Shirley M. Nelson, 75, of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, at her home in Grand Island.

Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island is entrusted with the arrangements.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. Pauls Lutheran Church with Pastor Bill Pavuk officiating the service.

Memorials are kindly suggested to GIPS Foundation designated to Nutrition Services.

Shirley was born on July 23, 1949, in Quincy, Illinois, to Anthony and Juanita (Schneider) Schwartz. She grew up in Quincy, Illinois, and graduated from Catholic school in 1967.

She was united in marriage to Kenneth A. Nelson on November 7, 1970, in Quincy, Illinois. The couple lived a short while in Quincy and moved to Omaha. Three children were born to this union: Regina, Amy, and Beth.

She worked in the Nutrition Services Department at Omaha Public Schools for 6 years. The couple then moved to Grand Island, and she went to work for the Grand Island Public School Nutrition Services for 38 years. Being able to "feed the kids" was one of Shirley's proudest moments. As she said, "school nutrition is my business". It wasn't unusual for a student to receive "extra food" from Shirley. She was a part of the first summer that GIPS launched the summer feeding program, which she was immensely proud of. After retiring, she was a regular substitute for the schools. In 2020, she finally hung up her apron and fully retired. After retirement, she took on taking care of the Gentry's dogs as a "Doggie Daycare". She loved the many walks and giving them treats! Her kitty allowed it, but loved when the dogs went home at the end of the day!

She was a member of the Nebraska School Food Services Association. As a Nebraska School Food Service Association Member, she traveled to many of the National Conventions where she made lifelong friends. Lunch dates with these ladies continued through the years.

Shirley was her grandchildren's biggest fan. She was always at their events and took on the role of Grandma Shirley to all their friends.

Squirley Shirley's humor and sarcasm will always bring her family a smile and a laugh!

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Lisa Sullivan of Tinley Park, IL and her daughter & son-in-law, C'Awana & Jarrod Ford of Kansas City, MO; Gina Young of Omaha and her children, Hope, Leah, Cara and Evan; Amy & Brent Powell of Houston, TX and their children, Justin, Grant and Dylan; and Beth Gentry of Grand Island, and her children, Annelise & Korbin Espeland, Madelin and Charlie; four sisters & brothers-in-law, Beverly Lynn of Kennesaw, GA, Arlene & Chuck Hendren of Quincy, IL, Barb & Tom O'Neil of Webster Grove, MO, and Virginia (Ginny) & Dr. Anthony Hornick of Irving, TX; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; many lifelong friends; and kids that loved the lunch lady.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Condolences to the family and sharing of memories may be signed at www.livson.com .