Shirley J. Taylor passed away on November 17, 2024, in Kearney. She was born in North Platte on August 30, 1932, the youngest child of John and Irma (Hoy) Decker.

Shirley graduated from North Platte High School in 1950. She excelled in academics and music, and earned a state-level award in journalism for her work on the school newspaper. After graduation, she worked in secretarial and administrative jobs in North Platte, Omaha, and Denver, ultimately returning to North Platte in 1964. In North Platte, she began working as a legal secretary and enjoyed working for several different lawyers and firms until she retired in the early 1980s.

Shirley married George W. Taylor on April 2, 1967, becoming stepmother to his daughter, Tracy Jean. Shirley and George's daughter, Mary Elizabeth, was born in the summer of 1968. Shirley and George were active members of First Presbyterian Church, community groups and social clubs, and were regulars at the North Platte Country Club golf course and clubhouse. They traveled often, always to locations with great hotels and golf courses. Shirley was George's support and caregiver as his health declined before his death in 2002.

Shirley was devoted to her family, and wanted only the best for "my girls," Mary and Tracy. She was a great storyteller, especially about growing up in North Platte and her adventures in Omaha and Denver. She was fiercely independent, living at home by herself until she began having serious health problems in January of this year. Fortunately, she was able to move to assisted living in Kearney, near her brother Bob's family. They gave her much needed care and companionship over these difficult months, especially her niece, Connie.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband George; brother Wallace (in infancy), sister Claire, brother and best friend, Robert, and her parents. She is survived by Mary Taylor Lokensgard (Mike), Tracy Taylor Bridges (Ted); grandchildren Sigrid Lokensgard, Anders Lokensgard, Max Bridges (Evan), Taylor Bridges, and Mary Bridges (Alex Hill); sister-in-law Virginia Decker; nephew and nieces John Decker (Valerie), Connie Decker Ullman, and Linda Albrecht (the late Mike), their families, and her dear friend and neighbor, Peg Knoedler.

Special thanks to the nurses, aides, and staff of Broadwell Senior Living and AseraCare Hospice in Kearney for the wonderful care and compassion they gave Shirley during her last days – we are grateful for all you did.

Services will be held 12:30 P.M., Monday, December 2, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Emily McCreery officiating.  Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.  Visitation will be held 4:00-6:00 P.M., Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.