Joleen Michelle “Shelly” (Black) Arensdorf, age 62 of Tryon, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 27, 2018.
Shelly was born September 25, 1955 in Mullen, NE to Orval and Leah (Hardin) Black. She attended elementary and high school in Tryon and graduated from McPherson County High School in 1973. She married Jeff Arensdorf on May 25, 1975 and they began a life of ranching in McPherson County. They had three sons: Jason, Jeremy, and Jared.
Shelly was the ultimate hard worker: raising three boys, helping grow a ranch, volunteering with community activities like the Heart Fund and county fair, and working at the U.S. Postal Service in North Platte. She recently retired from the Postal Service. Shelly was especially proud of her sons and loved each of her grandchildren with all her heart. She was a great listener. Her sons and extended family frequently called just to talk and she was always willing to listen and help. She was supportive, accepting, and loving – often rooting for and championing the underdog in life. She loved beautiful flowers, colorful lilies in particular, and had her mother’s green thumb with plants and flowers. As she approached retirement, her flower garden and collection of potted plants grew and grew. Shelly passionately followed Nebraska Volleyball and watched every match she could and attended many memorable games. She enjoyed traveling and was always looking forward to the next trip. Although she would say she was fine without pets, any she encountered would gravitate to her, and the many cats she cared for would argue that she enjoyed mothering them. She had a special touch and saved many sick and injured ranch animals over the years.
Shelly will be lovingly remembered by Jeff, her husband of 43 years; their sons, Jason (Jennifer), Jeremy, and Jared (Amanda); her five grandchildren, Faith, Noah, Isabella, Jazlyn, and Isaiah; brother Ed Black; sisters Jodeen Carroll, Jerry (Gary) Neal, and Susan Crapo; mother and father-in-law, Esther and Dale Arensdorf; sisters and brothers-in-law; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Orval and Leah Black; sisters Janis Nielsen, Joanne Jennings, Joyce Wilkins, and Beth Ehrbar; brother Rick Black; and brothers-in-law Darwin Nielsen, Dale Jennings, Bud Wilkins, Dallas Mulford and Larry Carroll.
Memorials are suggested to the Tryon Volunteer Rescue and Fire Department and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at the McPherson County High School Gymnasium with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating. Burial will follow at the Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.