Mary J. Stubbs

Mary Jane (Shanahan) Stubbs passed away July 4, 2026 at her home in Axtell, NE. She was 68. A funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church with Father Josh Brown as celebrant. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Axtell. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 7th at St. James Catholic Church with a vigil service to follow beginning at 6:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Mary, born February 16, 1958, was the second daughter of James and Detta (Murphy) Shanahan. She grew up on the family farm northwest of Axtell and graduated from Axtell High School in 1976. Mary was well known as someone on the go, be it sprinting on the track for Axtell, hustling to assist someone at her job, or simply determined to provide comfort and support to her family. Mary married Michael Swanson of Holdrege and the two had a daughter, Tara, in 1979. Later, she married Craig Stubbs of Kearney, NE, and the two had a son, Joseph, in 1984. Mary lived with her family in Eagle, NE, working in office management. During this time she also attended community college. Mary moved to Kearney, living in Valley View with Tara and Joe and working at various jobs in office and administration, including several years at Builders Warehouse. She spent some time in Mesquite, AZ, before moving to the family farm to help care for her mother and work for Casey’s. After a short time in Clay Center, she returned to the Axtell area. Mary enjoyed her family, especially her granddaughters and great grandchildren, often sitting on the floor with a grandchild, niece, or nephew, playing with a special toy or patiently listening to their story. That patience extended to her talent for plants; it seemed like any sick plant she was given to take care of would be thriving in short order. Those mourning include her daughter Tara (Swanson) Judd of Hastings, son Joe Stubbs of Atlanta, GA, granddaughters Ariel Franks of Holdrege, Trace Franks of Hastings, and Samatha Franks of Axtell, great grandchildren Sappire, Malikay, Ahrista, Adalynne, sisters Jean Carranza of Tucson, AZ, and Katherine (Michael) Shiers of Kearney, brothers James Shanahan of Axtell, and Richard Shanahan (Michael Tune) of Springfield, VA, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces & nephews. She leaves behind her spirit for us to remember and enjoy and she remains honored on the wall at Axtell High School as the 100-yard dash record holder. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Tommy Shanahan; sister-in-law Terri Shanahan; and a nephew Michael Shanahan.

Tributes

Mary J. Stubbs

February 16, 1958 - July 4, 2026