Shirley L. Saager was born Oct. 30, 1946, in Seward, to Donald and June (Miers) Hafer and passed away Aug. 9, 2021, surrounded by her family at the age of 74 years, 9 months and 10 days. Shirley grew up in Seward and graduated from Seward High School with the Class of 1965.
Shirley was united in marriage to Lawrence A. “Larry” Saager on March 4, 1968, at the Friedens United Church of Christ in Seward. Shirley worked at the Patio Drive-In with her parents. She attended nursing school in Lincoln and became an LPN-C. Shirley worked at several nursing homes and hospitals in Lincoln, doing what she loved in helping people. In 1993, she moved back to Seward, following her mother’s death, to care for her father at home until his passing in 1995. Shirley loved gardening, cooking and later in her nursing career, taking care of seniors by providing private nursing duties in their home. She also worked as an executive assistant for 15 years in Larry’s Healthcare Consulting business until their retirement in 2015. She had a love for animals and rescues and always supported several different animal rescue organizations. She often remarked and reminded many; “Don’t forget to feed the strays!” Shirley was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Verneal Burkey (Aug. 8, 2018).
Survivors cherishing her memory include her husband, Larry Saager, Seward; son, Chris Saager and life partner, Amy Kraus, Lincoln; sisters-in-law, Carol (Glenn) Latsha, Herndon, Pennsylvania, Beverly (Tracy) Screeton, Cape Coral, Florida; niece, Laney Latsha, Coal Township, Pennsylvania; nephew, Scott Latsha, McVeytown, Pennsylvania.
A Celebration of Life was Aug. 13 at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward. Memorial contributions are suggested to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, UT 84741, Hearts United for Animals, 73418 638 Ave., Auburn, NE 68305, or Blue River Pet Rescue, 521 First. St., Milford, NE 68405. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
