Maryann Vinton, 87 of Whitman, NE passed away February 20, 2014 in North Platte. She lived independently on the family ranch until January 18 when she was hospitalized, then spent several weeks in her son and daughter-in-law's home, before spending eight days in hospice at Linden Court in North Platte. She was born September 6, 1926 in Alliance, NE to Michael and Mary Griffin Manning. Maryann grew up during the depression attending country school west of Hemingford, where she was noted for her athleticism and speed, beating even the boys in foot races. She graduated high school from Alliance Saint Agnes Academy and completed an accelerated nursing program during WWII. Maryann worked as an RN in Alliance, Boston, St. Louis, Helena, MT, ending up in Gordon, NE where she met Ralph Patrick Vinton through his sister, Kate, who was also a nurse. They courted during the infamous winter of 1949 and Ralph would put skis on his airplane in order to visit her. On May 25, 1949 the two married in Alliance, NE and made their home at the Swiggart Ranch south of Whitman, eventually having 11 children. When Ralph died on June 12, 1968, Maryann continued to raise the children and operate the ranch for a total of 65 years. She had a flair for fashion, always dressing her children well. Maryann loved watching birds, growing flowers and faithfully attended many of her grandchildren's sporting activities. She was an exceptionally frugal yet generous person who made sure all her children had every opportunity to further their educations. Maryann set a great example for her family, through her spiritual life, her regard for education, and her fortitude for running the ranch and business. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mullen.
Survivors include her children, Daniel (Ramona) Vinton of Whitman, NE, Maureen (Jim) Skavdahl of Marsland, NE, Ralph Patrick Vinton of Whitman, James "Jim" Vinton, George (Lori) Vinton, all of North Platte, Brian (Joyce) Vinton of Bingham Canyon, UT, Paul (Stacey) Vinton of Mullen, NE, Mary Ann (John Noble) Vinton of Omaha, NE, Terry (Denise) Vinton of Mullen, NE, and Tim (Lori) Vinton of Whitman, NE; daughter in law, Miriam Vinton of Parker CO: sister, Nora Casey of Tulsa, OK; brother, Michael Manning of Hemingford, NE; sister-in-law, Pat Manning of Hemingford, NE; grandchildren, Justin (Amanda) Vinton of Whitman, NE, Jammie Vinton of Omaha, NE, Marianne (Tristan) Hartzell of Norfolk, NE, Joellen (Taylor) Thompson of Rapid City, SD, Elizabeth Skavdahl of Lewiston, ID, Dan Skavdahl of Harrison, NE, Greg Vinton, Andrew Vinton, Maggie Vinton all of North Platte, Bob (Trish) Jensen of Green River WY, Becky (Kevin) Nicholson of Copperton, UT, Zach Vinton and Anna Vinton of Parker, CO, Nathan Vinton, Clara Vinton, Samuel Vinton, Grace Vinton all of Mullen, NE, Sally Noble, Fiona Noble both of Omaha, NE, Jeremy Vinton, Josh Vinton, Bethany Vinton, Joe Vinton all of Mullen, Emily Vinton, Liddy Vinton, Addy Vinton all of Whitman, NE; great-grandchildren, Jayden Vinton, Chase Vinton, Izaia Petitphait, Zakai Fredricks, Turner Thompson, Ben Thompson, Abigail Thompson, Eva Hartzell, Jonathon Hartzell, Caitlyn Hartzell, Tanner Nicholson, Ryker Nicholson, Shayla Jensen, Ashlyn Jensen, and Baylee Jensen; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; son, John Peter Vinton; grandson, Jacob Paul Vinton; sister, Joan and her husband Paul Montague; brother, John Manning; sister-in-law, Betty Manning; and brother-in-law Mick Casey. Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mullen or All Saints Catholic Church in Hyannis.
Christian Wake Services will be 4:00 p.m. MT Thursday, February 27, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mullen, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. MT Friday, February 28, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mullen, NE with the Reverends Joseph Kadaprayil and Lou Nollette officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarview Cemetery in Mullen. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, NE, and noon to rosary time at the church Thursday. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.