Shirley Jean Stecker

Shirley J Stecker died Sunday September 15, 2013, at her home following a valiant battle with cancer, she was 83. She was born September 3, 1930 to Virgil and Ruth Cooper Shackelford in Imperial, NE. Shirley was the eldest of 4 children born to this union. She graduated from Trenton High School in 1948, getting her accreditation to be a teacher. She taught for one year school at a country school southeast of Trenton. She was united in marriage May 26, 1949 with Henry D Stecker. They made their home in the Trenton and Culbertson areas before moving to McCook. Shirley was a hard working farm wife and mother, but also enjoyed her job as hostess at the Chief Restaurant. Shirley enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She and Hank enjoyed playing cards and square dancing. She was a member of a monthly bridge club. Shirley spent many hours quilting, gardening, playing piano and giving lessons. She played the organ and piano for church service, weddings and funerals for nearly 60 years. Shirley also played for monthly chapel services at the El Dorado Manor in Trenton since the inception of the facility. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Patricia Melchert and her husband, Burdette. Survivors are husband, Henry of McCook; sons, Robert and wife Carol of McCook, Jack and wife Christa of Yukon OK, Tom and wife Lynn of St. Augustine, FL; brothers, Dean Shackelford and wife, Wyona of Trenton, Duane Shackelford and wife, Grace of Lincoln, NE; brother-in-law, Les; sister-in-law, Nadine Wolters; grandchildren, Ryan Stecker, Darcy and husband Tony Rouse, Sean and wife Renee`Stecker, Jessi and husband Stephen Grzybowski, Seth, Brian, and Katie; 3 great-grandchildren; one aunt, Thelma Mathes; special family friends the Williamsons, many relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 19, 2013, at the St John`s Lutheran Church in Culbertson, NE. Interment will be at the Trenton cemetery.