Mary Ann Birkett, age 82, of Wilber, passed away April 23, 2025, in Crete.
She was born Aug. 10, 1942, in Beatrice, to Ludvik and Emma Vales. She attended District 73 near Swanton, then Wilber High School, where she was on the cheerleading squad. She graduated in 1960, then went to beautician school and had a salon in Dewitt for several years and then several years in Wilber. She met her husband, John, through church and school. John and Mary Ann were united in marriage Aug. 11, 1962. To this union, they had three boys.
Mary Ann enjoyed farming alongside her husband. She was active on the school board for many years. She always kept her boys inline by being on the school board. Mary Ann was an active member of WIFE and also was an active member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She spent many years working the elections and worked until her retirement at the Wilber bakery.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband, John, of 62 years; sons, Randy (Cheri), Russ (Sara) and Ryan (Stacey); grandchildren, Justin (Sarah), Jenny (Brandon) Niemeyer, Ashley Hayek, Shane Hayek, Emmalyn; and great-grandchildren, Clara, Jack, and Wyatt Birkett, Walker and Hallie Ann Niemeyer, Eli and Leo Troxel; brother, John and Barb Vales; sister, Kathleen (Gene) Maya; sister-in-law, Diane (Bill) Quinn; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ludvik and Emma Vales; and parents in-law, Jack and Ivene Birkett.
Visitation will be Monday, April 28, from 5 – 7:30 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 29, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilber. Casual dress in requested. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Wenceslaus Church or to the Wilber Sokols.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.
