Mary Ellen Mikesell

October 20, 1941 – May 21, 2026

Mary Ellen Mikesell, 84, of North Platte, Nebraska, formerly of Colorado, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at Accura Healthcare of North Platte.

Mary was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on October 20, 1941, to Archie and Ellen (French) Phinney. She grew up on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. With fierce determination and hard work, Mary forged her own path off the reservation, growing into a beautiful, independent, and successful woman.

While living in Spokane, Washington, Mary met Bruce McMillan. They were united in marriage, and to this union, their son John was born. Mary later moved to Denver, Colorado, where she dedicated over 40 years of hard work to King Soopers. After retiring, Mary married the love of her life, Norman Mikesell. Following Norman’s passing, Mary relocated to North Platte, Nebraska to be closer to her family.

Mary was deeply proud of her Native American heritage and her Nez Perce family. She was a woman of strong intellect and convictions, possessing a lifelong love of reading, a deep devotion to her faith, and a passion for engaging in lively, spirited conversations, especially if those conversations involved politics.

She is survived by her son, John S. (Dustina) McMillan of North Platte; her grandchildren, Zachary (Ashley Petr) McMillan of North Platte, Madison (fiancé Derrick Lawter) McMillan of Kearney, Kennedi McMillan of North Platte; and her cherished great-grandsons, Sawyer Cook and Roan Lawter.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Ellen Phinney; her husband, Norman Mikesell; and her son, Donald Joseph Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Pawsitive Partners or the North Platte Animal Shelter, honoring Mary's love for animals.