Graveside services for 90-year old Shirley Mae Brown of Crawford, NE, are Saturday, July 15th, 2023, at 2:00 at the Crawford City Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Ponderosa Villa. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel. PO Box 970, Chadron NE 69337.
Online condolences may be made at chamberlainchapel.com.
Shirley Mae (Mason) Brown was born September 14, 1932 to Guy and Grayce (Hamaker) Mason in Glen, NE. She died Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford, NE at the age of 90.
Shirley attended school in Glen and Crawford. Shirley entered the workforce at a young age and worked various jobs in Crawford before moving to Alliance, NE. She was united in marriage to Jerry Mehring in 1952 and was blessed with 4 children in five short years.
After the divorce she returned to her hometown of Crawford to raise her children alone for 16 years working as many as four jobs at a time to support them. She still always had time to play games (especially Cribbage) and spend time with her children.
In 1973 she met the love of her life, Carroll Brown. They were both working at the Crawford Schools at the time and were married October 23, 1974. Carroll helped ease the load of raising teenagers and treated Shirley like a queen.
They moved to Basin WY in 1980 where they traveled to many gun shows together. Shirley added the “craft” element to the shows with her many handiworks and famous fudge treats. She actually often times gave away more of her baby quilts and dishtowels than she sold because of her generous spirit.
Shirley had a big heart and was so good about remembering birthdays, anniversaries, etc. with a card she always spent time choosing for that special family member or friend adding personal notes.
After 30 years in Basin Shirley and Carroll returned to Crawford where they opened a gun shop in their garage and Shirley continued craft shows.
In 2013, Carroll suffered a stroke and went to recuperate at Ponderosa Villa. Shirley walked up every day to visit. After Carroll’s passing in 2015, Shirley lived independently until 2019 when she moved to Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living.
She still continued her embroidery work and jigsaw puzzles. As Dementia advanced, Shirley moved down to the nursing home side where she received such loving care. Even after she wasn’t able to walk or communicate, she remained independent in her own way. She loved her family above all and cherished their visits.
Survivors include: Daughters Twila (Dave) Vogl and Peggy Mehring of Crawford; Shirlene (John) Groethe of Rapid City; Sons: David Mehring of Gering, NE and stepson Royce (Pauline) Brown of Seneca, NE; brother Gary Mason of Omaha, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and five nieces.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Guy Jr and grandchildren Teresa Vogl and Lewis and Chad Mehring.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Shirley Brown.