Mary (McDonald) Miller

Mary Patricia (McDonald) Miller, 68, of Pawnee City, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. She was born in Grand Island, Nebraska on May 23, 1957 to Francis and Patricia (Habe) McDonald. 

She grew up the eldest of 8 children in rural Phillips, Nebraska. She preferred helping around the house and was given significant responsibility for her younger siblings—even when their mischief sometimes made it a challenge.

Mary and her siblings would spend Sundays on the Platte River, exploring the canyons and occasionally catching catfish. She loved playing softball, was a member of the national honor society, and earned first chair clarinet in the band. During her high school years, her band performed at the Orange Bowl in 1972. She graduated from Aurora High School in 1975.

Following the example of her grandmother and mother, Mary carried on in a long lineage of medical professionals. She attended Kearney State College and then graduated from the Saint Francis School of Nursing. 

She was married to David Miller at Campus Lutheran in Kearney, Nebraska on December 17, 1977. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Matthew, Brian, Patrick, and Elizabeth. 

Mary started her career as a Registered Nurse in O’Neil, Nebraska. When the family moved to Fairmont, she worked as a home health nurse, continuing to do what she loved–caring for others. Following the purchase of a new farm, Mary continued her career at Pawnee County Memorial Hospital where she became known for her kind, personal bedside manner. Her love of continued learning and keen intuition for her patients’ needs made her a highly respected and accomplished RN.

She loved her career and continued working until Multiple Sclerosis made it physically too difficult. Even as her physical health declined, she faced each obstacle with grace and courage. 

Much of Mary’s life was spent on the farm she shared with her husband outside of Pawnee City, Nebraska. She tended to the animals veterinary needs and managed the farm’s finances.

Mary was a faithful member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City, Nebraska. Throughout her lifetime, Mary was devoted to her faith and the various churches she attended.  She sang in multiple church choirs, assisted with the Treasurer’s computer work, and prepared bulletins for many years. Mary took great pride in her professional work with the church. 

Mary lived life to the fullest, staying active in both mind and spirit. In her younger years she spent countless hours crocheting, knitting, cross-stitching, collecting coins, sewing, and gardening. As her children grew older, she spent many hours at the ball field keeping book for their games. She placed great importance on being there for her children’s various sports and activities.

She is survived by her husband David of Pawnee City, Nebraska, children, Matthew Miller (Beth), Brian Miller (Jessica), Patrick Miller (Rebekah), Elizabeth "Lizzy" Janssen (Taylor), parents Francis and Patricia (Habe) McDonald,  grandchildren, Addison, Keagan, Rowan, Elise, Corban, Levi, Myla, Reagan, Theo, Toby Miller, Quinn and Jaxon Janssen, siblings, Jane McDonald Jungck (Kim), John McDonald (Sue), Francis McDonald (Michelle), Carolyn Hoiser (Perry), Laura Keiter (Larry), Kathleen "Kathy" McDonald (Kurt Delany), Susan Fanta (Tim), several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life Service 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the First United Presbyterian Church, Pawnee City, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. Duling officiating.  A livestream of the service will be provided on the Wherry Mortuary Facebook page for those who are unable to attend.

 A link to the livestream is available here:   https://www.facebook.com/100057240888156/videos/4254536374826529

Interment will be in the Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Memorials may go to SENCA Transit. 

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. 

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