Mary Alice (Nelson) Bals, 93, of Lincoln, NE formerly of Crete, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2018 at Brentwood Estates. She was born on September 9, 1925 in Milwaukee, WI to Arthur and Catherine (O'Neill) Nelson. Mary Alice graduated valedictorian of her class from St. Paul's Catholic High School in St. Petersburg, FL. She attended Barry College in Miami and graduated with a degree in Bookkeeping. She met the love of her life, Leonard J Bals, at a USO dance in St. Petersburg, FL and the two kindled their love via letters while she finished her degree and Leonard was stationed in Madison, WI. Mary Alice married Leonard on September 1, 1945 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in St. Petersburg. Crete, NE became the couple's home where Mary Alice was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and an active member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society. Most recently she was a member of St. Joseph's Parrish in Lincoln. She was recently recognized as a 70 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. The couple spent their leisure time at College Heights Country Club, where many lifelong friendships were made. She was also a long time member of The Merry Makers Extension Club. Over the years she made many contributions both personally and professionally, while raising a family of 7 children. As a representative for Newcomers, she welcomed many new families, and shared her love of the town she called home. Mary Alice was a 4-H and Cub Scout Leader. She worked for IGA, The USDA, and her bookkeeping skills were key to positions at the local Chevrolet Dealership and The City of Crete. In her retirement, she helped teach reading at St. James School, and spent winters living with her family in Vero Beach, FL. Mary Alice was preceded in death by: her husband; her parents; her in-laws, Henry and Anna Bals; her brother, John Nelson; her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Frank Spring; brothers-in-law, Jerome, Valerian, and John Bals. She is survived by: her children and their spouses, Kathy and Dick Barber of Crete, Margie and Bernie Grall of Vero Beach, FL, Tom and Deb Bals of Topeka, KS, Bob and Deb Bals of Lincoln, David Bals of Lincoln, Marcia and Jeff Shea of Memphis, TN, Michael and Lisa Bals of Lincoln; grandchildren and spouses, Darrell and Angie Barber of Chicago, IL, Jim and Shelly Barber of Wilber, Eric Barber and Delerie Wilke of Omaha, Ryan and Reegan Barber of Fort Collins, CO, Andrew Barber of Omaha, BG and Nina Grall of Lutz, FL, Erin Grall and Michael Belecki, Heather and Jay Barwick, Matthew and Ashley Grall, Patrick and Stephanie Grall, Shannon and David Brown, Colleen Grall, all of Vero Beach, FL, Bridget and Chris Cervini of Brandon, FL, Stacia and Bret Baer of Topeka, KS, Chris and Jess Bals of Lenexa, KS, Aaron Bals and Betsy Bridge of Portland, OR, Caitlin and Talor Wain, Megan and Jason Peck, Adam and Emily Bals, all of Lincoln, Aidan, Claire and Michael Shea of Memphis, TN, Sarah, Hannah and Sean Bals of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Marlene Nelson of St. Petersburg, FL, Marlene Bals of Crete, brothers and sisters-in-law, Henry and Nadine Bals of Crete, Gene Bals of Lubbock, TX; many great grandchildren, a great, great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Friday, December 21st at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, NE with a Rosary Service to follow. The funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 22nd at 9 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crete. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Father Steve Major will officiate the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. James School in Crete, NE and/or St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home ~ Crete.