Shirley Ann (Pyle) Fritz, 77, of Falls City, NE, passed away March 31, 2024 at Falls City. She was born August 14, 1946 to Duane and Dorothy (Hardenbrook) Pyle at Beatrice, NE. She was raised in Barneston, Wymore and Fairbury, NE, graduating from Fairbury High School in 1964.
Upon graduating, she attended nurses training at Lincoln General Hospital in Lincoln, NE. On January 29, 1966 she married Norman J. Fritz, Jr. in Wymore. The couple established their first home in Lincoln while Norm finished his education.
After a short residence in Tecumseh, NE the couple and their two small daughters moved to Falls City. Shirley began working for Tom Aitken, Sr. in the Richardson County Extension office. During this time, she became involved with the Richardson County 4-H fair. After leaving that position, she was a daycare provider and Avon Lady while enjoying more time with her growing family with the arrival of a third daughter and a son.
A few years later, Shirley began working at Lil Duffer. What started as a parttime cashier position became Shirley’s 30-year career in food service. She worked her way into management where she saw Lil Duffer become Hardee’s and Hardee’s change to Burger King. She received various awards and accolades for her committed service to each restaurant. She was also always glad to help the numerous young people she employed. When a fourth change was coming, she decided to retire instead of retraining, yet again.
During her lifetime, she was a Girls Scout leader, member of the rural extension clubs, an active member of the Falls City Chamber of Commerce and the First Christian Church.
Shirley enjoyed gardening and canning, skills she learned from her mother. She was also an excellent cook, enjoyed making crafts, crocheting, needlepoint and embroidery. She had quite the green thumb. She had more than a few houseplants she nurtured for decades. In retirement she finally had the time to create beautiful outdoor flower beds. She used her heated back porch to winter over many of her plants, including geraniums that would often be in full bloom at Christmas.
Above all, Shirley loved her family. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 58 years, her four children, Teresa Olberding and her husband Pat and Mik Fritz both of Falls City, Kim Gansen and her husband Dan of Ventura, IA and Joe and his wife Kelly of Papillion, NE, twelve grandchildren, Haylee (Casey) Erickson and Skylar (Eric) Kreifels both of Falls City, Madison (Garrett) Scribner of Kansas City, MO, Kelsey (Ross) Bruggeman of Sabetha, KS, Remington (David) Martin of Holton, KS, Evan Fritz of Falls City, Stella and Lucas Gansen of Ventura, Mercedees, Kenzee, Cole and Grace Fritz all of Papillion, eleven great-grandchildren, Messer Erickson, Kamdyn and Cord Kreifels, Dallin Scribner, Ellie, Emerson, Ivy and Izzie Bruggeman, Tylin and Kollins Martin and Oakleigh Fritz, sister, Sandi (Gary) Gridley of Lincoln, nephews, Bradley (Tia) Pyle and Corey (Jing) Pyle both of Holmesville, niece, Shelly (Dillon) Hofeling of Beatrice. She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws, brothers, Harold, Dale and Steve Pyle.
Her funeral will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM at First Christian Church with Pastor Grant Speece officiating. Interment will be in Steele Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
