Shirley Mae (Schaeffer) Havice, 88, of Kimball, Nebraska, passed away on January 2, 2026, at the Kimball County Manor following a short illness. Memorial service will be held at the Cantrell Funeral Home in Kimball, Nebraska, on January 17th at 10 AM, followed by a graveside service at the Dix Cemetery. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to share stories and condolences with the family. Memorial gifts may be given in care of the family. The services for Shirley have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Shirley was the first daughter of Ivan and Daisy (Campbell) Schaeffer, arriving in April of 1937. She was one of four siblings. She was born and raised in Kimball County, where she completed her education. She graduated from Dix High School in 1955, where she was active in several sports and clubs. Shirley married Bob Havice in August of 1955, and they welcomed a daughter, Vonda, in March of 1958. They spent most of their married life in Colorado. Shirley was active in the leadership of the Rebekahs (IARA) lodge in Ault, as well as the city council during her years in the area. She had a small insurance office in Greeley and supported her husband in his career with Farmers Brothers Coffee Company. Bob and Shirley returned to Potter for retirement. She moved to Kimball County Manor when her health began to decline in 2021.
Shirley fondly referred to herself as an "old country girl." She was a true jokester, known for her love of laughter and her vibrant spirit. She loved animals and had many faithful pets in her life. In the last chapter of her life, she often spoke of her beloved ponies and told stories of growing up with farm animals.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Havice, and their daughter, Vonda; her brothers, Leonard and Herbert Schaeffer; her sisters-in-law, Lillian Schaeffer and Carolyn Schaeffer; niece, Susan Schaeffer, and parents, Ivan and Daisy Schaeffer.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Gloria (Schaeffer) Thompson; her nieces and nephews: Warren (Margaret) Schaeffer, Julie Kautz, Loreen (David) Moore, Ivan Schaeffer, Barry (Darlene) Schaeffer, Gary (Denise) Schaeffer, Donna (Russell)Crowe, and Diane (Yiannis) Josephakis; along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.
In honor of Shirley's spirit, we invite all who knew her to celebrate her life and the love and laughter she brought to those around her. And to remember her favorite saying: Life is what you make it! Take a negative and turn it into a positive and kick it to the highest!
