Shirley Jean Rothwell, 93, of Arthur, passed away Sunday, March 12th, 2023 at the Ogallala Community Hospital, after a brief illness.
She was born in Rapid City, SD of September 7th, 1929 to Charles and Eva "Polly" (Perrett) Coleman. Her father worked for the railroad so they moved often, finally settling in Alliance, NE, where she graduated from high school.
On November 6th, 1949, Shirley married William "Bill" James Rothwell at the Alliance Methodist Church. They lived on the family ranch, until their retirement in the early 1990's, when they moved to Arthur.
She was a member of the Hyannis UCC Church, Kings Daughters, and Eastern Star. Shirley attended the Arthur Baptist Church. She was a member of the Book club and the Bunko club, Legion Auxiliary Post 207, and the Arthur Village Hospitality Committee. She provided delicious salads, anytime she was called on to do so, that would feed a branding crew. She made salads for the Country Inn Restaurant for many years until it closed.
Her hobbies included playing pitch or gin rummy anytime with anybody! She usually could be found at the Arthur Bar playing cards. She embroidered tea towels for years, giving many away to family and friends. Shirley's gift of gardening was something she got from her father. Her annual flower beds and potted plants were admired by many. She did everything with enthusiasm and perfection.
Shirley is survived by; her son Robert (Terry) Rothwell of Arthur, NE; daughters Pam (Rick) Arrants of Alliance, NE, Polly Rothwell of Ogallala, NE, and Peggy (Matt) Jolovich of Cheyenne, WY; sister-in-law Phyllis Coleman of Casper, WY, and many nieces and nephews.
Her grandchildren; Bill (Ashlynn) Arrants of Houston, TX, Joe (Dani) Arrants of Sheridan, WY, Ryan Arrants of Alliance, NE, Kristi (Alex) McNair of Imperial, NE, Elizabeth Kitt Brown of Nashville, TN, Kallan (Lindee) Kitt of Grand Island, NE, Will (Amanda) Engell of McCook, NE, Mason (Chrissy) Rothwell of Naperville, IL, Whitney (Kailin) Rothwell of Edison,NE, Brenna (Troy) Hobson of Blair, NE, Abby (Aaron) Lozano of Laramie, WY, Ian (Maggie) Jolovich of Wheatland, WY, Christopher Jolovich of Jackson, WY, and Mattison (Zachary) Davis of Annapolis, MD. She has 28 great grandchildren, with another on the way. She has one great-great grandchild on the way as well.
She was proceeded in death by; her husband, son William D. Rothwell, grandson Theron D. Kitt, great grandson Oliver M. Hobson, and brother Robert Coleman.
Memorial Services will be Saturday, April 8th, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. mountain time at the Arthur Baptist Church with Rev. Blake Wilkes officiating. A meal will follow services.
The family chose cremation. A private burial will be held at a later date at the Hyannis Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be sent to Arthur County - EMS, PO Box 187, Arthur NE 69121.
Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com. Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the "watch live" button.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.