Mary Mckenney

Mary Opal June Johnson, one of 10 children of Thomas Wesley and Grace Mabel (Hall) Johnson, was born May 31, 1930 in Siebert, Colorado. Mary moved with her family to Pawnee City, Nebraska at age 5 and she received her formal education there. She was baptized later in life at the Auburn Christian Church in Auburn, Nebraska.

On March 1, 1957 Mary was united in marriage to James Elmer McKenney in Auburn by Rev. Leo Epperson. They made their home in the Bethel Community between Auburn and Brownville.

Mary was happy keeping the household running, but she also loved helping Jim with the farming. She was instrumental driving trucks at harvest time.

As a member of the Christian Church, Mary was involved with the Mary-Martha Circle. She also belonged to the Bethel Women’s Club and served on the London Cemetery Board. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, cooking and baking. She was famous within the family for her kolaches.

After Jim’s passing in 2000, Mary stayed on the farm for many years. She moved to the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn in November of 2013 and enjoyed visiting with other residents and family and friends who stopped to see her. She passed away at Good Sam on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the age of 89 years, 1 month, and 19 days. In addition to Jim and her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Leona Linn, Hazel Christie, Zella Percival, Twila Rettele, Evelyn Brown, Loretta Holton, Velma Meyer, and brother Clifford Johnson.

Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law Dorvan and Sandie Johnson of Ogallala; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A graveside funeral and committal service were held Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Sheridan Cemetery at Auburn with Chaplain Richard Bristol officiating.

A graveside funeral service and committal will be Wednesday, July 24, 2019, 10:30 a.m., at Sheridan Cemetery at Auburn. Visitation will be Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army.