Shirley V. Aylward

July 18, 1936 - August 10, 2015

Shirley V. Aylward, age 79 of Dickens, passed away Monday, August 10, 2015 at Loveland, CO. Shirley was born July 18, 1936 at Wallace, NE, to Freeman and Virginia (Smith) McConnell. She graduated from Wallace High School in 1954 and went on to attend Kearney State Teachers College. Shirley taught school south of Grainton and Dickens for a couple of years following her education. On April 28, 1956, she married Pat Aylward at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wallace. The couple moved out to the east coast while Pat served in the military. The couple returned to the area in the late 1950’s, residing in the Wallace and Dickens area. Shirley was heavily active in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church for many years, serving on the Altar Society and as the organist for countless Masses, funerals and weddings. She coordinated the Dickens country school music and played an integral role in the Wallace school music program for many years. Shirley supported her family in all aspects. She loved to entertain family over the holidays and made sure no one left her table hungry. She cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, and took an active role in their lives. Shirley was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and parishioner. She was also an ardent supporter of Wallace athletics. Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Freeman McConnell; and brother, Clark. Shirley is survived by her husband, Pat Aylward of Dickens; children, Mike (Lori) Aylward of Dickens, daughter, Mari Jo (Jim) Rugh of Windsor, CO, Marty Aylward of Dickens; mother, Virginia McConnell of Wallace; 5 grandchildren, Beth Aylward, Austin, Ben & Casey Rugh and Paige Aylward; 2 brothers, Vince McConnell (Kim) of Colorado, Springs, CO and Gary (Helen) McConnell of Wallace; along with many other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. CT at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wallace with Father Tom Kuffel as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Morning View Cemetery at Wallace. Visitation will be from 1 PM to 4 PM on Thursday at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM CT on Thursday at the church in Wallace. Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.