Mary Morris passed away March 30, 2026, at Great Plains Regional Health in North Platte, Nebraska, at the age of 77.
Mary Margarete Morris was born February 27, 1949 to John and Marian Kercher in Ogallala, Ne. She was a confirmed member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church and attended St. Luke’s school as a youngster.
Mary graduated from Ogallala High School with the class of 1967. She attended the Grand Island School of Business. For a while she worked at the Egging Company at Gurley, Nebraska, where she honed her managerial and secretarial skills. Then, she set off for adventure to Hawaii with a friend. There she met her future husband, Wayne E. Morris, who was in the service Marines. She had her first son, Duane, in Hawaii while Wayne was overseas in Vietnam. Mary worked on the base as a secretary. Later, while still in the service, the family moved to California and then to Pennsylvania, where son John was born.
As a single Mom with two preschoolers, Mary moved back to Ogallala in 1978. To support herself, Duane and John, Mary worked for ESU as the Secretary in the Department of Special Education. Plus, during her free time, she typed briefs for an Ogallala attorney.
Mary served as a premier secretary for ESU 16, answering the phone, organizing, typing, checking spelling, correcting grammar, and filing items down to the most finite detail. She also prided herself in being the backbone of the organization by keeping the administrators informed when needed. She specialized in detail and documentation and could always find what was needed, down to the most minor detail, a rare skill indeed. Further, Mary maintained close ties with many of her co-workers.
On weekends, Mary provided care for her parents and two sisters, helping them get groceries, shopping for clothes, running errands and looking out for their every need. She took great pleasure in making sure they were all treated well.
Mary deeply loved her sons, Duane and John, and sought to provide guidance and support to them as they grew through the years. And, as her sons moved into adulthood, Mary reached out to her grandchildren whenever she could and talked frequently, with pride, about her entire family.
In 2019, Mary found her niche serving the Ogallala Community through the Red Cross blood drive. She used her specialized organizational skills to manage the donor appointment calling and scheduling. She knew every donor personally and treated them all with great respect, acknowledging their generous blood contributions. Mary was always so very kind and accommodating to all the donors – and to anyone she would meet.
Mary deeply loved the Lord and practiced her Catholic faith ardently. She had two bible study groups that helped her understand and keep connected to the Word of God.
She loved roses and tulips. In her earlier years, she enjoyed going to dances.
Survivors include one son, Duane (Samantha) Morris, of Landisburg, PA; Grandsons Dameon Morris of Ogallala and Blake Morris of Venango; Granddaughter, Bethany of Pennsylvania; Great-Granddaughter, Reagan Nieves of Pennsylvania; sisters Joanie Kercher and Linda Kercher of Ogallala.
Preceding her in death were her parents and son John.
Services will be Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ogallala Cemetery with Father Suresh Bandha of Saint Luke’s Catholic Church officiating.
Memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Church of Ogallala and Community Blood Drive.
Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.