Mardell Piper

Mardell Ann (Krueger) Piper 89 of Crawford, NE died at her home surrounded by her family.

Graveside services will be held Monday July 18th 10 a.m. with Pastor Steve Mallery. Cool and casual dress is encouraged.

Mardell was born Feb 13, 1933 at Hay Springs, NE to Ervin and Wilma (Scribner) Krueger, she was the only daughter and youngest of 3 children.

She was raised on the family farm and received her education in the country schools and graduated from Hay Springs high school class of 1950.

Mardell always worked in some form of service industry from telephone company operator to waitress to cook at the Crawford Elementary School where staff and others always looked forward to her many, many pans of delicious cinnamon rolls she would make for them. She truly enjoyed seeing and visiting with all "her" little kids and we're certain there's a large number of kids and adults alike that have numerous stories about mom they could tell us that we have no idea of.

Mardell also taught herself to sew and became a beautiful seamstress from all her kids new clothes for school, to her baby blankets, to her 1 and only wedding dress she made for her eldest daughter, Vicky. She taught herself to crochet as well and made a number of afghans. She truly enjoyed numerous crafts of all kinds but her favorite was all the clothing she made for various dolls of the world that still adorn the walls of her home.

From a very young age Mardell had an incredible work ethic that continued with her throughout her entire life, which she passed on to her kids and grandkids.

After she finally retired she continued to enjoy visits from family, but especially her grand kids and great grand kids.

If she wasn't watching her favorite teams, Huskers, Broncos, and the Colorado Rockies then you could find her watching old westerns, her favorite actor was John Wayne. She also loved to continue to sharpen her mind by doing her puzzle books.

It also never mattered who called nor what time of day the very first question she would ask you was, "How's your weather"? and then proceed to give you her weather update.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children Vicky and Mike Moreno Jr., Shelly Piper, Terry Piper and wife Kim Sullivan, Shawna Honstein. Grandchildren Megan (Frank) Billie, Jennifer Moreno, Kelsey (Ryan) Lang, Brian Piper, Brad Piper, Nathan Sanchez, and Jordan Crouse.

Great grandchildren Sabrina, Brianna, Damion, Adryk, and Sayyora Billie; Jaylyn Moreno; Poseidon Sanchez. Nephews Bruce Krueger and Steve Krueger, nieces Shirley Douthit and Sharon Kloberdanz and cousin Cleone Hoyda.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Dwayne and Dean Krueger and their wives, numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, twin grandsons Kevin and Keith Moreno, niece Sandy Krueger, sons in law Alan Homrighausen and Randy Honstein and a whole host of friends and beloved family pets.

Donations may be made to the Crawford, NE Fire and Rescue.