Mary Rosalie Rowell

Mary Rosalie Rowell (Johnson) entered into rest on June 24^th, 2024 at the age of 66 at home. The Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, July 1^st, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Lincoln Berean Church, at 6400 S 70^th St, Lincoln, NE, 68516. Memorials can be mailed to Delray Rowell at 1640 SW 32^nd Street Lincoln, NE 68522. The children will choose an organization at a later date for contribution in Mary’s name.

Mary was born in Lincoln, NE on December 11, 1957, to Bobbie and Doreen Johnson. Mary attended Wymore High School and graduated in 1976. Shortly after graduation, she started working in DeWitt at Peterson Manufacturing, which later would be known as American Tool. This is where she met her husband of 28 years, Delmar Rowell. During her early years, she loved spending time with her siblings and watching her father, a local Hall of Fame Race Car driver, race all over the local area.

In the summer of 1982, Mary delivered twins, Delray and Desiree. Becoming a mother was the highlight of her life, in January of 1983 she would marry Delmar. The family lived in Dewitt, Nebraska for approximately ten years before moving to Plymouth.

In the years to come, she would frequent Wil-Bowl Lanes and enjoy the comradery of her fellow teammates and coworkers. Mary and Delmar would often join friends and family in playing cards, joining pool, dart and shuffleboard leagues, and other various activities.

Several years later she left the DeWitt American Tool and went to work in Beatrice at American Tool’s sister facility Quick-Grip. It is here that she and her son Delray would work together for a year or so before he went off to college in 2001. Shortly after Delray started college, the American Tool company changed hands, and several of the employees including Mary took this opportunity to go to college and focus on other careers. Mary enrolled at Southeast Community College in Beatrice and earned her associate’s degree in the Office Professional program. One of the things Mary was most grateful for was that she and her son went to SCC in Beatrice at the same time and they could take the Public Speaking course together making this course a lot more comfortable for both of them.

After graduation, she later took a position at the Farmers Cooperative in Fairbury, and eventually found her permanent location in Wilber, Nebraska. Her nineteen years of dedication and hard work ethic paved her path to retirement which was set to take place in early 2025.

Mary was able to enjoy several trips with Delmar before he passed away from cancer in 2011. The two loved going to ball games, especially to Kaufman Stadium to watch the Kansas City Royals, and Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs. What Mary loved most was being a mom and grandma. Luke and Desi had four girls and Mary was a very active participant and never turned down an opportunity to watch her grandchildren participate in their various sports and other activities. From numerous soccer games to dance recitals, Mary was there. The Family knew Mary as “Sissy.” This was her nickname growing up. It stuck and numerous family members referred to her this way. She would always lend a hand, offer kind words, be a shoulder to cry on, or just listen. She was loved by many.

Mary enjoyed her coworkers as they were a big part of her life. She knew everyone who worked there and those who often stopped by. She knew their name(s) and so much more. She cared deeply for those around her and those in her community.

Preceded in death by her husband Delmar, parents Bobbie and Doreen; brother Greg Johnson. Survived by her two children; Delray (Matt) Rowell of Lincoln, NE; Desiree (Luke) Derowitsch of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Alexis, McKenzie, Katelyn, and Maddie; sister Bobbi Johnson of Beatrice, NE; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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