Mary Ellen Willey

Mary E. Higgins, daughter of James and Katherine Higgins, was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska, May 10, 1887, and departed this life May 26, 1966, in Oxford, Nebraska at the age of 79 years and 16 days.

On February 2, 1910, she was united in marriage to Wilson A. Willey in Beatrice and to this union eight children were born. Robert passed away in infancy. The family came to Furnas County in 1912 and he passed away in 1926. She has made her home with her son, Lawrence, and his wife.

Preceding her in death also were step-son, Glen; daughter, Eva Menze; grandson, Norris, Jr. and great-grandson, Troy Lynn Menze; two brothers, Frank and William Higgins; three sisters, Myrtle and Christine in infancy and Alice Curtis.

She is survived by her children: Ruth Widney, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Mary Quinn, Edison; Faye Chitwood, Indianola; Lawrence, Edison; Deveda Cooper, Ogallala; Norris, Arapahoe; and James, Denver. She is survived by two brothers, Ray and Ralph Higgins, both of Santa Monica, California; three sisters, Ruth Cotton, Pearl Crook and Katie Whistler, all of Peru; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services were conducted from the Christian Church in Edison, Nebr., May 29, 1966, with Paul Wickenkamp and F. A. Hand officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Norma Trenchard and Mrs. Ruby Hays with Mrs. Ella French at the organ. Bearers were Dale Gibson, Thomas Hays, Thad French, Albert Young, Loran Fisher, Jr., and Kenneth Carpenter. Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery with Arnold-Mitchell Funeral Home directing arrangements.

Relatives who attended the service were: From Cambridge: Mr. and Mrs. Lemoyne Menze and family, Mr. and Mrs. William Menze, Aaron Menze; from Arapahoe: Mary Menze, Mr. and Mrs. Norris Willey and family; from Indianola: Mr. and Mrs. Albert Young and Mr. and Mrs. Verl Chitwood; from McCook: Dora Mar Ihrig and family and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Chitwood and family; from Ogallala: Mr. and Mrs. Larry Sable and family and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Cooper; from Denver: Mr. and Mrs. James R. Willey and family; from Albuquerque, New Mexico: Dr. and Mrs. Geo. C. Widney and family; from Wilsonville: Mr. and Mrs. Dean Willey and family; from Beaver City: Mrs. Roma Willey; from Lincoln: Mr. and Mrs. James Chitwood; from Edison: Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Willey and Dennis, Mrs. Mary Quinn and Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Quinn and family.