Mary Ann Biltoft was born on a farm just a few miles outside Nelson, and has lived and worked in Nuckolls County just about all her life. She married and gave birth to five children in eight years. Imagine her surprise when she found she was expecting another baby 15 years later. Once her new youngest daughter Tara was in school full time, Mrs. Biltoft took a job as an assistant cook in the school system. She continues to work in the school cafeteria from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A few years ago she heard that Bob Wilson, DDS was looking for part-time help in his dental clinic, so she applied and was hired. Most days she works there from about 3 to 7 p.m. Evenings and weekends, as needed, she works her third job with Price Funeral Homes.

Although her jobs are very different, Mrs. Biltoft brings something special to each. She tries to set an example for the school children in simple ways such as using proper English and showing respect for others. “I feel I contribute extra time for the doctors to use in their practices,” she says. And she contributes to employer John Price by being experienced in meeting the public. “The bereaved need special tender words and a caring personality, and I feel that this I can give.” In return, her employers praise her dependability, her attention to detail, her people skills, and her outgoing personality. Dr. Robert Wilson calls her “heaven sent.”

Mrs. Biltoft’s energy is amazing. “Life is my joy,” she says. She has been active in just about every sphere of Sacred Heart Catholic Church over the last 30 years, and she’s volunteered with almost every organization in town. For fun, she cheers Tara on at University of Nebraska indoor and outdoor cross country meets, attends Cornhusker football games and the local Community Theater, and tags along with her Nebraska grandchildren to dance programs, school functions, and all kinds of ballgames. Her greatest accomplishment will come in December 1999 when Tara graduates. “I’ve had children in some school for 40 years!”