Shirley M Ebmeier

Due to health concerns and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic; a private family Mass of Christian Burial and private visitation for Shirley M. Ebmeier will be held. Interment will be held at the Highland Cemetery at Bertrand, Nebraska.

Shirley Mae Ebmeier, 94 years of age, of rural Bertrand, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2020, at the Bertrand Nursing Home in Bertrand.  Shirley was born on July 26, 1925, at her parent's farm in Phelps County, Nebraska, near Bertrand, the third of four children, of Claude and Elizabeth Mae (Murphy) Clayton.  Shirley often spoke of how she and her brother, Bill would play in the Buffalo Grass after a rain and how her mom provided food to homeless people moving across Nebraska, during the Great Depression. She received her primary education from a country school and then completed her education from Bertrand High School, graduating with the class of 1942.  Shirley pursued higher education, received her teaching certificate, and taught at different country schools in the Bertrand area.  During her teaching career, Shirley was not only responsible for the education of her country school students; she also carried water to the school house each day and arrived early to start the fire in the stove, making sure the school house was warm before the students arrived.

On August 22, 1949, Shirley was united in marriage to Roger W. Ebmeier at All Saints Catholic Church in Holdrege, Nebraska and to this union four children were born:  Larry, Patrick, Juli, and Joyce. Shirley was committed to her children's education too, and made sure each could attend and graduate from the University of Nebraska.

Shirley worked alongside Roger on their farm and ranch. After her children entered college, she became an equal partner in the farm and cattle work with her husband.  Her knowledge of the cattle business also inspired her grandson, T.J. to enter the business.  She even taught him the proper language that's required to work cattle.

Strength and tenacity are two character traits that Shirley embodied throughout her life.  When Roger's health worsened, she took over the business, fostering the cattle through cold and icy calving seasons.  Her drive was innate.  Even before women in the workforce became a common thing, Shirley ventured in and successfully navigated in a male-dominated profession.

Shirley loved her family and was quick to remind them of their heritage; proud of the fact that Abraham Lincoln was part of her family's history and she had the research and documentation to verify it.  She was remarkably close to her mom and inspired her children to strive to be as kind and loving as their grandma.  Shirley loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly and they loved her.  Many stories exist of their escapades on the farm and the warmth and love she gave to them.

Shirley was member of the St. John's Catholic Church in Smithfield, Nebraska; and was active with the Altar Society.  She loved her friends and her church, and their presence in her life gave her great joy.

Besides her parents; and husband, Roger; Shirley was preceded in death by; her son, Larry Ebmeier; sister, Charlotte Clayton; two brothers:  Don Clayton and his wife Marie; and Bill Clayton and his wife, Gloria; three brothers-in-law:  Richard Ebmeier, as a small child; Marvin Ebmeier and his wife, Ethel; and Lloyd Ebmeier; and two sisters-in-law:  Dorothea Kampfe and her husband, Reuben; and Vida Forsberg and husband, Roger.

Shirley leaves to celebrate her life; her son:  Pat Ebmeier and his wife, Cathy of Bertrand; her daughters:  Juli Wilcox and her husband, Tom of Bertrand; and Joyce Ebmeier and her husband, Jim Allgood of Lincoln, Nebraska; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial has been established in Shirley's honor, and kindly suggested to:  the Bertrand Area Community Fund or St. John's Catholic Church at Smithfield.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.