- Date Of Birth: February 11, 1932
- Date Of Death: July 7, 2017
- State: Nebraska
She was born on February 11, 1932 to Floyd and Fern (Hendricks) Rouse, on the family farm in Nuckolls County near Nelson, NE. She was raised on the farm and attended rural school prior to graduating from Nelson High School in 1950. Mary Ellen continued her education at Kearney State Teacher’s College. After receiving her teaching certificate, she taught in rural Nuckolls County.
On June 6, 1954, Mary Ellen married Raymond Eugene “Gene” Kincanon. The couple first made their home in Nelson and then moved to Bassett, NE in 1957. She was a child care provider and was the bookkeeper at her church in Bassett.
The family moved to Norfolk in 1984. Mary Ellen worked as a floral designer at a flower shop and was in customer service at the Northeast Community College Bookstore. She was very active at First United Methodist Church as a Stephen Minister, a member of United Methodist Women, and the altar committee. She especially enjoyed her weekly Bible study group. Mary Ellen was a member of PEO Chapter CU and held several offices. She and her husband were members of the Lueshen’s Birders, Northeast Nebraska Rock and Mineral Society and the Norfolk Arts Center. Her hobbies included baking, painting, sewing, floral designing, and she was a very accomplished wheat weaver.
Mary Ellen had a heart for others. She ministered to many people by offering encouragement, providing food, writing notes, and praying. Her sweet spirit, unselfish attitude, hospitality, and loving ways will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years; their children: Kathi (Gale) Lueth, of Beatrice, Kent (Nancy) Kincanon, of Grand Island, Kurt (Jo) Kincanon, of Lafayette, IN, and Kerry (Janeanne) Kincanon, of Monmouth, OR; eight granddaughters and four great grandchildren; and one brother, Richard (Sharon) Rouse, of Olympia, WA, sister-in-law Carole Rouse of Estes Park, CO, and many nieces and nephews.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Raymond, Homer and James.
