To know Mary Searcey was to understand humanity. She was a guiding light to many and a pillar of strength for her family. One of the qualities that defined Mary was her unwavering kindness.

Born Mary Wynona Moslander on September 7, 1945, to James and Lois (Barber) Moslander near Vesta, Nebraska, she grew up with six sisters and one brother. Later in life, she met Francis Searcey, the love of her life, and they married and raised a family of their own, very similar to hers, with six girls and one boy.

Her children were her pride and joy, and she was the epitome of a family matriarch. Yet, her influence extended far beyond her immediate family. Mary was a motherly figure to many, guiding them with compassion and inspiring countless individuals to chase their dreams. Many friends considered her a “mom” or a “grandma” and addressed her as such.

Mary had unwavering optimism. Even in the face of tough challenges, and she had many, she remained resilient, finding light in the darkest of moments. She was a pillar of strength and encouragement for us all.

Her other true love in life was Elvis Presley, whom she honored by watching his old movies, playing his music endlessly, and collecting memorabilia. When you looked into Mary- piercing baby blue eyes, it was easy to see that she was smitten with the King of Rock & Roll and would go to any length to honor him.

Many might remember Mary- fantastic cooking and baking. She was so talented in the kitchen. All of the kids got the chance to enjoy the mouth-watering cinnamon rolls she would often bake early in the morning before school. Sundays, for dinner after church, she would have enough fried chicken to feed an army, and frequently, the house was always open for friends and neighbors who were most likely considered family anyway.

As a young woman, Mary went to beauty school in Lincoln, where she learned to cut, curl, perm, and style hair. Throughout her years, she cut and styled hair for many people out of her home. She also loved dancing, and she and Frank would often make trips to surrounding towns’ dance halls. She reminisced about these times, and her face lit up as she spoke of the memories.

Most recently, her greatest joy came from grandchildren and great-grandchildren with whom she spent time until the end of her life. The presence or even the thought of any one of her grandbabies made her smile from ear to ear and her eyes sparkle.

Our beautiful mother, who was a friend to so many, a sister, a daughter, a wife, a grandmother, passed from this earth Saturday, May 25, 2024 to be with Jesus, and Jamie Sue for all of eternity, along with her many loved ones who passed before her.

If you knew Nonie, you know what a great honor it was to have that deep loving connection with her soul and magnanimous spirit. She would welcome you into her heart without asking for anything in return other than respect. Let us carry forward Mary Searcey- legacy by embracing virtue, benevolence, and graciousness in our own lives. Though Mary may no longer be with us in body, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us always and forever.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Deb (Allen) Mitchel, Kim (Lonny) Kosmicki, Gina Lofberg and Todd Plagge, Tracy Kimball, Angie (James ) Lintz; son Lindsey (Erica) Searcey; grandchildren Allyx Mitchel and fiance' Doug Fry, Dana Mitchel, Sydnee (Andy) Tidwell, Justin Kosmicki, Gunner, Gage and Giavanna Lofberg, Tyler Kimball, Dariane Kimball and Kyle Borrenpohl, Gracie and Mason Lintz, Avery, Ethan and Christian Searcey, great-grandchildren, Perri, Haidyn and Mack Tidwell and Georgia Borrenpohl, sisters, Janice Lee, Carole Stueck, Marcia Wenzl and Judy Moslander, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jamie Sue, husband Francis “Frank” Searcey, brother Jim Moslander and sisters Linda Cain and Marda Puhalla.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Pastor LuRae Hallstrom officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family- choice.

Interment will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, Nebraska.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.