Mona M. "Mickey" Gavin

1940 - 2025

Mona M. "Mickey" Gavin, 85, of Callaway, Neb., peacefully passed away on April 22, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family in her room filled with love and prayer.

Mona was born on Jan. 2, 1940, in the town of Huron, S.D., to Eugene William Van Doren and Marjorie Ruth Gilchrist.

Mona was raised in Huron, along with her brother Stanley and graduated high school at age 16 in Huron. Upon graduation she moved to Southern California where she went to work for the phone company as a switchboard operator.

In March of 1958, Mona joined the US Army and served her country as a Cryptographer at the National Security Agency. Mona was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary as well as a member of the American Legion.

While stationed in Washington DC, Mona met the love of her life Robert Keith Gavin. They were married at a small country church in Clinton, Md., on April 16, 1960. Through this union of love, they were blessed with four children, Tim, Kelley, Troy and Todd.

Robert (USN Retired) and Mickey were stationed in Norfolk, Va., Oahu, Hawaii, Washington DC, Jacksonville, Fla., and Puerto Rico.

Upon retirement from the Navy Bob, Mickey and the children moved to Clay Center, Neb. to be closer to family. In 1977 the family made their final move to Callaway, Neb. where they enjoyed several decades of life in this wonderful community.

Mona is survived by Troy and Julie Gavin of Sargent; Tim and Jill Gavin of Grand Island; her best friend and our 'adopted sister' Tina Barrett of Callaway; Christina Wilkinson (Tim) of Orange City Fla.; Tycen Gavin (Christina) of Ogallala; Lindsi Gavin (Carlos) of Cozad; Colt Corbin (Ryley) of Sargent; Jayme Box (Aaron) of Grand Island; Hannah Tillinghast of Grand Island; many great grandchildren; niecesand nephews whom she loved dearly.

Mona was preceded in death by husband Robert Keith Gavin; daughter Kelley Jo Gavin; and son Todd Martin Gavin.

The celebration of life services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30 at the Callaway Community Church with lunch served after the services.

Interment with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.

Memorials are suggested to the Callaway Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department where Mona served for many years as an EMT and whose selfless volunteers have responded to the Gavin house many times over the years.

Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com