Mary Ellen Fanning

November 15, 1920 - April 22, 2012

Mary Ellen Fanning Mary Ellen Fanning was born to Edmund and Ruby Mary (McGrath) Smith on November 15, 1920 in Wauneta, Nebraska. Mary’s father passed away when she was 6 months old; this made her grandfather a large part of her early life. Mary joked that she was used to getting anything she wanted, because her grandfather spoiled her so much. Mary graduated from Wauneta High School in May of 1938 and was united in marriage to Fay Fanning on September 5, 1938. For a few months, the couple settled on the McGrath farm, 8 miles North of Wauneta, Nebraska. In the early 1940’s they purchased the Hixon Farm, located 9 miles north of Wauneta. Mary was a proud farmer and rancher’s wife and took on the responsibilities that that entailed. She was very active and supportive of the family business and in raising the couple’s children. Mary moved to Sterling, Colorado in 2007. This put her closer to her daughter. She traveled to many different states with Larry and Peggy during this time. She enjoyed her Colorado neighbors and they took very good care of her. She always enjoyed having people stop to visit her. Mary could always recall the old history of the Wauneta area; remembering where people lived, maiden and married names and all the relatives. Mary loved to play cards, watch soap operas, and later in life the televisions show Dancing With the Stars was one of her favorites. Mary passed away Sunday morning, April 22, 2012 in Sterling, Colorado. She was 91 years old. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Fay, sisters: Wilma Walker, Erma Wallace and Shirley Petsch, twin brother Marvin Smith, and son Clarence (Pete) Fanning. Survivors include: daughter Peggy and husband, Larry Rewerts of Sterling, Colorado; Grandchildren: Cindy Rewerts and husband, Tim Tippin Lori and husband, Stan Schwab Karla Rewerts and husband, Clint Bishop Great-Grandchildren: Allie and Will Tippin and Kristina, Aaron and Kate Schwab Step-Great-Grandchildren: Ben Tippin and Braxton Bishop Funeral services for Mary will be held Friday morning, April 27, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Wauneta, Nebraska with Pastor Fred Andersen officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Thursday afternoon, April 26, 2012 from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home in Wauneta. A memorial has been established in Mary’s memory. Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com LIEWER FUNERAL HOME OF WAUNETA IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS