Mary Ellan VanKirk

Mary Ellan (Henderson) VanKirk, 95, of Bancroft, NE, died on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE.  Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE. 

Ellan was born on October 25, 1924 to Kelly Lycurgis and Mary Evelyn “Ecie” (Smith) Henderson in Coleridge, NE.  On August 27, 1940 Ellan married Marvin VanKirk in Wayne, NE. She was baptized and confirmed on April 11, 1963 at the First Presbyterian Church in Bancroft, NE.  Ellan earned her GED in May of 1984.  She worked at the school for 15 years as the head cook in the cafeteria. 

Ellan was an active member in the First Presbyterian Church, she served on the Presbyterian Women’s Group and served as a Sunday School Teacher. Ellan was a Brownie Leader and a member of the Music Booster Club.  In her spare time, Ellan enjoyed crocheting, sewing, needlework, reading and traveling in their motorhome. 

Ellan is survived by her husband of 79 years, Marvin VanKirk of Bancroft, NE; son, Larry (Diane) VanKirk of Bancroft, NE; daughters, Barb (Don) Nelson of Bancroft, NE, Bev (Alan) Simonsen of Bancroft, NE, Deb (Rick) Faltys of Clarkson, NE; 18 grandchildren; 41 great grandchildren; and 14 great-great grandchildren.

Ellan is preceded in death by her son, Ron VanKirk; daughter-in-law, Carole VanKirk; granddaughter, Anne Marie VanKirk; and great grandson, Dillon Synovec.