Christian Biography of Mary "Lynn" Stenson

Mary Lynn Stenson, the firstborn child of Leo and Rosella (Dreher) McCoy, was born on August 1, 1946 in Summitt, New Jersey. She passed away on June 15, 2015 at the Republic County Hospital, Belleville, Kansas at the age of 68 years, 10 months, 14 days.

Her father was aboard ship in the Pacific. She and her mother traveled to join their extended family in Grand Island, Nebraska; where they awaited the return of her father. The family resided there until 1954, during which time she began her education at St. Mary's Grade School. That year they moved to Kearney, Nebraska, her education continued at St. James School. She was a member of the first graduating class of Kearney Catholic High School in 1964. The following year she attended St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing, Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating in 1967. Thereafter, began a 45 year career as a Registered Nurse, 44 of those years employed at the Republic County Hospital, Belleville, Kansas.

On June 1, 1968, she exchanged wedding vows with Gene Stenson at St. James Catholic Church, Kearney. The city girl became a farm wife in rural Republic County until they moved to Republic City in 1995. They were blessed with four children; Michael, David, Sarah and Jon.

When not working, she spent time following their children's activities. She liked trying out new recipes (some successful, some not). She enjoyed the evenings spent playing bridge, but her favorite pastime was refinishing antique furniture. Grandchildren held a special place in her heart. It was routine for them to find cookies in the freezer when they stopped by.

She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Altar Society, White Rock Cemetery Board, served as Republic City Council Member and City Treasurer, member of the Republic City Improvement Committee, and the MNO and Bridge Babes Bridge Clubs.

She left this world joining deceased family members: her husband, Gene on May 31, 2004; her parents, Leo and Rosella McCoy; her youngest sibling, Terry McCoy; father and mother-in-law, Ernest and Emma Stenson.

She is survived by her four children: Michael Stenson and wife Lori, David Stenson, Sarah Kunc and husband Jake, Jon Stenson and wife Beverly. Nine grandchildren: Brittany, Cassidy, Tanner, Leslie, Riley, Jena Kunc, Noah and Jacob Springer, Zachary Stenson. One great-grandson, Khonor Craig. Brother, Thomas McCoy and wife Kathy, Lincoln, Nebraska; sister Cynthia Walters and husband Jeff, Ft. Collins, Colorado; Aunt and Uncle Bill and Agnes Jarvis of Centennial, Colorado; Aunts: Mary Dreher of Norfolk, Nebraska, Betty Dreher and Alvera Irvine both of Grand Island, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 20, 1015 at 10:30AM from the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Superior, Nebraska with Father Brad Zitek officiating.

Music was "Amazing Grace", "On Eagle's Wings", "Be Not Afraid", with Pam Gallion as the soloist and Betty Schott as the organist.

Pallbearers were Mike Vint, Jim Murphy, Josh Bowen, Lonnie Bargen, Darrell Fuller, and Elvin Hobson. Honorary Pallbearers were Butch Noble, Dale Baxa, Randy Thayer, and Jim Cook.

Rosary Service was held on Friday 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in the White Rock Cemetery at Republic, Kansas.

A memorial has been established and may go in care of the family.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.