Mary Bernetta (Heim) Niblock went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ, on Friday, August 19, 2022, after spending her last few weeks at
the Sheridan County Long Term Care Unit in Hoxie, KS.
She was born at the family home in Leoville, KS on June 9, 1942, to
parents William and Marie (Mannebach) Heim. She attended elementary
school through 5th grade in Leoville, except for her 4th grade year
which was spent at Consolidated Rural School. Her family then moved to
Hoxie during her 6th grade year where she went on to graduate from
Sheridan County High School in 1960. Following High School, she moved to
Salina, attending Salina Beauty Academy. Upon completion of beauty
school, she returned to Hoxie and began working for Marie Brown at her
beauty salon. Being a beautician was a perfect occupation for Mary
because she loved to visit and never knew a stranger.
Mary was united in marriage to Donald D. Niblock on August 11,
1962. They made their home in rural Studley, KS where they farmed,
milked cows, and raised pigs & chickens. They were blessed with 5
children: Melissa, Donald II, Daniel, Melinda, and Michaela. She
operated Mary’s Country Beauty Shop out of their rural farm home for
over 25 years. In 1992 Don & Mary moved to Hoxie and she opened
Mary’s Town & Country Beauty Shop, where she continued to offer
shampoo/sets, haircuts, colors, and perms for another 25 years. Since
the beauty shop was in their home, family members recall fond memories
of visiting with the ladies and listening in to hear the latest
happenings around town (according to Mary, it was an exchange of
information, not gossip). Mary was a dedicated and faithful wife and
mother, always working hard to care for her family. In addition to
owning her own business, she also spent many years driving the school
bus for USD 412. Mary possessed a heart for serving others and played an
active role in her church, the women’s Sodality, the Sheridan County
Benefit Walk, and any other way in which she could serve. She enjoyed
being a part of the local ladies’ Red Hat Society, enjoying many outings
filled with fun and laughter. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy,
and they LOVED and always requested her fried chicken. A favorite
pastime when all of her kids and grandkids were home involved playing
dominoes or cards around the table. Every year, she eagerly awaited the
entire family gathering for the Sheridan County Fair, parade, and
amusement rides. She enjoyed baking, cooking, and gardening, all loves
that were passed down from her mother. Mary never missed an opportunity
to find a good bargain at an auction or garage sale, always hunting for
that next piece of depression glass, Roseville pottery, or treasured
Lady Head to display in her beauty shop.
Mary was preceded in death by her grandson, Trevor Luckey; parents,
William & Marie Heim; brothers Jerome and Jim (Gail); sisters
Bonnie (Bud) Lager and Eileen (Phil) Thompson; and sisters-in-law Jan
and Grace.
She is survived by her husband, Don; children Missy (Bob) Ruf,
Oberlin, KS; Don (Liz) Niblock Fergus Falls, MN; Dan (Chris) Niblock,
Hoxie; Mindy (Will) Mitchell, Colorado Springs, CO; and Michaela
(Randee) Luckey, Columbus, NE. Grandchildren Derek (Moe) & Colton
Spresser; Megan, Alicia, and Matthew Niblock; Madi, Brynn, & Kyler
Niblock; Anneliese & Mick Mitchell; Jonathon Luckey; and great
granddaughter, Nora Spresser; Brothers Gerald (Helen), Don, Joe
(Sharron), and Bill; and sister-in-law Pauline Heim, along with a host
of nieces, nephews, and friends.
God saw she was getting weaker so He did what He saw best…He joined
her in her sleep and whispered “Mary, come for rest.” We cannot
understand it, no matter how hard we try. If love alone could have saved
her, she never would have died.
Mass of Christian Burial is planned for Thursday, August 25, 2022,
10:30 A.M. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church , Hoxie, Kansas. A
Visitation and Vigil and Rosary Service will be held Wednesday, August
24, 2022 at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. The Visitation will be held
from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M.
to 7:00 P.M. with the Vigil and Rosary Service starting at 7:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sheridan County Benefit Walk, Capuchins of Mid-America, Sheridan County Amusement Company, or the donor’s choice. Words of comfort may be left at mickeyleopoldfuneral.com. This service will be live streamed.