Mary Beth May, age 72, of Fremont passed away at home on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017.

She was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1945 in Valentine to George and Rosella Kreuch. She lived most of her life in Nebraska and spent a few years of her early life in San Diego, California. She graduated from Valentine High School and earned her Registered Nurse license from Immanuel Nursing School in Omaha. Mary started her nursing career as a student nurse at the University of Nebraska, later served as the school nurse for the Dodge County school system, and finished her career by bringing care and comfort to seniors and their families as the senior nurse at Nye Pointe in Fremont.

Mary’s major loves were her family and many dear friends. She was active in all of her children’s activities, following their sporting events and nurturing their academic achievement, including volunteering for many years as a teacher’s aide at Clarmar Elementary School. She was also active in the Fremont community through the PEO organization, her church and as a member of several local bridge groups with her friends. She was an excellent cook who took great pride in preparing meals for family and friends, and her recipes remain highly coveted. Mary was an avid sports fan, loved to travel and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She had a true love for people and was known to strike up conversations with complete strangers.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rosella Kreuch, both of Valentine.

Mary is survived by her sons, Chris May of Jacksonville, Florida (wife Rona May) and Nicholas May (wife Julie May) of Nashville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her three grandchildren whom she cherished and were the highlight of her life: Alexis May, Taylor May and Hunter May, all of Jacksonville, Florida. She is also survived by her brother, Steve Kreuch, and sister, Marcia Hoelker.

A memorial service celebrating and honoring Mary’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, at Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Fremont.

Orginally published in the Fremont Tribune on December 29, 2017.