Mari King Hosford

Mari K. Hosford, 87, of Albion, NE, passed away Monday, November 25, 2024, at the Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in Newman Grove, NE.

Graveside services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2024, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE with Rev. Mary Avidano Hubert. Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 p.m. Friday, at Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE. An additional celebration of life will be at a later date at the Albion Public Library.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Mari King Hosford, daughter of Rollin B. and Hazel (King) Mansfield, was born March 30, 1937, in Chicago, IL and grew up in the suburb of Western Springs. She attended Lyons Township High School in Illinois and graduated 5th in her class of 300 in 1955. Following graduation, Mari attended Denison University in Ohio and the University of Illinois, majoring in English.

On July 3, 1959, Mari was united in marriage to Frank B. Hosford in Fullerton, NE. The couple lived in Albion where they raised their two sons. She worked for Ray Medlin Sr. as his legal secretary, the Shopper, and served as librarian for Albion's Public Library from 1977-2012.

Mari was a member of the Albion Public Library Board, History and Art, Writer's Club, United Methodist Hope Circle, and book club. She attended UCC/Congregational Church and the United Methodist Church in Albion, where she taught Sunday School for both.

Growing up, Mari studied pointe and ballet and later became a prolific writer, with many of her pieces featured in the Omaha World-Herald's Magazine of the Midlands. She also enjoyed crocheting, caring for her house plants, and going on cruises. Mari was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; a life-long cat lover, and a 34-year breast cancer survivor.

Mari is survived by her two sons: Paul (Lori) Hosford of Albion, NE; Gregg Hosford of Irving, TX; three grandchildren: William Hosford of Albion, NE; Angela (Daniel) French of Columbus, NE; Thomas (Claire) Hosford of Albion, NE; nephew: Mike Mansfield of Albuquerque, NM; niece: Erin Mansfield of Berkeley, CA; along with many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Frank Hosford in 2013; brother: Fred (Sage) Mansfield; niece: Robin Cossel; and nephew: Scott Mansfield.