Mary Beth Buhlke

She was born on September 9, 1935, in Burwell, Nebraska, to Floyd and Effie (Wilson) Chatfield. Mary Beth graduated from Burwell High School in 1952. On July 7, 1953, she married Lee E. Buhlke in Lincoln, Nebraska. Four children were born to this union: Richard, Dennis, Steven, and Beth Lee.

As the wife of a serviceman, Mary Beth embraced a life of travel, living in numerous countries during her husband’s 21-year military career. Following his military service, she dedicated more than 18 years to the Internal Revenue Service.

Mary is survived by her children: Rick (Joyce) Buhlke of Juniata, Nebraska; Dennis (Araceli) Buhlke of Winfield, Kansas; Steve Buhlke of Loveland, Colorado; and Beth Lee Buhlke of Hastings, Nebraska. She is also survived by her brother, Alan (Teri) Chatfield of Leander, Texas.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Justin (Megan Neumiller) Buhlke of Hastings, Nebraska; Jennifer Chavez of Hastings, Nebraska; Zachary (Shailene) Buhlke of Clinton, Montana; Dennis Buhlke of Missoula, Montana; and Danielle Buhlke of Clovis, California, along with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She shared a particularly special bond with her granddaughter, Taylor (Tylan) Matthias of Lincoln, Nebraska, who along with her mother Beth Lee, lived with Mary Beth for much of Taylor’s childhood. This time together was deeply meaningful to Mary Beth.

Mary Beth is also survived by her longtime caregiver and dear friend, Hortensia Pedroza.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; her brothers, Wilson and Albert Chatfield; and her sister Wilma Hopkins.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hastings Fire Department.