Mary Joyce (Hanks) Hood lived a fulfilling 90 years before going to be with the Lord on March 23, 2025. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. A funeral service will be held at the Morrill Methodist Church on Saturday, May 24th at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. As Mary wished, her “fun”eral celebration will be held that evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Papa Moon Winery in Scottsbluff, with food, laughter, and stories. Please RSVP for the evening event by texting or calling Robyne at 970-420-3384. Memorial gifts will benefit hospice care and Mary’s favorite charities. Online condolences may be made by visiting Mary’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome. com Most obituaries list accomplishments. This one highlights the qualities that made Mary extraordinary, paired with stories that brought them to life.
She was a hard worker. Raised on a Nebraska farm during tough times, Mary helped tend animals, haul milk, and can food. These early experiences shaped her strong work ethic and love for simple joys like radio and laughter with her family. In high school, she lived with her Grandma Pearl in Hay Springs, excelling in clubs and graduating as Salutatorian. She earned a teaching degree in science from Chadron State College and taught in a few schools in Nebraska and Wyoming before a 30-year career as a Junior High Science teacher in Morrill.
She was brave and courageous. After losing her first husband, Earl DeCastro, in a tragic accident, Mary found the courage to attend college and raise two small children. She remarried David Hood and together they raised three more children. She loved teaching junior high science but it took both bravery and grace—and she had plenty of both.
She loved to laugh and play games. Family game nights, crossword puzzles, and five card clubs filled her life with fun and friendship. She shared jokes with friends and family, even printing them to pass around. Days before her passing, she asked for jokes from her family—and they delivered. Her humor lives on through her kids and grandkids.
She loved music. Taught saxophone by her dad and piano by a local teacher, Mary could play most songs by ear. She even took up the baritone to sit near a cute tuba player. Later in life, even when bedridden, she used a piano app to tap out tunes. Her mental jukebox spanned from “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” to “Bill Grogan’s Goat.”
She loved and cared for people. The oldest of four, her mother said Mary practically raised her younger sister, Glenda. She parented her own five kids with patience, wisdom, and grace. Money was tight, but she gave what she could: her time, her heart, and even her blood—donated regularly with pride.
Beyond family, Mary found community in her card clubs, Literary Club, P.E.O., and Bible study. These circles nurtured her curiosity and faith and allowed her to develop lifelong friendships.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Willma and Lloyd Hanks; her husbands, Earl and David; and her brother Ron.
Her legacy lives on in her children and their families: Vern DeCastro (Jayne), Yvonne Kaylor-Arner (Scott), Mike Hood (Crystal), Kathy Petersen (Shane), and Robyne Huebner (Jim), as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren who will continue to share her stories, songs, and sense of humor.