Shelby Jean Schwarz

Shelby Jean (Parks) Schwarz, 87, formerly of Lexington, went to heaven on Thursday, May 2, 2024, surrounded by family at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, NE.

Shelby was born at home, January 6, 1937, to Eulin E Parks and Neva G Crawford in Lexington, NE.  She attended Lexington Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1955.   Later in life she earned a Dietary Manager’s Degree from Central Community College.

On August 17, 1957, Shelby was united in marriage to Keith R Schwarz at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington.  After spending four years in the Navy, they returned to Lexington where they made their home and were blessed with six children: Rick, Sandra, Dan, Carma, Scott, and Russ.  As her children grew, Shelby was active in and enjoyed 10 years as a 4-H leader with Shirely Beyl.  She also touched many lives as a brownie and cub scout leader and was active in the Morton PTA.  She worked for many years cooking for the kids at St Ann’s School cafeteria- however, because of her love for children, she stated it never really felt like a “job.”

After her divorce, Shelby moved to Kearney and worked 23 years at Good Samaritan Hospital, 14 of which were spent as a supervisor in the dietary department and nine years in medical records.

After retiring in 2009, Shelby moved back to Lexington and continued to be active at St Ann’s Catholic Church.  She weathered many storms in her life with grace, attributing that to her deep faith in God and the motto “forgiveness heals the soul”.  Shelby prayed daily for her family and held a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   She never met a baby that she didn’t love.

Those left to cherish her memory (and miss her cinnamon rolls) are her children, Rick (Amy) Schwarz, Sandra Schwarz (Dan Oliver), Dan (Berni) Schwarz, Carma (John) Anders, Scott (Stacie) Schwarz, and Russ (Gina) Schwarz. Grandchildren, Jill Schwarz, Joseph (Tawna) Schwarz, Britney (Jake) Holmes, Garett (Jenna) Schwarz, Marcus (Aryn) Schwarz, Jorden Schwarz, Nate (Felicia Rademacher) Anders, Nikkia (Eric) Castillo, Johnathon Anders, Grace & Isaiah Schwarz, Jace (Alexis) Schwarz, Brock & Treyton and Zane & Carsen Schwarz. Great grandchildren, Jaiyana and Avett Schwarz, Henry, Hudson, & Hazel Holmes, Dawson, Makai, & Lael Schwarz, Collyns, Mariah, Ryker & Halle Schwarz, Kendall Schwarz, Blaiklynn Anders, Skylyr and Michael Castillo, Taytum Schwarz, Emmett Kruse, and Bexon Schwarz; brothers, Rodney Parks, and Roger (Mona) Wells, as well as many extended families and many friends.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the St. Ann’s Catholic Church.

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