Mary Belle Osburn (Johnson) was born on Aug. 7, 1944, in Mullen, Nebraska, to Lessie Belle and Richard Johnson. She was later joined by her brother, Sam. After her mother remarried, Mary Belle was blessed with her stepfather, John Ferguson, and two half-brothers, Tom and Jim. She took on a nurturing role early in life and always treasured her bond with her “Three Bros.”
On Sept. 15, 1963, Mary Belle married Jimmy Duane Osburn. Together they raised three children: Lynn Kay, Cindy Rae and Jay Dee.
Once her children were grown, Mary Belle proudly entered the workforce, embracing the women’s movement. She became a well-known and respected bookkeeper throughout the community.
Known affectionately as “Ma Belle” and “Grama Belle,” she opened her home and heart to friends and family (and animals) alike. She was warm and welcoming, but never afraid to tell it like it was.
Mary Belle made lifelong friends through her work and church. After retiring from bookkeeping, she worked at the Valentine Public Library, where she was fondly known as the “Library Grama.” She had a deep love for reading - especially gritty mysteries - and shared that love with generations of children.
She later delivered meals for the Valentine Senior Center, lovingly calling the recipients “her old people.” She was always happy to care for others.
Mary Belle’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren. She adored spending time with Kailyn, Jason, Lauren and Sam - planting flowers, reading books, doing crafts and making memories.
She and Jim were among the founding members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Valentine. In 2024, she was honored as the oldest living member. Her legacy is one of strong faith, fierce kindness, resilience and a wonderful sense of humor.
Mary Belle passed away on May 3, 2025, at her home in Valentine.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim, daughter Cindy Rae, greatgrandchild Oakley Bailey, and many cherished friends and relatives.
She is survived by daughter Lynn Kay (Randy) Graeff and son Jay Dee (Regina) Osburn, both of Valentine; grandchildren Kailyn (Matt) Sebron of Omaha, Jason Graeff of Gillette, Wyo, Lauren (Brandon) Bailey of Rushville and Samuel Osburn; great-grandchild Hayze Bailey; brothers Sam Johnson (Ennis, Mont.), Tom (Gail) Ferguson (Murrieta, Calif.), and Jim (Deb) Ferguson (St. Joseph, Mo.); furry companions Pup and Curly; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary Belle will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Rest with Jesus Ma Belle. We love you.
Funeral service was held May 9, 2025, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Valentine. Burial followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine.
Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with service arrangements.