Mary was born in Ord, Nebraska on October 22, 1949 to Donita Cook (Selk) and William H. Cook. Mary grew up the youngest of three children including Shari Mathis and the late Craig Cook. Mary played volleyball for North Loup/Scotia high school and raised and trained Boston Terrier bulldogs all while working on the family farm.
Mary married Jack Scherbak in July of 1972 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Jack and Mary moved to Mesquite, Texas in the late 1970’s with two children, Jason and James in tow to pursue Jack’s music career. Jack and Mary enjoyed their time in Texas making friends with neighbors and Jack played classical guitar for five-star hotels, including Rosewood on Turtle Creek in Dallas, TX. While in Texas Jack and Mary welcomed their third child, Rachel and in 1985 decided to move their family back to Lincoln to be closer to family. Mary’s greatest joy was raising her children and creating a home filled with good food and memories. Mary made Christmas especially warm with her homemade cookies and thoughtful gifts under the tree. Mary created unique and detailed cakes for birthdays, Father’s Day, and other special occasions. Mary and Jack enjoyed 24 years of marriage and Mary lost Jack to cancer in April 1996. Mary found happiness with Blaine Jones of Missouri and the two eloped in Eureka Springs, Arkansas (date unknown). Mary lost Blaine to cancer in April of 2018. Mary loved dogs and had her faithful companion, Benji, at her side up until her final days.
Mary is survived by her children, Jason and James Scherbak and Rachel Carmicheal of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren, Gabriel and Natalie Carmicheal and Joslyn Scherbak of Lincoln, NE. Sister, Shari Mathis. Nieces, Jill, Susie, Tracy, and Alyssa and nephews, Dylan, Taylor, and Brad. Sisters-in-law, Lydia, Betty, and Mary Etta and brothers-in-law, John and Basil. Mary’s longtime friend, Rebecca and dear friends and neighbors who cared for her.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, William H. and Donita Cook. Spouses, Jack Scherbak and Blaine Jones. Brother, Craig Cook. Nephew Brian Cook. Mother-in-law, Olga Layton. Dogs, Mitzi Oliver, Bessie, Morgan, and her beloved childhood Boston Terrier bulldogs.
Service: December 14, 2023 at 12 pm at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 950 N. 63rd St. Lincoln, NE 68505
Procession with hearse to Fairview cemetery at 1:15 pm
Graveside service and interment at cemetery at 1:30 pm
Procession back to church at 1:45 pm
Luncheon in church hall at 2 pm with conclusion by 4 pm
Call Rachel Carmicheal at 402-613-5059 for more information
Memorial donations to Capital Humane Society of Lincoln, NE
Thank you to the caring hospital staff at Cox Sout of Springfield, MO, her friends and neighbors of Marshfield, MO and her friends and family throughout her life.