Shirley Ann Meyer, 78, passed away in Seward on June 21, 2023, after complications from a stroke.
Shirley was born Aug. 14, 1944, in Waverly, Iowa, to Lavern and Iva Mae Roettjer. She was the oldest of three children, including her younger brothers, Steve and Duane Roettjer.
She attended and graduated from Concordia Teachers College in Seward. She was married to David E. Meyer in 1964. Shirley first taught in Nebraska and Chicago, Illinois. She and Dave had two children together, James Meyer and Annette Meyer Matijczyk. They moved to Hong Kong in 1975 to teach at Hong Kong International School. After returning to the United States, Shirley continued to teach in the Lutheran schools for a career that lasted more than 30 years. Shirley and Dave divorced in 1993. She then worked in medical research for Group Health in Seattle, Washington, and for the Celiac Foundation in Seward. She returned to Seward to be closer to family.
Shirley enjoyed traveling, reading, cooking, and being a hospice volunteer for Tabitha. She loved being with her friends and family. She treasured her faith and relationship with God. She was a kind and generous person to all who came into her life.
She was preceded in death by her father, Laverne Roettjer, and nephew, Kody Roettjer. She is survived by her mother, Iva Mae Roettjer; son, James Meyer; daughter, Annette Meyer Matijczyk (Jake); brothers, Duane (Gina) Roettjer and family, Steve (Susan) Roettjer and family; and many friends across the United States and around the globe.
Visitation will be from 1 – 8 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at Zabka Perdue Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6 – 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 30, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
