Shirley L Bush

Shirley Lee (Rimel) Bush, 96, of Laurel, Nebraska passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Hillcrest Care Center in Laurel.  The memorial service will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Laurel, with Pastor Charity Potter officiating.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the memorial service at the church.  Private family burial will be in the Laurel Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Bressler-Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield. 

Shirley was born on November 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.  On January 3, 1944, Shirley married Francis Smith.  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.  She was a stay-at-home mom until 1960 when she started helping Francis in the office of the propane business.  Francis died suddenly on 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 on December 22, 1979, in Omaha, NE. They spent many enjoyable years together until Ken passed away 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.  Shirley 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, Rik (Jamie) Smith; 12 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Richard “Dick” (Deanna) Rimel.

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