Graveside services for 89-year old Mardell Piper of Crawford, NE, are Monday, July 18, 2022 at 10:00 at the Hay Springs City Cemetery in Hay Springs, NE, with Pastor Steve Mallery officiating. Cool and casual dress is encouraged.
Mardell Piper was born on February 13, 1933. in Hay Springs and passed away on July 12, 2022. at her home in Crawford.
A memorial has been established for Crawford Fire and Rescue. Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Mardell Ann (Krueger) Piper was born Feb 13, 1933 at Hay Springs, NE to Ervin and Wilma (Scribner) Krueger, the only daughter and youngest of 3 children. She died at her home surrounded by her family.
Mardell was raised on the family farm and received her education in the country schools before graduating from Hay Springs High School as part of the Class of 1950.
Mardell always worked in some form of service industry, from telephone company operator to waitress to cook at the Crawford Elementary School where staff and others always looked forward to the many, many pans of delicious cinnamon rolls she would make for them.
She truly enjoyed seeing and visiting with all “her” little kids, and we’re certain there’s a large number of kids and adults alike that have numerous stories about mom they could tell us that we have no idea of.
Mardell taught herself to sew and became a beautiful seamstress, making new clothes for school for all her kids as well as her beloved baby blankets and her 1 and only wedding dress – made for her eldest daughter, Vicky.
She taught herself to crochet as well and made a number of afghans. She truly enjoyed numerous crafts of all kinds but her favorite was all the clothing she made for various dolls of the world that still adorn the walls of her home.
From a very young age, Mardell had an incredible work ethic that continued with her throughout her entire life, which she passed on to her kids and grandkids. After she finally retired, she continued to enjoy visits from family, but especially her grandkids and great-grandkids.
If she wasn’t watching her favorite teams – the Huskers, Broncos, and Colorado Rockies – then you could find her watching old westerns; her favorite actor was John Wayne. She also loved to continue to sharpen her mind by doing her puzzle books.
It never mattered who called nor what time of day; the very first question she would ask you was, “How’s your weather”? and then proceed to give you her weather update.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children Vicky and Mike Moreno Jr, Shelly Piper, Terry Piper and wife Kim Sullivan, and Shawna Honstein; and grandchildren Megan (Frank) Billie, Jennifer Moreno, Kelsey (Ryan) Lang, Brian Piper, Brad Piper, Nathan Sanchez, and Jordan Crouse.
Mardell is also survived by great-grandchildren Sabrina, Brianna, Damion, Adryk, and Sayyora Billie; Jaylyn Moreno; Poseidon Sanchez. Nephews Bruce Krueger and Steve Krueger; nieces Shirley Douthit and Sharon Kloberdanz, and cousin Cleone Hoyda.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sons-in-law Alan Homrighausen and Randy Honstein, twin grandsons Kevin and Keith Moreno, siblings Dwayne and Dean Krueger and their wives, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews including niece Sandy Krueger, and a whole host of friends and beloved family pets.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Mardell Piper