Joyce M. Shatters

Joyce M. Shatters, 81, of Kearney went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Brookestone Gardens in Kearney, Nebraska.

Joyce was born November 21, 1943 in Plattsmouth, Nebraska to Frank and Gladys (Sheldon) Denson. She was one of 6 children.

She grew up in Overton and graduated from Overton High School with the class of 1961. She married the love of her life, Russell Shatters on August 21, 1965 in Mellette, South Dakota, while on the road with the carnival who Russ worked for at the time. They made their home in Overton and their union was blessed with one daughter, Cathy.

Joyce worked at Monroe in Cozad, Plectron Corporation in Overton, Bosselman Truck Stop in Elm Creek, and Becton Dickinson in Holdrege where she retired.

In 1986, Joyce moved the Elm Creek where she lived for 20 years. In 2006, during an ice storm, she moved to Kearney, which would be where she would settle into her retired lifestyle.

Joyce’s pride and joy was her family. She loved being a Grandma and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was her absolute favorite time. To her great-grandsons she was “Grandma J” and she was so proud of them. You could be sure she always had pictures of them to show all the nurses. Her and Luke could sit outside for hours having a drink, listening to music, watching cars go by, and just chatting about anything. She loved racing! Her happy spot was at the races in the grandstands on a Sunday night cheering on her nephews. She enjoyed going on family vacations and many times that included some of her siblings, nieces, and nephews. She loved shopping with her granddaughter, listening to Gene Watson, Diet Coke, Husker volleyball, and her dogs.

Those left to cherish her memories are her daughter Cathy Schmidt of Kearney; Granddaughter Megan(John)Mandery of Kearney; Grandson Bret(Lina) Shatters of Kearney; Great-grandsons Lucas Mandery of Kearney Michael, Isaac, and Abel Shatters of Kearney; honorary granddaughter Shae(Miguel) Diaz and her family of Gibbon, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was met in heaven by her husband Russell Shatters; her parents Frank and Gladys Denson; Sisters, Mildred William, Mary Sikyta, Colleen Dolan; Brothers, Ralph Denson and Bill Denson; Sisters-in-laws, Alice Denson and Mickey Denson; Brothers-in-law, Frances William, and Bob Dolan; and Nephew Mark Dolan.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Overton Christian Church in Overton with Chad Dolan and Pastor Will Thompson officiating. Joyce’s wishes were for cremation. Graveside burial services will be held following the church service at the Overton Cemetery in Overton.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com