Mary Ann Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Ann Margrave, one of four children born to Alfred B. and Julia C. (Janda) Margrave, was born February 19, 1929 in Great Falls, Montana. The family moved to Wahoo, Nebraska where she graduated from high school. Mary Ann went on to attend St. Mary?s College in Atchison, Kansas. On November 4, 1950, Mary Ann was united in marriage to Richard M. Ely in Wahoo. They were blessed with six children: Jim, Mary Cay, John, Janet, Bob, and Beth. The couple lived in Grand Island, Nebraska, and then moved to Auburn in 1963. Mary Ann created a loving home environment for her family and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She found her greatest fulfillment in family activities and gatherings, and particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities. She was an avid bridge player and took great pleasure in the many friendships she developed in her bridge clubs over the years. Mary Ann was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Tabernacle Society. She delivered Meals on Wheels and served as a board member of Project Response for many years. After the death of her husband Richard in 2009, Mary Ann lived at Longs Creek Assisted Living in Auburn, making many new friends there. Following a recent illness, she spent several months at the Good Samaritan Home in Auburn. With family present, she passed away there on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard; daughter Mary Cay Ely Opp; brother Bob Margrave; and sister Jackie Margrave Boggan. Mary Ann is survived by children Jim and wife Linda Ely of Omaha; John Ely of Minneapolis, MN; Janet and husband Richard Klemer of Friendswood, TX; Bob and wife Cindi Ely of Pearland, TX; Beth and husband Randy Sickel of Falls City; son-in-law David Opp of Lincoln; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother Jim Margrave of Sun City, AZ, and many other relatives and friends. Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, July 13, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn, with Father Greg Pawloski as celebrant. Barb Billesbach was accompanist for congregational songs, led by Ben Billesbach. Pallbearers were grandchildren Mark Ely, Greg Ely, Bryan Sickel, Jordan Ely, Dana Endicott, Briana Klemer, Mackenzie Klemer, Alyssa Finck, Lindsay Sickel, and Ashley Sickel. Burial followed in Holy Cross Cemetery near Auburn.