Mardy McCullough
Mardy McCullough passed away on June 11, 2026. A Central Nebraska girl at heart, she grew up the youngest of four brothers and a sister — early training, no doubt, for a lifetime of holding her own.
On November 13, 1955 she married C.D. “Mac” McCullough, and together they raised two daughters who inherited her determination and sense of adventure.
Mardy began her career as a legal secretary before deciding she wanted to work for herself. In 1974, she opened her own real estate and abstracting business, McCullough Realty, in Grant, Nebraska—and she didn’t stop there. Throughout her life, she was deeply involved in numerous organizations, serving as a board member and president of the Nebraska Land Title Association and later receiving its Honorary Life Membership. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Realtors Association. Her engagement and expertise led to appointments by Governor Jim Exon to the Nebraska Commission on the Status of Women and by Governor Ben Nelson to the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board. Mardy was elected as a delegate to eight National Democratic Conventions. Also served on the Board of Directors of People’s City Mission. She provided leadership and service at county, state, and national political events with the kind of energy that made younger people tired just watching. She earned honors including Realtor of the Year and Title Person of the Year and received more state and national recognitions than her family could keep track of. She was, in short, a force.
Mardy loved to travel — preferably in the Bahamas, her favorite place on earth, which she made sure every member of her family experienced firsthand. One of Mardy’s greatest joys was celebrating milestones with her grandchildren, including treating each of them to a Caribbean graduation trip that she proudly chaperoned. She also followed her grandchildren to every game, competition, and event, regardless of weather, distance, or her own schedule. She was independent, generous, and thoughtful in the way that made people feel genuinely lucky to know her.
She had classic sayings for certain occasions. Feeling sorry for yourself? “Don’t dwell on it.” Reluctant to try something new at dinner? “If you don’t like it, it won’t be your last meal.” And for nearly any ailment known to medicine: “Get up, move around — you’ll feel better.” Remarkably, she was usually right.
Mardy was preceded in death by her husband, Mac. She is survived by her daughters Jorje Jette (“JJ”) Geisert (Giz) of Grant NE and Jackie Urdahl (Rick Young) of Overland Park KS; grandchildren Eric (Ellie) McCormick of Grant NE, Erin McCormick of Bellevue NE, and Claire (Lluis) Altimires of Overland Park KS; and great-grandchildren Grayson and Parker McCormick, Jett McCormick, and Max and James Altimires — a beautiful family she built on purpose and brought together every chance she got.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent to JJ Geisert, Box 509, Grant, NE 69140.
Wishing your family peace and good memories as you celebrate her life.