Shirley Nelms

Shirley May (Hatcher) Nelms passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, at Hillcrest Nursing Home.

Shirley was the third born daughter to Paul and May (Morosic) Hatcher on December 17, 1934, on the family farm near Indianola. She grew up simple and loved everything about the country life. After graduating from Red Willow High School, she pursued music education at the University of Colorado in Boulder for three years before returning home to marry the love of her life, Donald Nelms, after he returned from serving in the Army on April 10, 1955. After marrying, she taught K-12 music education to students at Red Willow Country School for a year before starting their family and continuing her life on the farm.

Don and Shirley’s union brought them four children: Sharon, Sue, Dann, and Shauna. Together they farmed, raised cattle, and loved their family. During Shirley’s life, she was passionate about many things, but music was at the front. Even though not in the classroom, she continued to teach vocal and piano lessons to numerous children for over 12 years.

She was active in the Methodist Church, being a member for nearly 70 years, participating in the church choir, and volunteering where needed. Shirley was also a member of the local PEO chapter, multiple extension clubs, and was a member of the Roaring 20’s Card Club for 40 years.

Her love for country life was evident in all she did, from tending large gardens, raising chickens, sewing, baking, and spending countless hours with her dogs throughout the years. In 1991, they settled north of McCook, where they built their home and worked on many projects together.

Shirley spent over five years at DeGroff's in McCook and later worked for more than 18 years in the fabric department at Walmart. She loved interacting with customers, always greeting them with a smile and her infectious laugh.

Of all the things Shirley did in life; her greatest treasures were that of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She spent a week each summer for many years hosting her grandchildren that were old enough to stay, carting them around to any fun place she could find. Her house was full, but her heart was even fuller.

Shirley was met in Heaven with welcoming arms by her soulmate, Donald Nelms; parents, Paul and May Hatcher; in-laws, Marvin and Ruth Nelms; sisters, Helen Hotze and Beverly Bernatchy; daughter, Sharon Mills; grandson, Craig Nelms; and many other family and friends.

Left to cherish the memories and forever miss her include Sue (Buzz) Hellyer of Akron, CO; Dann (Sue) Nelms of Benkelman, NE; and Shauna (Glenn) Hilker of Cambridge, NE; grandchildren: Jeremy Klein of Kearney, NE, Kelsey (Kent) Shelton of Kansas City, KS, Abbie (Kevin) Goodman of Fort Collins, CO, Lexin (Kassi) Brent of Akron, CO, Braden (Beth) Brent of Akron, CO, Alton (Tarah) Brent of Lexington, GA, Emilie (Cole) Kilborn of Tulsa, OK, Brent (Melissa) Nelms of Wallace, NE, Kelli (Justin) Jensen of McCook, NE, Julie Nelms of Grand Island, NE, Laura (Steven Boyd) Nelms of Omaha, NE, Mark Nelms of Crete, NE, Levi (Jenna) Hilker of Genoa, NE, Pake (Michelle) Hilker of Holbrook, NE, and Shasta (Jason) Hambidge of Arapahoe, NE. She also has 29 great-grandchildren: Dravin, Rhett, Afton, Leah, Ansley, Xander, Aviahnna, Korbin, Caliber, Nyla, Nashua, Winsley, Kason, Alaina, Noah, Jace, Lydia, Judd, Duke, Ryker, Clayton, Hatcher, Harper, Bennett, Lainey, Olittia, Jensen, Charlie, and another on the way.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 AM on Monday morning, August 25, 2025 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with Pastor Jeremy LaBrie officiating. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook will follow services.

Memorials in Shirley's name are suggested to the McCook Humane Society or Memorial Methodist Church of McCook. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.