Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, January 6, 2018 10:00 AM St. Patrick's Catholic Church North Platte, with the Rev. Josh Brown as celebrant
Christian Wake Services will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday January 5, 2018, at St. Patrick Catholic Church
Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

Shirley Ann Keck, 90, of North Platte, went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at Great Plains Health, with her family by her side.

She joined the love of her life, William C. Keck "Bill Sr.," on his birthday, as well as their son, Eddie.

Shirley was born on February 1, 1927, in Manning, Iowa, to Herbert L. and Francis (Lukegord) Blair. She moved with her family to Grand Island in 1943. She attended various schools in Iowa and Nebraska. She met William C. Keck, Sr. in Grand Island and they were married on Valentine's Day 1944 at St. Mary's Cathedral. They were married for 54 years, until Bill Sr. passed away in 1998. To their union 10 children were born, Bill "Butch," Jr., Bonnie, Allan, Steve, Kathy, Kenny and Keven, Dorothy, Ed, and Dick. She was the light of her family's life. She was always there for her children, cooking, cleaning, hugging, and made raising 10 children look like it was the simplest thing in the world! All she needed was a 10-minute nap and she was back running circles around her kids and eventually her grandkids! In addition to her own children, she was dearly loved and known as "Mom" to many of her children's friends.

Shirley had endless energy, not only caring for her family, but also working full time as a waitress at The Liederkranz Private Club in Grand Island and part time at the Motel 6 at the front desk, where she enjoyed meeting many people. Together she and Bill Sr. owned Neimono's Costume Shop in their home, renting costumes all over the country and making memories with their Halloween decorations and pumpkins. She was a member of the Eagles Women's Auxiliary Club, American Veterans Club and St. Patrick's Catholic Church and Rosary Group. She prayed the Rosary daily. She and her good friend, the late Phyllis Wilkens, volunteered at elementary schools sharing knowledge on the history of the American Flag. She also volunteered at the Bargain Bin, where she enjoyed the relationships she developed there. She was available to attend and be involved in her children's and grandchildren's activities and sports. She was a true friend to all, thinking of others above herself. They say, "Angels walk among us," and anyone who knew Shirley knew that to be true. She leaves behind the Keck Legacy of 10 children, 92 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, plus three on the way.

Shirley is survived by nine children, Butch "Bill," Jr. of Omaha, Bonnie Jo Tilford of North Platte, Allan of Grand Island, Steve (Cindy), Kathy Buck, Kenny (Teresa), Keven (Alice), Dorothy (Hubert Sorrells) Savory, all of North Platte, and Dick (Kristi) of Kearney; a large combination of 92 grandchildren, including great- and great-great-grandchildren, with three on the way; brothers, Bonard Blair of Grand Island and Bob Blair of Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Joy Robertson of Grand Island and Patty Knutson of Omaha; as well as many other extended family members and friends; and her beloved dog, Sweetie.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William C. Keck ("Bill Sr."); son, Edward "Eddie"; infant granddaughters, Abigail Dobesh and Lillian "Lilly" Merksick; grandson, Billy Huckins; granddaughter, Tier Petty; sister, Betty Rehder; and brother, Richard Blair.

Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Fund or North Platte Meals on Wheels and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com