Mary Louise Shanahan, 71, of North Platte, passed away May 25, 2018 at her home. Mary was diagnosed with COPD and emphysema and has fought a hard battle since.

She was born October 4, 1946, to Walter and Bernice (Hemphill) Riffe at Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Mary was one of three children, with  brother, Leroy  Riffe, who is in heaven now and sister, Judi Timko of North Platte. Later, she gained a stepmom and three half sisters, Barbara Ann, Jennifer and Judy.

She married Bill Shanahan on May 15, 1965. They had five children together which they raised in Simla, Colorado until 1984 and later moved to Bennett, Colorado until 2002.

Mary worked at Tomahawk Truck Stop in Watkins, Colorado for many years as a manager and bookkeeper which allowed her the flexibility of attending all of her kids’ functions and extra-curricular activities which she loved. She also did in home daycare for a few years.

Mary and Bill moved to Curtis in 2002, where she resided until moving in with her middle daughter, Kim, and her family in 2011.  Mary was a preschool/daycare teacher in Curtis also, which she loved.

Mary’s life was devoted to raising her children and enjoying time with her family. Her kids and grandchildren were the light of her life. While living in Colorado, she loved family trips to the mountains to camp and fish and attending horse and 4-H shows for her kids. She loved Saturday nights out in the country when all her kids and extended family came home to Bennett for her amazing cooking, playing cards and board games.  Mary always welcomed everyone into her home with open arms. This continued when she moved to Nebraska and the rest of her days were spent with family.

Survivors include  her husband; sons, Bill (Rosella) Shanahan Jr. and their children, Angie, Marcus, Gus, Megan and Will of Naples, Florida,  Mike (Olga) Shanahan, their children, Tyler and Kristen, of Belarus, Russia; daughters, Michelle (Glen) Owens and their children, Steph and Jenn of Marquez, Texas, Kim (Travis) Patch and their children, Colby, Wyatt, Kaitlyn, Mason and Gracie of North Platte, Melissa (Bill) Bordner of Bennett, Colorado; great grandchild, Spencer Lynn.

She was preceded in death by numerous family members including her Mom and Dad, one brother and her stepmom, Pat.

Condolences can be sent to her home at 14092 West State Farm Rd, North Platte, Ne 69101. Cremation was chosen.  Services will be at a later date.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.