Kenneth "Ray" Shields

KEARNEY - Kenneth "Ray" Shields, 63, of Miller died Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Countryside Christian Church in Kearney with the Rev. Jeff Nielsen officiating. The service will also be livestreamed through the church website at https://www.countrysidekearney.com/ for those who are not able to attend.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney and one hour prior to the service at the church.
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Ray was born July 31, 1958, in Clarinda, Iowa, to Kenneth and Phyllis (Larabee) Shields. He received his education from South Page Community Schools. As a young boy and through his young adult life, Ray enjoyed the rodeo circuit. He was born a cowboy from the start and enjoyed breaking horses, riding a bucking bronc or saddling up for a trail ride.
On July 2, 1976, Ray married Jolene "Jodie" Stogdill. To this union eight children were born.
Ray worked in construction all his life. He was known as Cowboy or Ray and was full of stories that he loved to tell (mostly true.) He never knew a stranger and was always willing to help those in need. Ray loved his God, family, church family at Countryside Christian Church and countless others. Ray ended his battle with ALS and dementia and continued his care for others by organ and tissue donation.
Survivors include his wife, Jodie Shields of Miller; children: son, Justen Shields and wife, Tammy and their children, Dillon, Tyler (Cameron), Brett, Brittany and Destiny; son, Jacob Shields and wife, Stasha and their child, Morgan; daughter, Shaley Stithem and husband, Kyle and their children, Ella, Beda, Hattie, and Lyla; son, Jared Shields and wife, Iris and their children, Isaiah (Ashley), Isaac, Carter, and Izzy; son, Josh Shields and wife, Jessica and their children, Paul and Jada; daughter, Lindsay Reitz and husband, Kenneth and their children, Gracie, Aaron, Noah, Faith, Hope, Joy, and Gideon; daughter, Noelle Verzal and husband, Brandon and their children, Emrie, Baby Boy; son, Jordan Shields and wife, Kirsten and their children, Kali and Eden; mother, Phyllis Shields of Clarinda, Iowa; brother, Ronnie Shields; sisters, Sandy (Mike) Alexander, Deb (Don) Argo, and Pam Sittner.
He was preceded in death by his father; and brother, Randy Shields.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.
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