Mary Whitney

Mary DeeAnn Whitney, 61, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died February 12, 2020 at her home in Gothenburg, NE after a courageous battle with COPD.

She was born January 17, 1959 in Medford, OR, daughter of Joseph Lopez  and Barbara Jean Ryan. Mary grew up in Escondido, CA and attended Escondido Elementary School, Grant JR High School, Escondido Union High School, San Pasquale High School.  She then went to Wayne Community College and graduated with her AA and AS in Arts and Science and Microbiology.  She also attended East Carolina University. She lived in Oregon from 1959-1961, California 1961-1983, Nevada 1983-1985, Washington State 1985 - 1989, North Carolina 1989 -1998, before moving to her final home of Nebraska in 1998.  Mary married Richard Whitney on August 12, 2004 at Gothenburg.   She was a member of the Evangelical Free Church and was involved in the Awanas and Youth Group.  She was active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.  Mary worked in early childhood education and Head Start.  Mary enjoyed creating crafts and cooking.  She loved to be outdoors.  Family time was the highlight of her life and spending time with those she loved.  She was an inspiration to many people and had a positive impact on everyone who met her.

Survivors include husband, Richard Whitney of Gothenburg, NE; four sons, Joshua Ryan of Snow Hill, NC, Shaun (Megan) Morain of Eustis, NE, Bryan Hackett and Richard Hackett both of Gothenburg, NE; two daughters, Autumn (Chris) Wheelock of Farnam, NE, Beth (Quinten) Fair of Gothenburg, NE; 15 grandchildren, two great grandchildren; aunt, Frances Tweety of Clovis, CA; special friend, Jamie Martin of LA, CA; eight brothers & sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by father, Joseph Lopez, mother, Barbara Jean Ryan, daughter-in-law, Teresa Newsome, uncle William Ryan special friend Dale Martin, three brother & sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Monday, February 17, 2020, 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm. with the family present from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Cornerstone Bible Church (E-Free), 1721 Lake, Ave, Gothenburg, NE on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 11:00 am with Pastor Scott Newman officiating.

Memorials may be given to the Deacon's Fund at the Cornerstone Bible Church (E-Free).