Mary Hanson Langford, 73, of Grand Island, Nebraska, formerly of North Platte, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island.

Mary was born in Grand Island, Nebraska on July 17, 1951 to Donald and Beverly Grieb.

She graduated from GIHS with the class of 1969.  Mary moved to North Platte after graduation when her father was promoted with the Nebraska State Patrol. She started her working career at Northwestern Bell Telephone company as a telephone operator. She also worked at Allen's Self Service where she made many lifelong friends.

She married Steven Nelson in 1973 which ended in an amicable divorce after 17 years. Mary continued a warm and loving relationship with the Nelson family.

Mary married her soulmate Claude Hanson in 1993. They shared their love for 19 years before Claude passed away following a short illness. Mary and Claude vacationed in Puerto Vallarta Mexico every year.  It was their paradise. They found happiness in their home on Anna Street. Mary loved working in her yard, planting flowers, feeding the birds and the squirrels. Mary loved being outdoors. She walked four miles every morning and stopped at every garage sale along the way. She loved finding treasures and trinkets at flea markets and antique stores.  Mary had a heart of gold. She was a primary caregiver for her mother during her final years in the nursing home. Many evenings you would find Mary patiently feeding her mom dinner or painting mom's fingernails.

Mary had a successful career at several North Platte banks. Starting as a proof operator at McDonald State Bank she dedicated herself to learning and advancing herself in the banking business. She retired as Senior Vice-President Compliance Officer of Nebraskaland Bank in 2016. She developed many friendships along the way.

Mary was active in various local organizations. Mary and Claude were volunteers with Make A Wish and had the opportunity to grant several wishes before Claude passed away. Mary was an active member of Holy Spirit Parish where she was a greeter and served on several church committees. Mary volunteered at Great Plains Health and Adams Swanson Funeral Home.

Mary found love again with Jim Langford. They were united in marriage in June 2020. Mary and Jim moved to Grand Island a year later to be closer to family. They blissfully enjoyed a year together in Grand Island before Jim was diagnosed with acute leukemia and passed away.

Mary's heart was always full of love for little children. She had a special relationship with all her nieces and nephews. She always smothered them with hugs and kisses. She is Aunt Bootsie and will remain always in their hearts. Mary also loved her "puppies" and spoiled each and every one of them. You were a lucky dog to be loved by her.

Mary is survived by her sisters Joan (Jim) Carstensen, and Jacque Spangler of Lincoln, Susan Hiatt of Hershey, brother Chris (Sheila) Grieb of York, sister in law Marilynn (Bruce Parker) Grieb of Kansas City.  Step daughters TiAnne (Raymond) Morse of Norfolk, Jacque (Brandon Flammang) Langford of Elkhorn.  Step sons Christopher Hanson of Colorado, Jarod (Tina) Karre of North Platte, Jason (Dawn) Langford of Grand Island, Travis (Susan) Langford of Lincoln. Grandchildren Kylie, Kaitlyn and Aiden Morse along with many loved nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by parents Donald and Beverly Grieb, husbands Claude Hanson and James Langford, brother Donald Grieb Jr., nephew Kevin Carstensen, brother in law David Spangler Sr.

Memorial prayers services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Father Vidya Sagar Arikotla officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Veterans Cemetery, near Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the donors choice.

Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.