Shirley Jean Cooney

Shirley Jean Cooney, 84, of Clay Center, Nebraska, formerly of Overton, died Monday, May 1, 2017, at her son’s home in Clay Center. Shirley was born February 18, 1933, in Overton, Nebraska to William Henry and Edna Murial (Stryker) Eliker. She grew up and attended school in Overton, except for 9 years when they lived in Omaha, and then returned to Overton, graduating with the class of 1951. She then went on to continue her education at Grand Island School of Business. She was united in marriage to Eugene J. Cooney on October 4, 1952, in Overton. Three boys were blessed to this marriage; Michael, Richard, and Eugene “Joe”, Jr. The couple lived in Washington State for two years while Gene was in the military. Following this, they returned to Overton, where they would live until Shirley moved to Clay Center three years ago. Shirley was the head cook at Overton School for 9 years. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton as well as serving on the Altar Society. She was an avid reader, loved to garden, enjoyed crafting, and as a young lady enjoyed bowling. Shirley was a Cornhusker fan, especially volleyball, and a WWF Wrestling fan. Shirley was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was fortunate to be able to see her youngest great-grandson on IPad and Facebook prior to her death. As Shirley’s health began to decline she moved to Clay Center to live with her son, Joe and his wife Christine, this is where she would live until the good Lord took her home. Shirley is survived by her sons; Michael (Pok) Cooney of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Richard (Elizabeth) Cooney of Overton, Nebraska, and Eugene “Joe” (Christine) Cooney, Jr. of Clay Center, Nebraska; one brother, Max William (Shirley) Eliker of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; Dean Cooney of Tucson, Arizona, Frank Cooney of Denver, Colorado, Matthew Cooney of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Wendy (Greg) Dodson of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska, Drew (Martina) Cooney of Czech Republic, Sr. M. Ignatia (Jill) of Alton, Illinois, Ben Cooney of Clay Center, Nebraska, Maggie Cooney of Hastings, Nebraska, and Mary Cooney of Hays, Kansas; three great-grandchildren; Mattigan & Jarrett Dodson of Beaver Crossing, Nebraska; and, Timothy Cooney of Czech Republic; also surviving are extended family and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and husband Gene. A Rosary will be recited Monday, May 8, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington, Nebraska with Funeral Service to follow at 10:30 a.m. also at Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel with Reverend Julius Tvrdy officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 7, 2017, from 4-6 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. Burial will be in the Overton Cemetery at Overton, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.