Shirley A. Scheele

Shirley Ann Scheele, 83, of Odell passed away January 4th, 2022. She was born July 11, 1938 in Odell. She was the daughter of the late Henry & Rose (Brezina) Saathoff.

Shirley graduated from Odell High School in 1955 at the age of 16. After high school, she worked at the Odell Cafe. She met the handsome Merlin Scheele and they were married on December 6, 1959 at the Stateline Church. One of her happiest moments came in 1962, when she found out she was having a baby. Their daughter Robin was born in October.

They lived in Lincoln and Beatrice, before moving back to Odell, where they currently reside.

Shirley loved sewing and crafts. She had her little store in downtown Odell for 34 years, where she filled her shelves and that big window with flower arrangements, wooden crafts, and hand-sewn stuffed animals.  She enforced naptimes, creatively made meals in the little kitchenette, and kept the crazy kids in the backroom play area under control.

Grandma Shirley was always waiting at her desk to insist on homework getting done the second the grandkids walked in from school- no excuse would work to get out of it. In between waiting for the Schwann’s man to make his deliveries, she taught us a love of soap operas, country music videos, and eggos with butter and jam. Grandma loved crossword puzzles and family photos. Christmas time crafting and baking was her favorite, and some of the best memories involve the late night set up of her booth for the annual Odell Craft Fair.

Grandma and Grandpa made long drives to countless basketball, volleyball, and football games over the years- always dedicated fans. They could be found parked in right or left field all summer watching softball and baseball. Church was important to her, and trips to Ricky’s with the family afterwards was always something to look forward to.

Shirley loved her family and friends. She loved to brag and show off pictures of her grandkids and great grandkids. She was a compassionate and honest person who would do anything for anyone. More recently she cherished her canine sidekick, Bo.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Merlin. Her daughter, Robin Jones of Odell. Grandchildren Brooke & husband Justin Mynatt of Loveland, Colorado. Bridgett & husband Joe Smith of Greeley, Colorado and Parker Jones of Odell. Great grandchildren Elliot, Collins, and Rooney Mynatt. Her brother Richard & wife Joann Saathoff of Wymore, and sister, Tena Meyer of Beatrice.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Henry and Rose, her brother, Dean Saathoff, her brother in law, Norbert Meyer, and infant great grandson, Gabriel Dennis Smith, who passed on Dec 24th, 2021.

Services will be held Monday, January 10, 2022 at 1:00pm at our Saviors Lutheran Church in Odell. Burial will follow at the Odell Cemetery. The family asks that you please wear masks. Memorials to be determined by family. The family will greet friends Sunday, January 9th from 2pm-4pm at Vance-Gerdes in Odell.