Shirley A. Reynolds

Shirley A. Reynolds, 87, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington. She was born April 28, 1928, at Benkelman, Nebraska, to Vernard and Hazel (Walters) Gummere. Shirley grew up and attended school in Benkelman where she graduated from Benkelman High School with the class of 1945. She taught school for a year prior to attending the University of Nebraska. While at the University she met Norman while roller skating. Shirley had taken a fall and Norman was there to pick her up. Shirley was united in marriage to Norman W. Reynolds on February 29, 1948, in Benkleman. This was Leap Year, so Norman always figured he only had to buy an anniversary gift every four years, Shirley didn’t think that was quite as funny. The couple made their home south of Lexington where they farmed, ranched, and raised horses. They raised horses for many years, achieving national recognition with a quarter horse stallion, Zippo Pine Bar. She loved attending horse shows with her children and grandchildren. An amazing story about Norman and Shirley is they never went anywhere without the other. It was a true love story, and they are together once again. Shirley was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Chapter GR, P.E.O., Order of the Eastern Star, a leader for Job's Daughters, several bridge groups, and the Investment Club. She enjoyed all Lexington activities involving youth. She could be seen at all the sporting events, musical events, etc. She cheered on every child from Lexington as if he or she was her own. The Nebraska Cornhuskers also held a special place in her heart, and as a younger woman she rarely missed a game. She enjoyed entertaining, spending time with family, especially the grandchildren, and loved cooking for the farm and ranching crews throughout the years. Shirley was a classy lady who enjoyed dressing nice, as her mother owned Hazel’s Town & Country for many years. She had a wonderful smile, a kind nature, and was a friend to all. Shirley is survived by two sons; Larry and wife Jeanne Reynolds of Lexington, Nebraska, Rod and wife Susan Reynolds of Lexington, Nebraska; son-in-law, John Snider of Lexington, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; Shannon and her husband Dan Keller of Lexington, Nebraska, Blake and his wife Stacy Reynolds of Lexington, Nebraska, Carrie Beth Reynolds of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ryan Reynolds of Lexington, Nebraska, Regina and her husband Craig Howard of Lexington, Nebraska, Larry and his wife Lisa Snider of Smithfield, Nebraska, and, Stacey Snider-Simon and her husband Brian of Tucson, Arizona; as well as several great-grandchildren, extended family, and many friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman; daughter, Linda; and grandson, John. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Dyton Owen officiating. Memorial P.E.O. Service will be performed by Chapter GR. Burial will be in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Visitation will be held Monday, March 14, 2016, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Norman & Shirley Reynolds Scholarship Fund, or the Lexington Community Foundation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.