Shirley M. Church

Shirley M. Church, age 78, of Columbus died Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at Golden Living Center in Columbus.

Shirley M. Church was born September 14, 1932 in Newman Grove, Nebraska to Reuben and Esther (Schmidt) Nelson. She received her education at District #45 in Madison County and Newman Grove High School. Shirley married William M. Church on February 15, 1950 in Newman Grove. To this union were born four children: Dallas William, Deborah Sue, Daniel Reuben and Douglas Scott. She was baptized, confirmed and married in the Zion Lutheran Church in Newman Grove.
She moved to Columbus when her husband was drafted into the Army in the late 1950. She joined Trininty Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, Bible School and was involved in Care Ministry. She worked as a waitress at Keen Korner Cafe, was manager of Woolworth's Luncheonette for five years, was a caregiver for several families. Her last job was at Barcel Mill, working in the office. Shirley volunteered in the school while her children attended school. She was president of Williams P.T.A. Shirley belonged to the Eagles Auxiliary where she held several offices and was mother of the year in 1994-95 for President Dorothy Graybill. She was a member of V.F.W Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary where she served as chaplin.

Shirley is survived by:
Daughter: Deborah Church of Columbus, NE
Son: Doug (Patty) Church of Bladen, NE
Daughter-In-Law: Noreen Church of Council Bluffs, IA
Sister: Betty Kiser of Springfield, NE
Sister: Donna Dickerson of Oxnard, CA
Brother: Merlin Nelson of Mayetta, KS
9 grandchildren:Laura (Stan) Rossell, Phillip Church, Katherine Church, Megan (Justin) Schroder, Jeremy (Amy) Church, Dustin Church, Bradley (Heather) Church, Matthew (Jessica) Church, Joshua Church and 13 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by:
Husband: William M. Church in 1982, Father: Reuben Nelson, Mother: Esther Nelson, Son: Dallas Church, Son: Daniel Church, Brother: Dennis Nelson, Infant Brother: Duane Nelson,