Mary Wright

Mary Ann Wright, age 73, of Kearney died after a difficult struggle with cancer on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Mother Hull Home in Kearney, NE. Visitation will be from 9:15-10:20 AM on Thursday, May 2 with the funeral service following at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church in Kearney, NE with Pastors Rick and Michelle Carlson officiating. Burial will be at Kearney Cemetery following the funeral service. Lunch will be served at the church after the burial service. Mary was born June 28, 1950 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Charles & Norma Dow. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank Wright, brothers-in-law Tom, Max, and Bob Wright, and son-in-law Lars Larson. Mary was a graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School and the University of Nebraska Kearney. Upon graduation from college, Mary taught for two years at Bryant Elementary School in Kearney. She then began working in the kitchen at the Youth Rehabilitation & Treatment Center in Kearney. Before long she was in charge of the kitchen and worked in that position for more than thirty years. Mary worked second jobs for most of her work life. Cabela’s call center, Valentino’s and Ken’s Pizza were among those extra jobs. Mary met Frank in early 2004 when he had a hip replacement and was recuperating at his sister Judy’s home a half block from Mary’s house. Mary brought Cabela catalogs and other magazines to Frank for him to read and before long they fell in love. Frank and Mary were married at First Lutheran Church in 2005. Mary loved fishing with Frank. They enjoyed taking friends and family with them in their boat. Their favorite lakes were Harlan County, McConaughy, Davis Creek, Calamus, and Sherman. They also enjoyed fishing in Minnesota with Frank’s brother, Max. Mary enjoyed watching the Huskers play football, baseball, and especially volleyball. Mary’s happy place was working in her garden and raspberry patch. She had to buy extra shelves and another freezer to keep everything she had canned and frozen! Many neighbors benefited from her love of gardening. Mary was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney. She looked forward to visiting her church friends every Sunday. Mary served on many church committees, but enjoyed taking care of the flowers and was a mainstay helping to prepare communion. She delivered meals on wheels and was a long-time volunteer at the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. She joined the Golden K Kiwanis club with Frank and enjoyed the fellowship she found there. She and Frank were chosen Kiwanians of the year in 2015. Mary is survived by her brothers Dave & Tom Dow, daughter Krissy Larson, son Brian Tatum (Betty), granddaughters Jordan & Mira Larson, Hannah, Kayla, & Emily Tatum, sisters-in-laws Betty & Shirley Wright, brother & sister-in-law Tom & Judy Shield, nieces Heather Hoffman, Dawn Ammons, Lisa Culp, & Heather Wright, nephews Jeff Shield, Chris, Chad, & Max Wright, and Glen Tatum. Memorials are suggested to the First Lutheran Church or the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Mary Wright

June 28, 1950 - April 24, 2024