Shirley Ann (Palmer/Adams/Simon) Lane
April 25, 1934 – March 24, 2024
Shirley was born April 25, 1934, to William Howard and Elnore (Anderson) Palmer of Coin, IA. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by husbands: Robert N. Adams; Dr. John F. Simon; Larry E. Lane; son, Kurt N. Adams; son-in-Law, Jeffrey B. Hurley.
Survived by daughter, Molly (Adams) Hurley; grandson, Bobby Hurley of Omaha; brother, Bill Palmer of Lincoln; grandsons, Nick Adams of Des Moines; Zack Adams of Indianola, IA; daughter-in-law, Lynn Adams of Indianola, IA; cousin, Doug (Joyce) Anderson of Cedar Creek, NE; and a host of other loving relatives and countless friends.
Shirley was Salutatorian of her Omaha Tech High School graduating class of 1951. Knowing from a young age that she would be a teacher, she earned her elementary teacher certification from Clarinda Junior College and began her teaching career in 1954 at Roosevelt Elementary School in Council Bluffs, IA with a class of 28 first graders. Shirley would go on to obtain her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Mary and her master’s degree from Northeastern State (OK) University. Her second teaching assignment took her to Loveland Elementary School (Westside Community Schools, Omaha) where she met her first husband, Robert N. Adams, then a 5th grade teacher at Loveland, marrying in 1957. After a hiatus from the classroom to be a stay-at-home mom, she returned to teaching upon Robert’s death in 1976. After remarrying to Dr. John F. Simon, they moved to Tulsa, OK, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade in the Union Public School District, and in 1989 was named District Teacher of the Year. Dr. Simon passed away in 1989 and Shirley continued teaching and remained active in her church and community volunteer activities. A few years later, at the urging of good friends, she agreed to dinner one night to meet their friend, Larry Lane. Being lucky in love, she and Larry married in 1996 and split their time between Tulsa and their townhome in Omaha. They enjoyed retirement together, traveling and spending time with family and friends. After Larry passed away in 2007, Shirley returned to Omaha permanently to be near family. Shirley was steadfast in her love for and devotion to her family; she was a caring and devoted friend; she was quick-witted; she enjoyed attending the Symphony; she was a gracious hostess and a gifted singer; and she exemplified grace and elegance in all that she did. Her faith was at the core of how she lived her life and how she was sustained through life’s trials. (… We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope… Romans 5:3-5). Her family and friends will cherish their memories of this precious lady who was filled with love, kindness, patience and wisdom. We will miss her immensely every single day. LYTTM
Please join the family for a gathering to remember Shirley on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at West Center Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to the Westside Foundation – wcsfoundation66.org.
9 Comments
Shirley was an important person in my life. We reunited at our 50th high school reunion n 2001 and have remained close friends every since.. I will miss her, dearly
Sorry to hear this, Shirley was a lovely lady.
So Sorry to hear this, Shirley was a lovely lady.
Cousin to shirley.may God bless her jouney to heaven.Cousin Joan Smith of tulsa would share the grief of her lose
We were so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. May the memory of Shirley bring you comfort, peace and strength. She was such a wonderful neighbor and we enjoyed our times together.
What a lovely lady. We were friends since 1947.She will be missed.
We knew Shirley because her daughter, Molly, lived next door.
Any friend of Molly’s is a friend of Shirleys!
A wonderful person who participated in conversation and always had positive thoughts, and often times humor,, to contribute.
God made a good one in Shirley!
God will keep her busy and Shirley will be smiling.
Molly, so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. If you remember, we were neighbors in Westgate, another lifetime ago. Our paths didn’t cross but you and our children met at school and other functions. We last saw you and your mother at A birthday party not so long ago. Am sure your mother loved being nearer to you the past years and that you have many treasured memories of life with her. God bless you as I am sure He has already blessed her with Him.
Molly, I was so sorry to read about your mother’s passing. My parents were Bill and Jackie Fader in Tulsa. Your mother was a vert special person with a great sense of humor and infectious laugh. I have a lot of fun memories with her and my mom, especially Christmas shopping in Kansas City! I found her obituary when I was looking to see how to get in touch with her as my dad just passed away this week at 92, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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