

 Dee loved horses and found great joy in horse jumping, barrel racing, horse shows, and rodeos. She was happiest when sharing these passions with her daughter and eventually her grandchildren. Her lifelong connection to horses included being a mother and grandmother to Rodeo Queens, as well as owning thoroughbred racehorses. Dee’s horse trailer was always a favorite spot for all the kids to hang out at these events. Recently, Dee joined the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse, where she enjoyed helping park cars at rodeos and riding in parades. 

Dee enjoyed traveling with her love Tom to many historical places in the country. Places such as civil war battle fields, church hill downs and visited Secretariats grave. Dee traveled to Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain and Theodore Roosevelt National parks and even enjoyed a walk on the beach in Rehoboth Delaware. Dee most of all Love her country and was a proud American. 

Dee’s family was a constant source of pride and love in her life. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Ashleigh (Ryan) Wempe, Lauren (Sam) Fugate, Alexandra (Dillon) Fugate, Kaden Cole, Taylor Fugate, Kellen Cole, Tucker (Presley) Closman, Kenley Cole, Aspen Closman, and Ryder Cole. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Sophia Wempe, Olivia Wempe, and Merritt Cole. Each was a cherished part of the family circle she held so dear.

She is survived by her daughter, Dustie (Jeremy) Cole; her son, Richard (Jinthita) Fugate; her longtime partner, Tom Neidhardt, along with Tom’s children and grandchildren; her brother, Gary (Joan) Brue; and her sister, Pat Golden. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Brian Fugate, brother-in-law Larry Golden, and her nephew, Eugene Golden. 

Dee will be remembered for her love of family, her deep bond with animals, and the happiness she found in the simple pleasures of ranch life, the open trail, and time spent with those closest to her. Her memory will remain dear to all who knew and loved her.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on October 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, 1616 W B St, North Platte, Nebraska. A private burial will occur at a later date. 

Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Animal Shelter and the Hooves of Hope Animal Rescue in Kearney, Nebraska.