Memorial services for Shirley Fay (Gavette) Jansen, age 79, of Hemingford, NE will be at 2:30 PM on Friday, February 6, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Hemingford with Pastor Teri Lucas officiating. A light lunch and fellowship will follow in the basement of the church. An inurnment will take place at Highland Center Cemetery at a later time.
A memorial has been established. Donations may be sent to the Hemingford Care Center. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Shirley passed away on February 3, 2015 at Hemingford Community Care Center. She was born on May 17, 1935 in Walton, NY to Foster and Geraldine Gavette. She was the oldest and the only girl of five children. Her brothers were Norman, Brian, Terry and Randy. Her family moved often when the children were young, but settled around Redfield, SD for their later years. Shirley worked hard at home and at school. She was chosen for Girl’s State when she was a junior and graduated from Redfield High in 1952. She married her childhood sweetheart, Veryl Jansen, on January 18, 1953, and to this union six children were born: Susan, Vicki, Cindy, Tim, Sherri and Tanya.
Shirley worked out of the home most of her life, first as secretary at Spink Co. Bank in Redfield, then at State Bankers Association in Huron, and finally at the Forest Service in Chadron, from which she retired in 1985. What Shirley valued most was her family; she loved her children and gloried in their success. In her retirement, “Nana” cared for her last two grandchildren in San Diego, CA. Shirley moved to Hemingford in August of 2014 and called the Care Center her home. She departed her earthly life to live with the Lord and Savior on February 3, 2015.
Shirley is survived by children Susan (Monty) Ahrens, Highlands Ranch, CO, Vicki (Lester) Lewis, Anchorage, AK, Cindy (Lee) Ahrens, Marsland, NE, Tim (Dana) Jensen, Franklin, TN; Sherri (Dan) Zeimens, Highlands Ranch, CO, and Tanya (Jeff) Stepek, San Diego, CA; 17 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and husband Veryl Jansen.
She was preceded in death by parents Foster Gavette and Geraldine (Busch) Gavette; brothers Randy, Terry, Norman, Brian; and grandchild Cole.
Shirley’s family would like to thank the Care Center and the wonderful nurses, CNAs, doctors, hospice, and all the other staff who made Shirley’s last days as caring and comfortable as possible. The family says God Bless. They are truly grateful and appreciate everyone who was involved.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements Shirley Fay (Gavette) Jansen.
