Mary Jane (Nelson) Bachkora, 95, of Lee's Summit MO previously of Hays KS, died July 22, 2025 at St Luke's East Hospital in Lee's Summit, MO with family at her side.

Mary Jane was born September 29, 1929, in Creek, Colorado the daughter of Joseph and Patricia (Kenney) Nelson.  On May 26, 1955 she was united in marriage to Bryan Bachkora at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Wood River, Nebraska. They celebrated over 63 years of marriage.  She graduated from Wood River High School and Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.  She began as a dedicated educator in a one room school house in 1947 and continued her passion for education as an elementary school teacher in the Hays School District for 37 years. Upon her retirement she continued sharing her love for learning with her grandchildren and great grandchildren claiming all were gifted.

Survivors include her three sons; Charlie Bachkora and wife Patty of Olathe, KS, Kevin Bachkora and wife Laura of Lee's Summit, MO, and Tom Bachkora and wife Carrie of Overland Park, KS, two daughters; Mary Bachkora of Lee's Summit, MO and Rose Schaffer and husband Van of Lawrence, KS, a sister; Rose Callahan, Grand Island NE, a brother Robert Nelson, Omaha NE, twelve grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by the love her life Bryan, her parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Monday, July 28, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Wood River, NE.  Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Wood River, Nebraska.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Curran Funeral Chapel, 3005 S Locust St, Grand Island, NE with a vigil service at 7 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, KS.  Condolences and memories of Mary Jane may be shared with the family at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Mary Jane's obituary.  Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.