Mary Etta Robb

Mary Etta Robb, age 88, of Sidney, NE passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Cremation has been held. A private family service will be held. Memorials can be made to the Sidney High School wrestling program in care of Sidney High School, 1100 19th Avenue Sidney NE 69162.

You may view Mary’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Mary’s care and funeral arrangements.

Mary Etta Robb, 88 of Sidney, Nebraska (formerly of Big Springs) passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at Sidney Regional Extended Care. Graveside services will be held at a later date. 

Mary was born Jan. 10, 1934 at Myers Flat, CA to Alexander and Ella (Galloway) Smith. She graduated Eureka High School in Eureka, CA. In 1953, while working in San Diego, she met the love of her life Donald Robb, who was serving in the US Navy. They married in Bellflower, CA. July 9, 1955. Shortly after Don’s enlistment was over, they moved to Julesburg CO. and then later to the Robb family home in Big Springs. They spent most of 49 years there and welcomed 3 children. 

Mary was always a hard worker and had secretarial skills that lead her to work for several area businesses. Her last years working were spent at First National Bank in Julesburg. She enjoyed many friends and co-workers over the years. Mary retired in 2008.

Mary loved watching all kinds of sports, especially football. She loved cheering for the San Francisco 49’ers. But her greatest enjoyment was watching her children and grandchildren in their many activities. Her grandchildren competing in team sports meant that she cheered for all the home town kids. She was known as “Grandma Mary” to many high school athletes. She was a very proud to receive the Booster of the Year Award for her dedication to the athletes.

Sadly, she lost her loving husband, Don, in 2009. Mary then made her home in Sidney to be close to family. She was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Big Springs and then Trinity Lutheran Church of Sidney.

Survivors include her son, Charlie and his wife Angie of Sidney, two daughters Brenda and her husband Gene Smith of Farson, WY and Donna and her husband Clint Bailey of Lincoln, NE,  son-in-law Alan Otsuka of Sedgwick. CO, and sister-in-law Diana Robb of Arvada, CO, grandchildren Jeremy Bailey and his wife Brandi of Bellevue IA, Miranda Maser and friend James Duitsman, Carmen and her husband Curtis Bachle all of Lincoln, NE, Kenneth Bailey of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Jacy Otsuka of Sedgwick, CO, Kali and husband Tyler Miller of Sidney, Derek and wife Kelly Robb of Kansas City, MO and E-2 Brady Robb currently stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX and his fiancé Tatiana Johnson of Sidney. Mary leaves several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and siblings. brother-in-law Dean Robb, brother-in-law Lavern (Nic) Tranel, sister-in-law Doris (Robb) Tranel and nephew Kenneth Tranel.