Mary shared 53 wonderful years of marriage with Freddie Mitchell, and together they raised five children: David Lee (Tammy) Mitchell of Hobbs NM; Janet Carol (Mike) Coder of Wellfleet NE; Susan Kay (Rudy) Garcia of Carlsbad NM; Mary Elizabeth (Dan) Coder of Lincoln NE; and Frances Joy (Darrel) Smith of North Platte.

Mary was a proud grandmother to 12 grandchildren: Scott (Ann) Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Myka (Gus) Blount, Maddie (Chris) Linsicombe, Paul (Chassity) Coder, Justin (Kelly) Garcia, Nathan (Erika) Garcia, Cara Coder (Michael Kavanagh), Allison Coder, Hannah (Nick) Said, Jacalyn (Danny) Whitney, and Mitch Smith (Jeana Swedenburg). She was also blessed with 23 great-grandchildren, Hallie, Parker, Cam, Augie, Addeline, Bennett, Blakely, Reese, Callie, Cru, Gage, Logan, Lukas, Lydia, Everett, Carter Joyce, Owen, Morgan, Maya, Freddie, Harper, Griffen, Ellis Joy along with many nieces and nephews, all of whom brought her immense joy.

Throughout her life, Mary devoted herself to her faith, family, and community. In New Mexico, she began playing piano for her church at just 14 years old, a gift she faithfully shared for many years. She was active as a Girl Scout leader, deeply involved in United Methodist Women at her church, and served on the city council. Mary was also an accomplished golfer and proudly earned the title of club champion in Eunice.

In 1971, Mary and Freddie moved their family to Wellfleet, Nebraska, where Freddie helped his father farm and Mary worked at the technical school in Curtis. She continued sharing her musical talents by playing piano for the Methodist Church in Wellfleet and for the Maywood Schools. Mary also lovingly sewed many cheerleading and pom-pom uniforms for her daughters.

The family returned to New Mexico in 1981, where Mary eventually retired and once again dedicated her time to playing piano for both church and school activities.

After Freddie’s passing in 2005, Mary returned to Nebraska two years later and married Buzz Cole. Buzz passed away in February 2023. Mary continued making her home in North Platte, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Mary was the definition of love, kindness, and faithfulness. She cared deeply for her family and lived her life grounded in her unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She looked forward with joy to meeting Jesus face to face. Mary’s love, music, strength, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

Funeral service will be held Monday, June 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home 421 W 4th St, North Platte NE. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eunice Public Schools Athletic Department.