Shirley May Hethcote

Shirley May Nolde Couch Hethcote  was born August 25, 1932 at home in Bayard , Nebraska. Her parents were Conrad & Mildred Nolde . She had one brother Donald. When she was six years old they moved to St. Xavier, Montana. The Holly Sugar Company encouraged farmers to move there to raise beets. They lived there several years and then relocated to Torrington, Wyoming to farm. She was baptized in the Lutheran Church and confirmed there as well . She graduated from Torrington High School. Shirley then attended school in Chadron , Nebraska . She married Thomas Couch. They resided in Bayard , Nebraska. To this union a son Kelly was born . After a battle with cancer , her husband passed away . Shirley & Kelly moved to Torrington, Wyoming to live with her parents. The family moved to San Jose , California to farm . Shirley later moved to Montana where her second son Kent was born . She then returned back to Bayard , Nebraska . She met and married Gene Hethcote , who had a son named Tommy . Together they moved to Holyoke , Colorado, where they raised their family . While in Holyoke she was very active in their sons lives . She enjoyed attending their school sports , school band concerts and teaching Sunday School . Gene & Shirley really enjoyed watching their sons play in their band , “ The Peyton’s” Shirley was very active in the church, where she served as the secretary. She worked at the dentist office for Dr. Wiest for several years . She then worked at the Holyoke Drug store until she retired. Shirley taught painting and ceramic classes . Her husband Gene did woodworking . Together they enjoyed selling their creations to area craft shows . They enjoyed traveling in their retirement years . They looked forward to camping trips , with their family . She also enjoyed gardening & was a fabulous cook. Shirley resided in Holyoke until Genes passing . After many health issues she moved into the assisted living in Imperial , Nebraska . She continued to paint. She was known for her painted pumpkins at Cox Pond . She won many ribbons at the Nebraska State Fair. After years of being apart she was reunited with her son, Kent . She enjoyed reading scripture every day for the morning announcements . Family and friends were very dear to Shirley . Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Conrad & Mildred Nolde . Brother Donald Nolde. Stepfather Romie Compton . Husband Thomas Couch . Her beloved husband of 54 years Gene Hethcote , son Kelly Hethcote .
Survived by , son Tom & wife LaRae Hethcote , son Kent Conrad , daughter -in- law Monica Hethcote . Grandson, Trevor Hethcote wife & son . Granddaughter , Kasie Hethcote Smith , husband Mike & great grandson Jack Smith .
Grandson Ryan Hethcote , & Granddaughter Maddy Hethcote .
 

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