Obituary index

Shirley Joyce Westen

[June 08, 2016]  EMDEN - Shirley Joyce Westen, 82, of Emden, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2016, at The Christian Village.

Memorial Gathering:  9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church, Lincoln.

Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at the church

Funeral home: Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home

Obituary

Shirley Joyce Westen, 82, of Emden, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2016, at The Christian Village.

Shirley's wishes were to be cremated. Cremation rites have been accorded by Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home. A memorial gathering will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Thursday, June 9, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church, Lincoln. Memorial services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.

Shirley was born October 4, 1933, in Emden, the daughter of Henry and Martha (Appenzeller) VanHilsen. She married Loren Westen on February 19, 1956, in Emden. She was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Emden where she was the organist for 52 years. Upon its closure, she became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lincoln where she served on the Nurture and Outreach Committee. Shirley was the first female employee at Farmers State Bank in Emden where she was employed for 15 years. She collected bells and angels and enjoyed flower gardening and being outdoors.

Surviving are her husband Loren Westen of Emden; daughter Julie (Walt) Landers of Lawndale; grandchildren Zachary Landers and Carman (Tarak) Shah; sister Darlene Parr of Emden; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Lincoln or the Emden Fire and Rescue squad.

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