Nelda Jeanne (Sheets) Shields passed away peacefully surrounded by her
family in Kansas City, Missouri at McCrite Plaza Memory Care October 30,
2020 at the age of 90.
Nelda was born August 4,1930 in Lincoln, Kansas to Harry “Dusty”
and Esther (Loy) Sheets. She was the youngest of four children.
When she was 16, she met “the guy”, Otto Shields, Jr. at his family
owned grocery store. They soon became sweethearts. Nelda graduated from
Lincoln High School, graduating in May of 1948. The August following
graduation, Nelda celebrated her 18th birthday and four days later,
August 8, Nelda and Junior were married.
An opportunity with a grocery store prompted the young couple to
move to Hill City where they started building their family and life
together. Working side by side, they operated Shields IGA Grocery Store
and then Shields Party Mix Liquor Store for four decades in the Hill
City Community. Later Nelda worked as the Deputy Clerk and eventually
became Clerk of the District Court, retiring in 2003 at age 73. Nelda
loved her small-town life, going on walks every evening, attending local
sporting events, cooking, gatherings with family and friends, traveling
to see grandkids, and taking trips with her friends. She was a loyal
member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Hill City.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Junior; brother
Robert Sheets; sisters: Wanda Huston and Helen Jensen; son-in-law Don
Scott; grandson Nathan Elliott, and great grandson Andrew Elliott.
Nelda is survived by her eight children: Ron Shields of Hill City,
Kay Elliott (Bill) of Woodland Park, Colorado, Carmen Shields of Hill
City, Rod Shields of Salina, Melanie Scott of Hill City, Lori Newell
(Stan) of Monticello, Illinois, Mike Shields (Donna) of Kansas City,
Missouri, David Shields (Sara) of Kansas City, Missouri; 14
grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren and many friends.
Nelda will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother,
great-grandmother, sister, and treasured friend, who was known for her
kindness, generosity, grace, and tireless work ethic. Nelda was married
to Junior for 62 years and were never apart except for the nine months
Junior was in the Navy. Her love for her husband and family was beyond
measure.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the First United Presbyterian Church of Hill City.
Click HERE for service details.