Shirley L. Stickley

SHIRLEY L. STICKLEY, 84, of rural Ogallala, passed away March 7, 2026, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Shirley was born March 2, 1942, at Lewellen, Nebraska, to Clarence and Florence (Johnson) Smith. She grew up in the area and graduated from Sidney High School.

On September 1, 1961, Shirley was united in marriage to Gerald W. "Jerry" Stickley at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ogallala. The couple made their home northeast of Big Springs, where they raised their family. Later, they moved to the farm north of Grant and shared many years together, until Jerry's passing in June of 2017.

Shirley lived her life centered on family. She was deeply involved in raising the children on the farm and, after they grew older, worked as a cook for both Grant School and the local grade school for many years. After retiring from the school, she also worked at Walmart for a time.

Shirley enjoyed spending time outdoors in the yard and garden and had a special talent for sewing and crafts. She was very creative and loved making things with her hands. She made rugs, quilts, and afghans, and, along with Jerry, attended craft shows for many years, selling the items she created. Shirley was known as an excellent cook and as someone who was always willing to help others.

Survivors include her children, Paula (Dale) Sparks of Tampa, FL, Jeff Stickley (Lana) of Ogallala, and Mark (Debi) Stickley of Hershey; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Stickley of Madison Lake, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Amyber (Zachary) Devick, Latisha (Marvin), Kelsey (Erica), Preston (Jessica), Shania (Dreah), Quentin, Brandon (Brandi), Tyler, MiKayla (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Payton, Austin, Breckin, Charlotte, Lorelei, Liam, Emersyn, Rayna, Christopher, Scarlett, and Aroara; and a brother, Terry Smith of Sidney.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Stickley; her son, Rick; her parents; and two sisters, Sandra Thompson and Sherri Dancer.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church south of Ogallala with the Reverend J.M. Dickmander officiating. Interment will be in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

A memorial has been established in Shirley's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.