Shirley Jane Maiefski

Shirley J. Maiefski, 87, of Lincoln, formerly of Loup City, died peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, at Gramercy Hill in Lincoln, surrounded by her family. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, at the United Methodist Church in Loup City. Pastor Russell Barelmann will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. A luncheon will follow the burial. Peters Funeral Home in Loup City is assisting the family with arrangements. Mrs. Maiefski was born on Dec. 13, 1923, in York, the daughter of Raymond and Louise Jane (Goodbrod) Owens. She is survived by her husband, Eric D. Maiefski of Lincoln; one son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Melissa Maiefski of Lincoln; one brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Mary Owens of Lincoln. She also leaves to cherish her memory, six grandchildren, Melissa and Trevor Lopez of Tucson, AZ, and Cody, Caitlin, Tristan and Anneliese Maiefski of Lincoln; nephew, Tim Owens (wife, Dee) of Columbus and their children; and niece Cindy Naughton (husband, George) of Massachusetts and their children. Shirley attended Loup City Schools and graduated from Loup City High School. After High School, she attended Stephens College, then the University of Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and lettered in softball. She then attended the University of California at Berkeley where she earned her Master's Degree. After finishing college, Shirley worked for Shell Oil in California. In 1961, Shirley met Eric D. Maiefski in Loup City, and the two were married on Nov. 6, 1962, in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the couple spent three years living in Death Valley, CA, they returned to Loup City, where they operated the lumber yard and Shirley was a member of the school board and the P.E.O. While living in Loup City, their two children were born, Patti and Eric (Joe). In 1978, the family moved to to Tucson, AZ, where Shirley enjoyed the sun, playing golf, traveling, swimming, playing the piano and cheering for the Arizona Wildcats. Shirley was also the Organist at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church for 8 years. In 2009, Eric and Shirley moved from Tucson back to Nebraska and settled near family in Lincoln, where she lived the rest of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Patti Lopez. Memorials are suggested to the family's choice.