Shirley Brown

Shirley Mae (Mason) Brown

Shirley Mae (Mason) Brown died Monday, July 10, 2023 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford, NE at the age of 90.

Shirley was born September 14, 1932 to Guy and Grayce (Hamaker) Mason in Glen, Nebraska. She attended school in Glen and Crawford.  Shirley entered the workforce at a young age and worked various jobs in Crawford before moving to Alliance, NE. She was united in marriage to Jerry Mehring in 1952 being blessed with 4 children in five short years. After the divorce she returned to her hometown of Crawford to raise her children alone for 16 years working as many as four jobs at a time to support them. She still always had time to play games (especially Cribbage) and spend time with her children.

In 1973 she met the love of her life, Carroll Brown. They were both working at the Crawford Schools at the time and were married October 23, 1974. Carroll helped ease the load of raising teenagers and treated Shirley like a queen. They moved to Basin WY in 1980 where they traveled to many gun shows together. Shirley added the “craft” element to the shows with her many handiworks and famous fudge treats. She actually often times gave away more of her baby quilts and dishtowels than she sold because of her generous spirit. 

Shirley had a big heart and was so good about remembering birthdays, anniversaries, etc. with a card she always spent time choosing for that special family member or friend adding personal notes. 

After 30 years in Basin Shirley and Carroll returned to Crawford where they opened a gun shop in their garage and Shirley continued craft shows. 

In 2013 Carroll suffered a stroke and went to recuperate at Ponderosa Villa. Shirley walked up every day to visit. After Carroll’s passing in 2015 Shirley lived independently until 2019 before moving to Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living. She still continued her embroidery work and jigsaw puzzles. As Dementia advanced Shirley moved down to the nursing home side where she received such loving care. Even after she wasn’t able to walk or communicate she remained independent in her own way. She loved her family above all and cherished their visits. 

Survivors include: Daughters Twila (Dave) Vogl and Peggy Mehring of Crawford; Shirlene (John) Groethe of Rapid City; Sons: David Mehring of Gering, NE and stepson Royce (Pauline) Brown of Seneca, NE; brother Gary Mason of Omaha, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and five nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Guy Junior, grandchildren Teresa Vogl Lewis and Chad Mehring.