Shirley Ann Manchester

Shirley Ann Manchester of Ord passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Arbor Care Center in Ord, Nebraska with her loving family by her side at the age of 84.

Shirley Ann was born on March 7, 1941, in Elyria, Nebraska to George G. and Elise M. (Nelson) Wilson. She was raised on the family farm near Elyria with her siblings, June, Dale and Sharlene. Shirley received her early education at Fairplay District #26 and graduated from Ord High School in 1959.

Shirley and Keith Manchester were united in marriage on September 21, 1959, at Ord, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Ord where they raised their children, Jerene, Galen and Ladene.

Shirley spent her early years cleaning homes and businesses before opening an in-home daycare, providing care for many local families over the years. She worked at the Ord Elks Lodge as a waitress and retired in 2019, from Ord High School where she worked as a "lunch lady" in the cafeteria.

Shirley was a member of the Ord First United Methodist Church and belonged to The Rebekahs Lodge and Ord Does; serving as President in both organizations.

Shirley enjoyed baking, bird watching, listening to her grandson, Michael play the accordion, and she loved her animals. Shirley and Keith had many memories of polka dancing together; and are now reunited and dancing to their favorite songs.

Those left to cherish her memory are two daughters and sons-in-law, Jerene and Corby Drake and Ladene and Tom Kowalski all of Ord; five loving grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Gloria "June" and Joe Paprocki and Sharlene Skinner all of Ord and many good friends and relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Keith who passed away on November 12, 2019; her son, Galen and a brother, Dale Wilson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Ord First United Methodist Church. Pastor Josiah Mono and Pastor Kyle Campise will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Ord City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Ord Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

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