Shirley Rohrbaugh

Shirley Faye Rohrbaugh was a wife, mother, grandma, sister, teacher, author, songwriter and, above all, an unwavering follower of Jesus.

Born to Everett and Marilyn Pearson on January 7, 1952 in Hartley Iowa, Shirley grew up as a farmer's daughter with her 3 siblings: Glenda, Loren and Lloyd. She graduated from Spencer High school where she met her husband of 50 years, Dean Rohrbaugh.

Shirley and Dean were married by her Uncle Bernard Geerdes on July 20, 1974 at the First English Lutheran Church in Spencer Iowa. She earned her teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State University, later earning a Master's in Special Education from UNO. Shirley loved children and dedicated her life to teaching elementary and special education for 28 years. Shirley also spent time as a homemaker and daycare provider when her children were young. The special memories they made are priceless.

Shirley & Dean provided a loving and creative childhood to their children Mark and Melissa. The farm girl allowed many pets in the house: dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, gerbils, rats, mice, a turtle, parakeets and even "Karen The Caterpillar". She fostered a love of music and art, which was plastered all over the kitchen walls and instruments strewn about the house.

It was her love of children and Jesus that led to her passion for song writing. Shirley wrote nearly 100 children's Christian songs and produced 1 album called What Jesus Means to Me. (1999). When her first grandchild arrived, Shirley left teaching and was promoted to Grandma (Grandma Shirley). She was Grandma Shirley to not only her own grandchildren, but to Nathan, Annabelle, Charlotte, Harper, Bennett and many classes of children at Heartland Christian School, King of Kings Lutheran Church and Paddock Road Elementary where she volunteered for years.

In her Grandma Shirley role, she began writing books about her grandchildren. The Tale of Clancy and Garrett and a songbook Colors feature her daughter Melissa's 3 children: Garrett, Jackson, and Rowan.

It was Shirley's purpose to bring people to Jesus through teaching, music and sharing God's Love.

Shirley spent her final days at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, NE. The Father called her to her Eternal Home on February 10th 2024, after a battle with 8 brain tumors and 2 brain surgeries. Her family can only imagine the overwhelming joy she is experiencing, seeing Jesus' face in Heaven.

Shirley is survived by Husband Dean Rohrbaugh, children Mark Rohrbaugh and Melissa (Ryan) Lindberg, grandchildren Garrett, Jackson and Rowan Lindberg, siblings Glenda Faas, Lloyd (Joyce) Pearson, Loren (Sandy) Pearson and her nieces, nephews, and many relatives and friends.

She is proceeded in death by parents Everett and Marilyn Pearson from Spencer, Iowa.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at King of Kings Lutheran Church at 9:00 am on March 23, 2024. Visitation with the family and brunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Josie Harper Hospice House at: www.hospicehouseomaha.org