Shirley M. Whartman, 94, of Kimball, died at Kimball Health Services on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Cornerstone Community Church in Kimball with Pastor Alan Foutz officiating. The services will also be livestreamed at Cornerstone Community Church facebook page. Inurnment will be in the Kimball Cemetery. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to view her Tribute Wall and share condolences and stories with the family. Memorials may be given in her memory to the Cornerstone Community Church. The services for Shirley have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.
Shirley Mae (Whiteley) Whartman's remarkable journey commenced in a farmhouse near Nelson, Nebraska. She was the second of three daughters born to Con and Elma (Van Dyke) Whiteley. She graduated from Nelson High School in 1947 before pursuing her passion for nursing. At the age of 17, she enrolled in Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in the fall of 1947 and successfully completed the program in February of 1951.
Seeking new experiences, Shirley and a classmate made the bold decision to enlist in the Air Force. She reported for duty at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas on July 1, 1951, holding the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After completing nursing flight school in Montgomery, Alabama, she was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. Following two years of dedicated service, Shirley received an honorable discharge, marking the end of her commendable tenure in the Air Force.
After her military service, Shirley pursued her dream of furthering her education by earning a bachelor's degree in education from Hastings College in 1955. She began her teaching career as an instructor at the School of Nursing and later enrolled in the Masters of Personnel Service program at the University of Colorado, which she completed in 1957.
Shirley and Gordon Whartman exchanged vows on August 11, 1957, at the Presbyterian Church in Nelson, NE. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Denver, CO, where Shirley taught at the University of Colorado School of Nursing and Gordon pursued substitute teaching in the Denver schools. Their first child, Bret, was born in Denver, CO. Later, they settled in Kremmling, CO, where Shirley became the inaugural school nurse in the Kremmling School District and worked part-time at the hospital. The couple welcomed two daughters, Robin and Joy, during their time in Kremmling.
In 1963, they returned to Superior, NE, where Shirley took on a part-time role at the local hospital, and Gordon dedicated himself to teaching at the school. After four years in Superior, they moved to Kimball in 1967, where Shirley continued her work at the hospital, and Gordon secured a position at the Junior High School. Shirley played a key role in the hospital, serving as an in-service director, overseeing CNA classes and CPR training, and spearheading the development of various programs and policies.
Shirley's dedication to nursing extended beyond her official retirement in 1988. She continued to serve as a nurse, taking on the school nurse role for 12 years before retiring from the school system. She also established a parish health program to provide essential home health services and was actively involved in various programs to enhance the Kimball community's well-being.
In addition to Shirley’s love of nursing, she and Gordon shared a love of nature. They often found themselves camping and fishing in the Snowy Mountain Range, west of Laramie, Wyoming. They eventually became camp hosts at their favorite campground for a good part of the summer for over 15 years.
Shirley's commitment to nursing and her unwavering faith defined her life. She was a devoted Christian whose profound faith influenced her career and led her to dedicate countless hours to the Presbyterian Church of Kimball, where she fervently practiced and shared her beliefs.
Shirley is survived by her children, Bret (Wanda) Whartman, Robin (Darrell) Snyder, and Joy (Rob Hilkemeier) Hoover, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Gordon, her parents, Con and Elma Whiteley, and her sisters, Verleen Gharring and Floy Jensen.
