Mary Thompson, 86 of Elwood, Nebraska, died Thursday, February 2nd, 2012, at the Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington, Nebraska.

Mary was born March 27th, 1925, at Farnam, Nebraska, to LeRoy and Hazel (Farmer) Tillotson. She was a graduate of Farnam High School. Following her graduation, Mary attended Kearney Teacher's College and earned her teaching certification.  She would go on to teach in a rural school in the Plum Creek area.

On March 4th, 1950, Mary was united in marriage to Leonard Thompson at Elwood. The couple made their home at Elwood where they raised their seven children, Betty, Karen, Sandra, Susan, George, Gary and Kent. 

Mary loved spending time doing outdoors activities. She was an avid gardener; and as a result of her talent, would always have an abundance of vegetables to can and share.  Chief among her many enjoyments, was spending time with her family.

Mary was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church at Elwood and had served as a past President of the United Methodist Women.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard in 1990; her parents; sister, Leola Haney; brother, LeRoy Tillotson; and a great- grandson, Caden.

Mary is lovingly survived by her four daughters, Betty (Steve) Kniss of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Karen (Kevin) Exstrom of Columbus, Montana, Sandra (Kurt) Kinsman of San Antonio, Texas, Susan (Gale) Shafer of Edison, Nebraska; three sons, George (Linda) Thompson of Snellville, Georgia, Gary (Louise) Thompson of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Kent Thompson of Elwood; brother, Raymond (Mildred) Tillotson of Farnam; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Services were held on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012, at 11 a.m., at the United Methodist Church at Elwood with Pastor Connie Carr officiating. Burial was at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad was in charge of arrangements.