Mary Ann Birkett, age 82, of Wilber, Nebraska, passed away on April 23, 2025 in Crete. She was born on August 10, 1942 in Beatrice to Ludvik and Emma Vales. She attended District 73 near Swanton Nebraska then Wilber High School, where she was on the cheerleading squad. She graduated in 1960, then went to Beautician school and had a salon in Dewitt Nebraska for several years and then several years in Wilber. She met her husband John through church and school. John and Mary Ann were united in marriage on August 11, 1962. To this union they had three boys. Mary Ann enjoyed farming alongside her husband. She was active on the school board for many years. She always kept her boys inline by being on the school board. Mary Ann was an active member of WIFE and also was an active member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She spent many years working the elections and worked until her retirement at the Wilber bakery. Mary Ann is survived by her husband John, of 62 years, her sons Randy (Cheri), Russ (Sara) and Ryan (Stacey). Grandchildren Justin (Sarah), Jenny (Brandon) Niemeyer, Ashley Hayek, Shane Hayek, Emmalyn and great-grandchildren, Clara, Jack, and Wyatt Birkett, Walker and Hallie Ann Niemeyer, Eli and Leo Troxel, brother John and Barb Vales, sister Kathleen (Gene) Maya, sister-in-law Diane (Bill) Quinn, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ludvik and Emma Vales, and parent's in-law, Jack and Ivene Birkett.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilber. Visitation will be on Monday from 5 - 7:30 PM with a Rosary at 7:30, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Casual dress in requested. Memorials in lieu of flowers to St. Wenceslaus Church or to the Wilber Sokols. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.