Shirley Jean Johnson

Shirley Jean Johnson, 95, of Central City, died peacefully and unexpected on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at her home in rural Central City. Funeral services will be on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Solt-Wagner Funeral Home in Central City with Pastor Tom Lucas officiating. Visitation will be on Monday, August 8th from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Central City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated later. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Shirley was born on August 5, 1926 to Harold and Mae (Schmid) Fyfe in Shelby, Nebraska. Shirley grew up in the Shelby area and graduated from Shelby High School. On October 30, 1949 Shirley married Francis Johnson at the United Brethren Church in Shelby. They were married for over 71 years, until his death in 2021. To this union, 3 children were born; Larry, Jo, and Roger. Shirley taught school for a few years, until deciding to farm with Francis, and she was definitely a farmer herself. Shirley and Francis raised corn, beans, and cattle. She was a farmer herself and was involved in all aspects of management of farming until her death. Shirley looked forward to her garden and flowers every summer. Shirley was a member of the Central City United Methodist Church and founding member of the Lucky Ladies Extension Club. In her younger years, Shirley looked forward to her monthly craft club and in later years, shared her love of crafting with her children and grand children. She was an avid seamstress and made all of Jo’s clothes when she was a young girl. She volunteered over 50 years to the Litzenberg Hospital Thrift Shop as well as being a Cub Scout leader when her kids were young. She was a 4-H Leader. Shirley also started a neighborhood card club where several members were still active in it until COVID. In her younger years, she also worked at the “Little Store”. There were always cats and kittens on the farm and she loved to sit at the door and watch them play. She also enjoyed farm tours in the car. Shirley was active in her children and grand children’s lives, attending nearly every event. She was looking forward to this years beef show at the county fair. Those left to cherish her memory are her two sons- Larry (Merry) Johnson of Grand Island, NE; and Roger (Laurie) Johnson of Central City, NE; one daughter- Jo Johnson of Central City, NE; eight grandchildren- Angela Johnson of Omaha, NE; Kristin (Matt) Boucher of Murdock, NE; Steven Johnson of Simi Valley, CA; Brenda Montano of Osceola, NE; Phillip (Amber) Johnson of Central City, NE; Anastasia (Brady) Meyer of Odell, NE; Noah Johnson of Central City, NE; and Maliyah Johnson of Central City, NE; six great grandchildren- Alex Montano of Tucson, AZ; Austin Boucher of Lincoln, NE; Jakob Boucher of Lincoln, NE; Angus Johnson of Central City, NE, Jasper Johnson of Central City, NE, and Jennings Meyer of Odell, NE. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 3 brothers; and 4 sisters. She was the oldest sibling and was the last survivor.