Mary Howard

1947 - 2025

Mary Beth Howard, 77, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. She was born on November 20, 1947, in Valentine, Nebraska, to Lloyd and Evalyn Mortensen. Part of her early childhood was spent on a farm in Missouri. Her family returned to Nebraska when she was a teenager, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Mary remembered fondly one of her first office jobs as a switchboard operator for the telephone company. She dedicated much of her career to serving others through her work with the Nebraska Department of Education, where she retired after many years of faithful service.

She was previously married to George M. Watson, Jr., and together they welcomed three daughters into their family: Linda Nkosi (Jonathon), Rene Burkart (Nate), and Sonya Turco. Mary was a proud and loving grandmother to her grandchildren - Brady, Carissa, David, Hailey, Humza, Lilly, and Stephanie - who brought her endless joy.

On October 14, 2000, Mary married George M. Howard, with whom she shared many happy years and gained children and grandchildren whom she thought of as her own. They enjoyed travelling together, leading ARC trips together, going to Branson and Mexico along with many visits to kids and grandkids. They worshipped at church regularly, so much so that they often attended more than one church each Sunday. The last church she was able to attend in person was F Street, where she enjoyed sitting outside for service with many of the unhoused community who gathered there.

Mary will be remembered for her deep love for her family, her relationship with her Savior, lots of thrift store finds, working at and contributing to the Capital City clothing exchange, playing pinochle with friends, and loving on all her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Mary is preceded in death by her sister Kathleen, and survived by her brother Robert Mortensen (Margy), husband George Howard, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, October 10 at 1:00 p.m. at F Street Church, 1302 F Street, Lincoln, NE.