Mary Ann Bliven

Mary Ann Bliven, 74, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at her home in Lexington.

She was born on August 18, 1951, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Raymond and Margaret (O'Meara) Van Cleave. Mary Ann attended school at St. Ann's High School and graduated with the class of 1969. On April 18, 1970, Mary Ann married her high school sweetheart, Jim Bliven at the St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington. Two daughters were blessed to this union: Amy and Mandy. 

Mary Ann spent many years working at various locations including Reach Electronics, Farmers State Bank, now known as Pinnacle Bank, and IBP as the payroll clerk before moving to Kansas City in 1999. Once in Kansas, she dedicated her time as a stay-at-home grandma, helping raise her grandchildren. The family couldn't stay away for too long, and in 2013, made their home in Lexington.

Mary Ann was a long-time member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, and her faith helped her endure and persevere during life's biggest challenges. She was known as an exceptional gardener; able to grow any flower you could think of, but her favorites were daisies and mums. She also enjoyed working on different crafts, but she excelled at painting. She loved creating beautiful art pieces filled with detail and love. Family meant everything to Mary Ann, and she always held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. 

Those left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband, Jim Bliven of Lexington; daughters, Amy Jordan of Kansas City, Kansas, and Mandy (Brian) Kreikemeier of Seward; grandchildren, Jaxon (Halle) Kreikemeier, Jesi Kreikemeier, Alex Kreikemeier, Malorie (Jesse) Rivera, Daniel Mank, and Joshua (Annabelle) Jordan; great-grandchildren, Enzo, Hadassa, Raymond, and Bodhi; brothers, Tom Van Cleave of Youngstown, Ohio, and Jim Van Cleave of Blair, Nebraska; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Besides her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her brothers, Dennis Van Cleave and Robert Van Cleave; sister, Alice Vollmer; and son-in-law, Emmett Jordan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anns Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Jose Chavez, officiating. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are kindly suggested to Central Plains Home Health and Hospice in Cozad; 835 Meridian Ave, Cozad, NE 69130.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com