Coleen Mae McLey

Coleen Mae (Curren) McLey was born September 10, 1937 in York County, Nebraska to Lloyd and Gladys (Bowman) Curren. Coleen grew up in Bradshaw, Nebraska where she attended grade school. The family moved to Valley, Nebraska where she attended high school, graduating in 1955. As a young girl, Coleen enjoyed roller skating, taking part in plays, singing in the choir, and playing piano, something she could do by ear. Coleen married Jack McLey on December 4, 1955 at the Baptist Presbyterian Church in Valley, Nebraska, and to this union, four children were born: Curtis Lee, Jack Scott, LeeAnn Michelle, and Mark Allen. Jack and Coleen lived briefly in Omaha and many years in Valley, before settling on an acreage north of Leshara, Nebraska, which they built themselves with the help of a few sub-contractors. Coleen worked at Mutual of Omaha, Schweser’s stores, was a Dodge girl, and assisted in analyzing handwriting, but she was most known for her twenty years working in the cafeteria at Valmont Industries. She was active as a Den Mother of Cub Scouts, Den 4 in Valley, served on various church committees, and the PTA, as well as taking part in Bunko Club. Coleen was a proud supporter of the Huskers, and gladly wore her favorite color red to show it. She enjoyed listening to country music or ‘50s rock and roll, and even sang in a successful country band, the Country Apollo’s, with her brother Rol on piano, and Joe Roberts on bass guitar. They had many guitarists and drummers over twenty years. One of the drummers was Rick Boardman; his family is long time family friends of the McLeys. Coleen was always happy to go out for dinner with her friends on Friday night. She loved lobster and husband Jack’s specialty: sauerkraut, dumplings, roast pork, and gravy. Later in life, Coleen could be found solving crossword puzzles, or playing solitaire on the computer. She appreciated sincerity, honesty, and authenticity, and could often be heard reminding her children of the Golden Rule, or encouraging them with, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” She also maintained, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Coleen was a caring, thoughtful, ethical, funny, loyal, and loving woman, who cherished her family. She had a great sense of humor, and was fun to be around. She will be remembered as an honest and kind, caring woman who was a loyal friend and encouraging mother. Coleen died unexpectedly at her home in Valley, Nebraska on Monday, June 22, 2015 at the age of 77 years, 8 months and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack McLey, parents Lloyd & Gladys Curren, her brother Lennie Curren, and special niece Sue Sanders. Coleen is survived by her children: Curt (Debi) McLey of Omaha, Jack “Scott” (Stella) McLey of Ray City, GA, LeeAnn (Bill) Wilcox of Valley, NE, and Mark (Ann) McLey of Omaha; grandchildren: Eric McLey, Sammy (Brandon) Blacketer, Justin McLey, Jesse McLey-Rutiglan, Dustin (Emmalie) Wilcox, and Chelsea Wilcox; great grandson Wyatt Wilcox; brother Rol Curren of Ashland, NE; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends. Coleen M. McLey, age 77, of Valley, NE died 6-22-15. Preceded in death by husband Jack McLey, parents Lloyd & Gladys Curren, and brother Lennie Curren. Survived by children: Curt (Debi) McLey of Omaha, Jack “Scott” (Stella) McLey of Ray City, GA, LeeAnn (Bill) Wilcox of Valley, NE, and Mark (Ann) McLey of Omaha, grandchildren: Eric McLey, Sammy (Brandon) Blacketer, Justin McLey, Jesse McLey-Rutigan, Dustin (Emmalie) Wilcox, and Chlesea Wilcox, great grandson Wyatt Wilcox, brother Rol Curren of Ashland, NE, many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Memorial service 10:30 AM Friday, United Faith Community Church, Valley, NE. No visitation. Inurnment Pleasant View Cemetery, Leshara, NE. Memorials to the church.

Coleen Mae McLey

September 10, 1937 - June 22, 2015