Shirley Ann Keck, age 90 of North Platte, went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday January 3, 2018 at Great Plains Health with her family by her side. She joined the love of her life William C. Keck “Bill Sr.” on his birthday, as well as their son Eddie.
Shirley was born on February 1, 1927 in Manning, IA to Herbert L. and Francis (Lukegord) Blair. She moved with her family to Grand Island in 1943. She attended various schools in Iowa and Nebraska. She met William C. Keck Sr. in Grand Island and they were married on Valentine’s Day 1944 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. They were married for 54 years, until Bill Sr. passed away in 1998. To their union 10 children were born, Bill “Butch” Jr., Bonnie, Allan, Steve, Kathy, Kenny and Keven, Dorothy, Ed, and Dick. She was the light of her family’s life, she was always there for her children, cooking, cleaning, hugging, and made raising 10 children look like it was the simplest thing in the world! All she needed was a 10 minute nap and she was back running circles around her kids and eventually her grandkids! In addition to her own children, she was dearly loved and known as “Mom” to many of her children’s’ friends. Shirley had endless energy, not only caring for her family, but also working full time as a waitress at The Liederkranz Private Club in Grand Island and part time at the Motel 6 at the front desk where she enjoyed meeting many people. Together she and Bill Sr. owned Neimono’s Costume Shop in their home, renting costumes all over the country and making memories with their Halloween decorations and pumpkins. She was a member of the Eagle’s Women’s Auxiliary Club, American Veteran’s Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Rosary Group. She prayed the Rosary daily. She and her good friend, the late Phyllis Wilkens, volunteered at elementary schools sharing knowledge on the history of the American Flag. She also volunteered at the Bargain Bin where she enjoyed the relationships she developed there. She was available to attend and be involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and sports. She was a true friend to all, thinking of others above herself. They say “Angels walk among us” and anyone who knew Shirley knew that to be true. She leaves behind the Keck Legacy of 10 children, 92 grand and great and great great grandchildren, plus 3 on the way.
Shirley is survived by 9 children, Butch “Bill” Jr. of Omaha, NE, Bonnie Jo Tilford of North Platte, Allan of Grand Island, Steve (Cindy) of North Platte, Kathy Buck of North Platte, Kenny (Teresa) of North Platte, Keven (Alice) of North Platte, Dorothy (Hubert Sorrells) Savory of North Platte, and Dick (Kristi) of Kearney; a large combination of 92 grandchildren including great and great-great grandchildren, with 3 on the way; brothers Bonard Blair of Grand Island and Bob Blair of Lincoln; sisters-in-law Joy Robertson of Grand Island and Patty Knutson of Omaha; as well as many other extended family members and friends; and her beloved dog Sweetie.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband William C. Keck “Bill Sr.”; son Edward “Eddie”; infant granddaughters Abigail Dobesh and Lillian “Lilly” Merksick; grandson Billy Huckins; granddaughter Tier Petty; sister Betty Rehder; and brother Richard Blair.
Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Fund or North Platte Meals on Wheels and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday January 5, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday January 6, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant. Visitation will be from noon until 5:00 p.m. Friday January 5, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.