Shirley J. (Arnold) Keelan, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and good friend to many, passed from this world into the loving arms of God on Friday, July 22, 2016. Beautiful smile, beautiful heart.
Shirley was born January 25, 1929 in Ravenna, Nebraska. Raised on a farm near Ravenna, she was the third of four children born to George and Goldie (McKinney) Arnold. Shirley grew up in the Ravenna area, graduating from Ravenna High School. In 1947, at the age of 18, Shirley met and married a young railroad fireman with the C B and Q Railroad, Tom Keelan, a Lincolnite, while he was working in Ravenna. They moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, Hartley Neighborhood, to start a life together for 51 years, until his death in 1998.
Shirley’s life centered on her family. She was an avid supporter of her children’s and grandchildren’s interests, attending countless plays, concerts, graduations, school events, banquets, and sporting events.
Shirley’s many interests included volunteering in the community, gardening, collecting quilts and antiques and enjoying her ‘redbirds’ –the cardinals who would come to her feeders each day. She volunteered with Bryan West Medical Center (16 years), Wyuka Historical Foundation Auxiliary (Volunteer of the Year), Hartley School PTA (Lifetime Member) and Hartley Neighborhood Association, to name a few.
Shirley is survived by sons Malley Keelan (spouse Colette), Timothy Keelan (partner Becky Hanna) and Patrick Keelan, MD, daughter Kerry Keelan-Dineen (spouse John P. Dineen, Jr.), grandsons Sean Michael Keelan, Finn Dineen and Ben and Evan Keelan-White, granddaughters Maggie Keelan (spouse Tim Gault), Maeve Dineen and Shea Rose and Josie Keelan, great-grandsons Will and Gavin Gault, special friend Calvin West, Sr., family friend Joely Babin and many nephews, nieces and countless friends.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, husband Tom, daughter “Angel” Peg Keelan-White, brother George Arnold, sisters Betty Prochaska and Alice Betke and several brother- and sister in-laws.
Celebration of life for Shirley to be held 1pm, Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Roper and Sons Funeral Chapel, 4300 “O” Street. Visitation-Family will greet friends from 6-8pm, Monday, July 25, 2016 at Roper and Sons. Interment at Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials to Wyuka Historical Foundation, American Cancer Society or donor’s choice.