Mary Marcella Mulinix

Mary Marcella Mulinix, 85, of Grand Island died on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Tiffany Square in Grand Island.

A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 AM Thursday, November 12, 2026 at Evangelical Free Church with pastor Dan Brenton officiating. Inurnment will be in Westlawn Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island.

Mrs. Mulinix was born August 31, 1941 in Tilden, NE to Wesley and Jeanie (James) Sandquist.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Mulinix; three sons: Danny Mulinix, Fredrick Wittman, and Richard Wittman; granddaughter, Brandie Annett; great granddaughter, Bailey Inskeep; her parents; three sisters, Doris Michalski, Dwyla Osborn, and Betty (Arden) Trueman; two brother's, Wesley “Steve” (Melva) Sandquist, and William "Billy" Sandquist.

Survivors of her immediate family include six sons and three daughter-in-laws, Tony Mulinix of Grand Island, Curtis Mulinix of Grand Island, Michael & Jocelyn Mulinix of El Cajon California, Donald “Bud” & Patty Mulinix of Grand Island, Johnny & Helen Mulinix of Grand Island, and Jeff Mulinix of Grand Island. Three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda & Jeff Lyden of Lincoln, Kristy & Tony Casarez of Grand Island, and Cindy Mulinix of Grand Island; 31 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren with one more on the way; three sisters and brother-in-law, Jeanie “Patty” Nouzovsky of Grand Island, Judy Platt of Grand Island, Amy & Paul Pennington of Piedmont, Oklahoma; adopted sister, Dixie & Kerry Jones of Grand Island; and many nieces and nephews.

Mary grew up in Grand Island, received her education through Grand Island public schools. She received her GED.

Mary was united in marriage to Donald Mulinix on Dec. 5, 1964, in Edgar, NE. The couple lived in Hastings, before moving to Grand Island. She worked for Walmart for 27 years. Before that she babysat for years, worked at 3D in Doniphan, Wheeler's Warehouse, and Pacific Tool.

She enjoyed barbecue get-togethers with family and friends. She dedicated her free time to making and selling things for the relay for life. She started in 1999 to 2014 helping collect donations for a wonderful cause she lost a lot of loved ones to cancer.

She wrote letters and sent cards to loved ones and to those she knew to cheer them up and to keep in touch. She liked to play cards, roll dice, and put together puzzles. She also loved to read books and play on her kindle - sometimes all night. Her flower gardens were beautiful and always weeded; they were special to her. Her grandchildren especially loved her talking flowers “snapdragons”. She counted her solar lights every night before she went to bed, they were all special and array of colors. Can't forget the squirrels. She loved to feed them, and they were the talk of most conversations.

She easily spread love to everyone through her huge heart. Everyone she touched was blessed.

Our Mother and Grandmother was so much more than just the strong, supportive, caring woman others saw. She was our best friend, the rock to our family. She loved each one of us unconditionally. She has left a lasting legacy for many generations.