Shirley Lee (Rimel) Bush

Shirley Lee (Rimel) Bush

LAUREL — Shirley Lee (Rimel) Bush, 96, Laurel, died peacefully Oct. 8, 2022, at Hillcrest Care Center, Laurel.

The memorial service was Oct. 14 at the United Methodist Church, Laurel, with Pastor Charity Potter officiating.

The family greeted friends one hour prior to the memorial service at the church.

Private family burial was in the Laurel Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home, Wakefield.

Shirley was born Nov. 24, 1925, in Laurel to Harry Earl and Hazel (Ankeny) Rimel. She attended and graduated from Laurel High School in 1943, where she was active in music, drama and sports. Shirley married Francis Smith Jan. 3, 1944. Together, the couple was blessed with two children, Sally Sue and Rick Francis. They lived on several farm places until they moved back to Laurel in 1954. Shirley was a stay-at-home mom until 1960, when she started helping Francis in the office of the propane business. Francis died suddenly March 26, 1969. Shirley furthered her education by attending Wayne State College, earning a degree in speech, drama and library science in 1972. She taught at Milford High School, Hartington High School and lastly at Grand Island Senior High. After serving as the Head School Librarian for seven years, she retired, and married Kenneth Bush Dec. 22, 1979, in Omaha. They spent many enjoyable years together until Ken died after open heart surgery in 1992.

Shirley spent many hours volunteering at Nebraska Methodist Hospital and enjoyed every hour she worked. She enjoyed traveling to many interesting places, including New Zealand and Australia. She was an avid Nebraska volleyball fan. Being a grandma and great-grandma was number one in her life.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Sally Newton; granddaughters, Angie (Scott) Rath, Amy (Phil) Nicolas, Katie (Ryan) Kvols; grandsons, Mitchell (Darnele) Smith and Rik (Jamie) Smith; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Richard “Dick” (Deanna) Rimel.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; one son; one son-in-law; and two brothers.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.