Shirley Hethcote
Shirley May Nolde Couch Hethcote was born Aug. 25, 1932, at home in Bayard, Nebraska. Her parents were Conrad and Mildred Nolde. She had one brother, Donald.
When she was 6 years old, they moved to St. Xavier, Montana. The Holly Sugar Company encouraged farmers to move there to raise beets. They lived there several years and then relocated to Torrington, Wyoming, to farm.
She was baptized in the Lutheran Church and confirmed there as well. She graduated from Torrington High School. Shirley then attended school in Chadron, Nebraska. She married Thomas Couch. They resided in Bayard. To this union, a son, Kelly, was born.
Her husband died after a battle with cancer. Shirley and Kelly moved to Torrington to live with her parents. The family moved to San Jose, California, to farm. Shirley later moved to Montana, where her second son, Kent, was born. She then returned back to Bayard.
She met and married Gene Hethcote, who had a son named Tommy. Together they moved to Holyoke, where they raised their family. While in Holyoke, she was very active in their sons’ lives. She enjoyed attending their school sports and school band concerts and teaching Sunday school. Gene and Shirley really enjoyed watching their sons play in their band, “The Peyton’s.”
Shirley was very active in the church, where she served as the secretary. She worked at the dentist office for Dr. Wiest for several years. She then worked at the Holyoke Drug store until she retired.
Shirley taught painting and ceramics classes. Her husband Gene did woodworking. Together they enjoyed selling their creations at area craft shows. They enjoyed traveling in their retirement years. They looked forward to camping trips with their family. She also enjoyed gardening and was a fabulous cook.
Shirley resided in Holyoke until Gene’s death. After many health issues, she moved into the assisted living in Imperial, Nebraska. She continued to paint. She was known for her painted pumpkins at Cox’s Ponds. She won many ribbons at the Nebraska State Fair.
After years of being apart, she was reunited with her son Kent. She enjoyed reading Scripture every day for the morning announcements. Family and friends were very dear to Shirley.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Mildred Nolde; brother, Donald Nolde; stepfather, Romie Compton; husband, Thomas Couch; beloved husband of 54 years, Gene Hethcote; and son, Kelly Hethcote.
She is survived by her son, Tom and wife LaRae Hethcote; son, Kent Conrad; daughter-in-law, Monica Hethcote; grandson, Trevor Hethcote and wife and son; granddaughter, Kasie Hethcote Smith and husband Mike, and great-grandson Jack Smith; grandson, Ryan Hethcote; and granddaughter, Maddy Hethcote.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 3, 1-5 p.m. at Baucke Funeral Home in Holyoke.
The funeral service will be held Friday, Feb. 4, at 10 a.m. at First Christian Church in Holyoke, with Pastor Mike Brown officiating. Interment will follow at the Holyoke Cemetery.
Baucke Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.