Shirley J. Blakeman, age 80, went home to be with the Lord and her one and only love, Ted, on Thursday, February 10, 2022.
Shirley was born to Ernest and Irene Mason on June 9, 1941, in North Platte and grew up with six siblings. As a teenager, Shirley worked downtown at The Tom-Tom Coffee Shop and Hoover's Jewelry Store. When she was 19 years old, she met the love of her life, Theodore E. Blakeman. They dated a few months before he was deployed overseas, but their love continued through love letters.
On May 20, 1962, Shirley and Ted were united in marriage at the First Lutheran Church in North Platte. In this union she was blessed with two beautiful, young daughters, Carrie and Jenny, and together, Shirley and Ted had three more children, Ted, Jr., Sheri and Troy.
After raising five beautiful children Shirley went back to work. She worked for many years in the clothing department at Herberger's but had to retire early to care for her husband who was terminally ill. Along with caring for Ted, Shirley volunteered as a Foster Grandparent and worked at Buffalo Elementary, Hall School and Our Redeemer Lutheran School. She was affectionately known as "Grandma B" and loved what she did!
Shirley was baptized a member of the Berean Church and all throughout her life, she had a strong faith in God that rippled throughout her entire family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Blakeman, Sr.; her parents, Ernest and Irene Mason; brother, Bob Mason; in-laws, Ira and Donna Blakeman; son-in-law, Ernie Naranjo; and great-grandson, T.J. Barker.
Shirley is survived by her five children, Carrie Naranjo (Kent Lichty), Jenny (Steve) Coleman, Ted, Jr. (Debbie) Blakeman and Sheri (Travis) Andersen, all of North Platte, and Troy (Tami) Blakeman, of Vilonia, AR; her brothers, Jim, Steve, Tim and Tom Mason; and sister, Charlette Coleman. Survivors also include nine grandchildren, Nikki (Randy) Barker, Kellie (Nick) Benzick, Steve (Marsha) Coleman, Jr., Krista (Justin) Lemmer, Zack (Mandy) Blakeman, Derek Snyder, Tate Andersen, Brittany (Johnny) Witham and Brianna (Jason) Clary; 20 great-grandchildren, Tyler (Erika), Jace, Treyce and Jernie Barker, Maddie Benzick, Molly, Gage, Marston, Jax and Maverick Coleman, Daake, Brix and Oakley Lemmer, Vaya Blakeman, Avery, Jaxon and Jhett Witham, and Bayleigh and Brantlee Clary; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022, at Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte, NE with George Cheek officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE.
Visitation is 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.
Memorials are suggested to Callahan Cancer Center or the NP Alzheimer's Support Group.