Shirley Beattie

Shirley I. Beattie

Shirley Irene Beattie was born in Irwin, NE on December 06, 1930 and entered into death on July 01, 2020.  She was the 2nd of four children born to Joe and Joy (Sanders) Swanson.  She was delivered by her Grandma Amanda at what was then the Ben Sanders ranch.

When Shirley was in the first grade, the family moved to the country on what is fondly known as ‘The Place’ south of Gordon.  She rode a horse to a one room country school where her sister, Paige was her 7th & 8th grade teacher. She experienced vast life changes from horses to cars as transportation, coal oil lamps to electricity, Buck Rogers radio to black & white TV and indoor plumbing just to name a few.  She remembered it as a childhood of few luxuries but plenty of good times.

Shirley graduated from Gordon High School in 1948.  In 1952 she married Don Koss and from this union, 5 children were born- D.R., Kristi, Alan, Steven and Mark James who died in infancy.  Construction and a trucking business lead her family to many moves throughout the years. In 1961, Shirley settled with her children in Gordon and started a new chapter.

Shirley went to work at Otto’s and Mickeys where she waited on Johnny Cash who gave her a nickel to play the jukebox.  According to her, ole’ Johnny was very surprised she didn’t use that nickel to play one of his songs.

While Shirley was working at The Salad Bowl, she met Fred Beattie, she served him coffee and breakfast every day. They were married on October 30, 1969 in Alliance, NE. and drove to Lincoln where they attended the Nebraska vs. Colorado football game for their honeymoon.  To this union 2 children were born-David and Kori.

After a short break, Shirley went back to work at the Hacienda in 1973 until Fred’s heart attack in 1994,  becoming his loving caretaker until his passing in December 1995.

Shirley was known for her piercing baby blue eyes. She loved holidays and treasured family get-togethers. She enjoyed going to her grandchildren’s various activities and sporting events and had a real sweet tooth. Shirley also had an uncanny talent for remembering everyone’s birthdays and anniversaries.

Her favorite pastime was watching sports; she liked all types and levels. She was especially devoted to football and a lifelong Husker fan. She was always good for a post-game analysis. She was typically reserved and calm except when a football game was on. She’d get carried away, wincing theatrically stopping mid-conversation to yell “Get him! Get him!” No matter what else was going on, in those moments that’s all there was.

Our beloved mom and feisty “Grammie” leaves us with loads of memories filled with laughter, lessons and love.  She was the sweetest lady there was who took much pleasure in life and always gave more than she received.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parent’s (Joe and Joy Swanson), her husband (Fred Beattie), her siblings (Paige King, Gordon Swanson and Rodney Swanson), her great-grandson (Braxton Fuller), her step-daughter and son-in-law (Kim and Al Weibel) and an infant son (Mark James).

Survivors include her sons D.R. Koss of Gordon, Alan Koss of Rushville, Steven Koss of Denby, SD. and David (Catherine) Beattie of Littleton, CO. Daughters Kristi (Mike) Eisenreich of Gordon, Kori (Ryan) Kelley of Omaha and step-daughter Krissa (Jim) Rucker of Gordon.  All her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who absolutely adored her and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private service will be held Friday, July 17, 2020, at The First Presbyterian Church in Gordon with pastor Patricia Stetson-Warning and Jason Funk officiating. Shirley’s ashes will be laid to rest next to her husband, Fred in the Gordon cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Shirley’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she loved dearly.

The family suggests memorials to C.A.R.E. or the First Presbyterian Church.  Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, P.O. Box 366, Gordon, NE. 69343.