Shirley Mae (Nichols) Splittgerber

Shirley Mae (Nichols) Splittgerber

January 2, 1938 – December 4, 2023

Shirley Mae (Nichols) Splittgerber passed away peacefully on December 4, 2023.  She was born in Omaha on January 2, 1938 and was the only child of John and Ella (Croft) Nichols.  She was raised in the Benson area and married Edgar Splittgerber on December 7, 1958. Ed and Shirley had four children together and continued to make a home in Omaha.

Shirley referred to herself a professional volunteer.  While raising her daughters, in addition to her church activities, Shirley also actively volunteered at their schools and for Camp Fire Girls, Inc. leading troops and serving on their Board of Directors.

She was always giving her time and talents to serve others. Throughout her life, she served on numerous boards and committees for the Women of the ELCA (NE Synod) and donated her time and talents to Mosaic, Inc. Shirley and her friends prepared and cataloged quilts for the annual quilt auction at Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM).  She also volunteered for her congregations doing everything from altar guild to implementing programs for children. The Marketplace program was one of her biggest accomplishments and was well known throughout the state.

After raising her three daughters, Shirley worked at Lutheran Family Services and treasured her time traveling across the state and making new friends and connections.  Throughout her entire life, Shirley built a circle of friends were always a source of support for the tough times her life brought her.  These same friends were always there for the good times too with lots of fun trips and get togethers.  Shirley so enjoyed all of the laughter she shared with these special ladies.

Above all else, Shirley’s greatest passion was being a mom and grandma. She loved being able to spend time with her grandchildren, whether cheering them on at sporting events, teaching them to quilt or cook, or playing board games, even as they moved into adulthood. She especially enjoyed her summer days at the cabin with them feeding the ducks and taking boat rides. Shirley was loved by many and will be very missed.

Shirley was preceded in death by husband, Edgar; son, Gary; daughter, Joan; parents, John and Ella Nichols. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law: Linda and Mick Anderson, Karen and Tim Kelley; grandchildren: Laura (Maack) Beshaler and husband Aaron, Emily (Maack) Saucier and husband Matt, Michael Kelley, Jonathan Kelley and wife Emma and Erica Kelley, Kylie (Kenedy) Killion and husband Landon, Cassie Kenedy, and Billy Kenedy; great-grandchildren: Archie Beshaler, Penny Beshaler, Ben Saucier, and Ellie Saucier.

Family will receive friends Sunday, Dec. 10th, 3:00PM-5:00pm at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Rd.

Memorial Service Monday, Dec. 11 at 11:00am, Rejoice Lutheran Church, 2556 South 138th St.

Private Family Interment prior to Memorial Service.

Family suggests memorials to Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, Mosaic, Inc. or Rejoice Lutheran Church.