Mary Anne Cool, age 80 of rural Callaway, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on Dec. 17, 2025, at Kearney Regional in Kearney. Born on Jan. 19, 1945, in Grand Island, she was the daughter of Ray and Viola Ritchie, and was also raised by her stepfather, Frankie Brim. 

Mary Anne's early life was marked by a strong commitment to education and community. She graduated from Sargent High School in 1963, and pursued secretarial training in Denver, Colorado. Throughout her life, she made significant contributions through her varied career, starting as a nanny during her high school and college years. She worked for the Custer County Chief, raised 10 children, served at the Callaway nursing home, and devoted many years as a cook for the Callaway schools, where her meals nourished both the body and spirit of countless children and staff. 

On Dec. 30, 1964, Mary Anne married her husband, Boyd Cool, in Sargent. Together, they shared a life that saw them move to Kearney before returning to the family ranch and farm near Callaway in 1970. Their marriage was a partnership built on love and faith, reflected in Mary Anne’s steadfast devotion to her churches: St. James, St. Paul, and St. Anselm’s. 

Mary Anne was not only dedicated to her family but also nurtured her interests and passions. She had a profound love for gardening and took great joy in processing food, especially through canning dill pickles and sauerkraut. Her culinary skills were legendary, and she was proud of creating a family cookbook filled with her treasured recipes. This cookbook stands as a testament to her love for family and her desire to share nourishing meals with them. 

Mary Anne's legacy is carried on by her loving husband, Boyd; their children, Judy (Lonnie) Jones of Kearney, Joe (Connie) Cool of Callaway, Becky (Michel) Kurt of Kearney, Richard Cool of Callaway, Anna Marie Cool of Kearney, Theresa (Jason) Simpson of Morrison, Colorado, Amanda Cool (Jamie Hayden) of Seward, Nicholas (Ashley) Cool of York, and Megan Cool (Daisy Concepcion) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She also leaves behind a beautiful family of 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; her brothers, David (Joni) Ritchie of Kearney, and Bernard (Cheryl) Ritchie of Sargent; and her sister, Susie (David) Fear of Elm Creek. 

Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Viola Ritchie; her stepfather, Frankie Brim; her son, Steve Cool; and her grandson, Joshua Simpson. 

Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her. Mary Anne Cool will be remembered as a devoted matriarch whose love for her family and faith was evident in every aspect of her life. The values she instilled in her children and grandchildren will continue to resonate through generations, ensuring that her spirit remains a guiding light in their lives. “May the work I’ve done speak for me.” 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Dec. 22, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anselm Catholic Church in Anselmo. The burial will follow at the Cliff Table Cemetery west of Merna. A Vigil Service will be held on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. at St. Anselm Catholic Church. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Sunday afternoon from 4-6 p.m. at St. Anselm Catholic Church.  

Memorials are kindly suggested to the St. Anselm Catholic Church or Altar Society. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. Words of remembrance and encouragement can be left at www.govierbrothers.com .