Shirley Nadine Meyers was born on October 5, 1935, to parents Harry and Ruth (Applegate) Meyers in rural Norton, Kansas. Hard work, patience, resilience, and strong faith were the foundation that made their little farm in western Kansas successful enough to raise five children.
Shirley was the second of three daughters; then, two younger brothers came later. She attended a one-room school from first through eighth grades and then graduated from Norton Community High School in 1952.
She loved her studies, reading, playing cornet in the band, and singing in the choir. Classmates shared that Shirley “always had a smile on her face!”
After nearly one year at McPherson College in Kansas, she and Sherman Blocher were married at the Maple Grove Church of the Brethren in Norton, Kansas, on March 29, 1953. In 1955, they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, with two little ones. Initially, they both worked at the Lincoln Regional Center, Shirley as a nurse aid, and Sherman as an orderly to complete his alternative service. The Antelope Park Church of the Brethren became their Lincoln church and family. Shirley was active in church committees, the sewing group, and enjoyed sharing her baked goodies at church gatherings. She was famous for her apple pies, ginger cookies, and orange breakfast rolls. Shirley worked for the Lincoln Telephone Co. as an information operator for 25 yrs.
Even as a busy working mother, Shirley made sure the children had hot oatmeal for breakfast before school and prepared a sack lunch that always contained a homemade cookie. As parents, they provided educational opportunities and supported interests in sports and music. As grandparents, they delighted in providing childcare, shopping for the right gift, and creating extra-special birthday cakes!
At 87, Shirley was incredibly active, baking pies and tying blankets for Clinton School, until a hospitalization in July. When medical treatments were no longer beneficial, it was Shirley’s wish to spend her last days at home surrounded by family and friends. It was a privilege for her family to provide her care, supported by the loving hands of the Tabitha Hospice team.
Shirley expressed gratitude daily for the beautiful and kind people that God had placed in her path. She passed gently and peacefully on September 4, 2023, fittingly as the country celebrated Labor Day. She was 87 years old, just a few weeks shy of her 88 birthday.
Shirley is survived by her husband Sherman Blocher. Their 70-year marriage was blessed with four children, Kathryn (Alan) Berndt, Bruce Blocher, Brian Blocher, and Kenneth (Barbara) Blocher.
Their 10 grandchildren are Elissa (Neil) Hamill, Maggie Berndt (Andy Hermann), Sam Berndt (Danny Eckstein), Jesse (Laura) Blocher, Jacque (Stan) Bogdanov, Ben (Jen) Blocher, Elizabeth Blocher, Andrew (Shanna) Blocher, Victoria Herrera (Isaac Kightlinger), and Xavier Blocher. Great-grandchildren are Owen, Miles, and Amelia Hamill, Lily Blocher, Alexis, Britnee, and Bohde Blocher, Elena and Emelia Bogdanov, Teddy and Rylee Blocher, Azumi Herrera Kightlinger, and Luke Berndt.
She is survived by one sister-in-law, Janet Meyers, and a special daughter Kathy (Blocher) McCabe. Awaiting in eternity are parents Harry and Ruth Meyers, sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Anthony Knoll, sister and brother-in-law Carol and Larry Putz, brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Sylvia Meyers, and brother Richard Meyers.
Shirley’s words: “A life filled with more joys than sorrows, kept busy with family, church work, and friends and the baking of many cookies. Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside!”
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, November 18, at 11 am at the Antelope Park Church of the Brethren (3645 Sumner St, Lincoln, NE). Lunch and fellowship to follow.
Memorials may be made in Shirley’s memory to: Antelope Park Church of the Brethren 3645 Sumner St. Lincoln, NE 68506, The Food Bank of Lincoln Inc. 1221 Kingbird Rd, Lincoln, NE 68521.