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Mary Leda White Doeden, 74, LaVista, NE formerly of Cook, NE passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Methodist Hospital, Omaha, NE.  She was born on October 28, 1949, to Melvin L. & Irene M. (Klaumann) White in Lincoln, NE. She was a 1968 graduate of Lincoln Northeast High School.  Mary Leda married Donald W. Doeden at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lincoln, NE on June 14, 1969.

Mary Leda was employed at XL Beef Packing in Nebraska City, NE before transitioning to an office position at the Tecumseh State Correctional facility until retirement in 2014.  A lover of life, she found joy in attending farm auctions, flea markets, casinos and was passionate about dancing and stock car racing. Known for her culinary skills and vibrant spirit, she cherished her nieces and nephews, delighting in giving them scratch-off tickets each Christmas, always hoping for them to win big.

Mary Leda took great pride in caring for her family, crafting beautiful flower arrangements for her mother and always ensured that the cemeteries were adorned with flowers each Memorial Day.  In her later years at The Orchard in LaVista, she enjoyed seasonal decorating with friends, showcasing her creativity.  A steadfast supporter of the Cook Volunteer Fire Department, Mary's legacy of generosity continues even after her passing as she chose to become an organ and tissue donor.

She is survived by her brothers, Rex (Roberta) White, Larry, Sr. (Wanda) White, sister-in-law Sharilyn Rector, and best friend Dale Gerdes; niece and nephews Larry, Jr. (Stacy) White, Michelle (Jim) Bray, Russell (Mitzi) White, Jeffry (Korey) White, Jared Steiner, Jay (Christy) Rector, foster son Ricky Wellman, as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don, infant sister Susan White and brothers-in-law, Ronald Doeden & James Rector.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's United Church of Christ (Osage), rural Cook, NE.  No visitation, cremation has occurred. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. Paul's UCC (Osage). The service will be live-streamed on the Fusselman Facebook page.  Inurnment to follow at St. Paul's UCC Cemetery (Osage).

Arrangements By:  Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com