Mary Ellen Lyman

Mary Ellen (Hansen) Lyman was born on April 23, 1938, in Manning, Iowa, to Milda (Martens) and Louis Hansen. She lived in Manilla before her family moved to Denison, where she attended school and spent the majority of her life.

Mary Ellen married William Lyman, Sr. in 1955, and she raised six children. She was a loving mother who worked hard to provide for her family. She worked at Cronk’s and later spent 23 years working at Farmland Foods in Denison. Her strong work ethic and determination were part of who she was, and she never hesitated to do what needed to be done for the people she loved. She began buying rental properties and was a dedicated landlord to many.

Mary Ellen loved to garden. She enjoyed flowers and plants and could spend hours looking through flower and gardening books. She was always thinking ahead, and it wasn’t unusual for her to be planning her spring flower beds in the middle of winter. She loved being around people. Mary Ellen enjoyed visiting with family and friends, catching up on what everyone was doing, telling stories, and, most of all, laughing. Some of the best memories her family has are simply of sitting around her table.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Milda and Louis Hansen; her brothers, Lou and Genie Hansen; her beloved sister, Jan Mathies; and her sweet granddaughter, Danielle Dahlquist.

She is survived by her children, Vikki Nicholson of New Mexico; William (Vicki) Lyman Jr.; Marie Lyman; Sandy Lyman (Mike Krajicek); Patti Ryan; and Andrea Lyman (Andy Mullin), all of Denison; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.

Mary Ellen was a woman who worked hard and enjoyed a good laugh. She found happiness in simple things: family, friends, and a garden full of flowers. Her family will carry these memories with them and remember her especially every spring when the flowers begin to bloom.

She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Mary Ellen passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at Gracewell in Denison, having attained the age of 88 years, four months, and ten days. A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation with the family the hour prior to the service, all at Huebner Funeral Home in Denison.