Mary A. Ellinger passed away Sunday, May 8th at her home in McCook, NE. She was born August 24, 1944 in Hartly, Iowa to Louis C. Carnine and Cecile (Baichtal) Carnine.
On December 1st, 1962 she married Terry G. Ellinger. Together they had two children, Teresa and Todd.
Mary enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes to share with family and friends. She was a cross stitcher, did candle wicking and ceramics. She was an avid reader and could hold her own in any conversation, especially when it came to politics. She was an integral part of her husband’s business, acting as his administrative assistant for several years. She loved and rescued many of McCook’s feral or abandoned cats. She kept them fed, healthy and found homes for quite a few. Her backyard was a sanctuary for birds, squirrels, and deer. She particularly loved the sunrise and spent many mornings watching it and enjoying all the creatures.
Mary is survived by her husband, Terry of McCook; daughter, Teresa of Greeley, Colorado; son, Todd and wife Karyn of Culbertson, Nebraska; grandchildren, Alisha & husband Jeromie, Shane & wife Kamron, Kyle & fiancé Ambyr, all of Colorado, and Emily & fiancé Devin of McCook; great grandchildren, Hailey, Conner, Riley, Rowan, Cason, Lukas, Kaia and Everlee. Also surviving are siblings Bob, Gail, Everett (Chris), Glenda (Kurt) and Max, and her sister in laws, Tammy (Mike) Hopkins, Becky Ellinger and Toni Chancellor.
Private family services are planned for a later date. Donations in Mary's name may be made to the McCook Humane Society, PO Box 13, McCook.