Mary Waldron

Mary Frances Waldron was born to parents Thomas E. and Evelyn Ruth Mann in Chadron, Nebraska on September 11, 1938. Mary was the second child, with older brother Charles E. Mann and two younger sisters Shannon L. Hoffman and Katherine M. Galey. She passed away peacefully at home in Rushville on July 15, 2026 at the age of 87.

Mary graduated from Chadron Prep High School. She married her high school sweetheart Larry Harvey Waldron on March 5, 1956 and began their 70 devoted years of married life. They were blessed with four children and, later, sons and daughters-in-law: Victor (June) Waldron, Debra (John) Temaat, Steven (Cheryl) Waldron and Raymond (Elaine) Waldron. Mary and Larry made their home in Chadron, Crawford, Scottsbluff, Rushville, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Mary was always a cheerful, vibrant person, with a genuine smile and ready laugh. She grew up on the Mann homestead near Chadron State Park where there was always a puzzle to work, a book to read, chores to do and the outdoors to explore. She was passionate about riding horses and, after chores, would spend all day outdoors. She learned homestead skills including canning, crocheting, sewing and cooking, which she passed onto all her children. Wherever life took her, Mary showed zest and enthusiasm for whatever came her way, as she loyally and happily supported her husband. Together they hunted rocks, fossils, and wild-foraged for mushrooms and medicinal herbs. Fossils and native artifacts that Mary and Larry found are on exhibit at museums around the US. Mary excelled at primitive skills such as beadwork, making baskets from yucca leaves and pine needles and even tried her hand at flint-knapping! She spent many enjoyable hours sharing her basket making skills with others. They traveled extensively throughout the US to exhibit at flea markets, rock swaps and gem and mineral shows. Mary worked for a time in a rock shop in Custer, SD. They would regularly participate at events at the Fur Trade Days, Fort Robinson Knapp-Ins, Hudson-Meng Bison Kill and The Mammoth Site.

Mary was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Albuquerque on December 22, 1962. She shared her faith with others and let her light shine by her example. She was hospitable and opened her home to friends, family and spiritual family. In her early days, she played the piano at the Christian meetings. Even in her golden years, she enjoyed attending, singing and participating at the Kingdom Hall and by video conferencing. During her last month, she shared two comments on how to have a successful marriage, something she set a beautiful example for over 70 years.

Mary will be dearly missed by her children and their spouses, her sister Kay, many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends. We look forward to seeing her again in Paradise when she will be vibrant, energetic and once again riding horses like the wind.

Please join us at the memorial service for Mary on Saturday August 15, 2026 at 1 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 901 Spruce Street, Gordon, Nebraska.