Shirley was born on July 9, 1934 in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Eggert Otte and Myrtle Miller Otte.
Life with Paul was quite the adventure. Paul and Shirley married when mom was 18 years old. Melvin came 9 months later followed by Bev 16 months after, Larry and a twin came 2 years later. Kay came just 1 year after that. Paul and Shirley loved Friday night football loading up family and friends to watch their eldest grandson Jeff play high school football— Go Blue Jays! Shirley loved to travel just about anywhere. One trip she loved the best was a trip to Pototsi, Missouri to meet Paul’s Uncle Frank — known as the Hillbilly. Traveling there was an adventure that none of us would ever forget. All of us kids would load up in the camper with poor mom, uncle Don, and aunt Rita having to ride in the cab of the pickup because dad always had to drive — because he was a professional truck driver, as he always told mom, ‘let the professional drive.’ As a family camping at Lakeview every weekend where mom loved to swim and sunbathe while partying with their friends.
Mom grew up with 4 brothers, George, Harold, Richard, Donald and one sister Gladys. Mom and Uncle Donald had awesome stories of their childhood playing on the old Otte Homestead. She was the baby of the family where the older siblings played tricks on her. Mom was so proud of her 3 brothers who served in World War II which led to mom developing a strong patriotic sense. Later in life, Shirley enjoyed watching FOX News especially Hannity, Jesse Walter’s, and Gutfield who became her friends.
We inherited one thing from mom and that was how to raise chickens. One day the local feed and farm store gave mom 200 baby chicks with nowhere to put them except in one of the bedrooms in the house. We lived with 200 baby chicks chirping all day and night until they were strong enough to move into the chicken coop. Mom was so proud of her little chickens turning the adventure into a small business. We were taught how to care for chickens and then eventually how to clean a chicken for sale at the local bars at $2.00 a chicken. She was so proud of her little business in Weeping Water.
Who could forget the stories of how Grandpa Eggert was part of building Peony Park. After the park was completed the Otte Family would always have their family picnic reunions in the park. Mom, Uncles, and Aunt would always remind us children about how their father built the pool in the park. Mom loved to swim so, of course she could not resist the water slides. She loved sliding down the water slides with her children then later with her grandchildren at the age of 50 years plus.
Mom enjoyed her business with her children Flex Management (a Pickle Store) on 90th and Maple. She loved watching the patrons win money. Flex Management branched out to Greyhound Racing with Darling Dave and August, unfortunately, she did better betting on the Horses at Aksarben!
After Shirley’s husband, Paul passed after 43 years of marriage, and several years later she decided to make a major move to West Point, Nebraska to live with her companion Don Wietfeld of 14 years. She loved Don’s family deeply like they were her own family. She always said that Don’s family welcomed mom into their lives with open arms. Don and mom would travel every year to Harlington, Texas to enjoy the warm sunshine and leave the cold snowy weather behind. She loved traveling in Don’s RV motorhome making the trips back and forth from Nebraska and Texas. After several trips, Don and Mom found themselves living in Harlington, Texas where they loved meeting new people from all over the United States and later traveling to visit their new friends. Shirley loved to dance, especially at the local watering holes, “Pink Poodle and of the Gas Station.” After Don’s death mom found herself a permit resident in Harlington, Texas where everyone was welcome to come and enjoy the sunshine anytime with her. Shirley loved visiting Padre Island seeing her grandson Jay, walking on the beach looking for the perfect seashell. Who could forget traveling with mom to Mexico when you came to visit.
Shirley had a VERY big heart, no one was ever a stranger in her home. No one ever went hungry in her home. She always had a meal waiting for those who were to visit. Her best meal was cow tongue, telling all that the meat was roast beef. She helped so many people throughout her life. Mom always opened her heart and home to those who were dealing with major issues finding a solution for each issue. Always sharing the one rule: “Don’t judge anyone unless you have walked in their shoes” and “There is always a solution.”
Shirley loved her family, grandchildren, extended families, and friends. They were her life and we couldn’t have asked for a stronger matriarch to lead and guide the family through the good and difficult times. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all. Her last words on earth while holding her daughter’s and only granddaughter’s hands were “I got all my girls and boys here with me, thank you boys for coming and getting me.”
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Paul Horton 61 after 43 years of marriage, two sons (Melvin Horton 69) & (Larry Horton 67 ) and two great granddaughters (Bethann Becker newborn) & (Kelly Todd 3 months old) and grandson (Jay Carson 41), four brothers (George Otte, Harold Otte, Richard Otte, & Donald Otte) and sister (Gladys Alexander (Otte)) and good friend Don Wietfield of fourteen years. Survived by daughter Bev Todd,(Husband James Todd) daughter Kay Carson (Husband James Carson) and daughter-in-law Char Horton (Cronican). Grandchildren Jeff Horton (Tonya Duncan), Andy Horton (Jackie Horton), Megan Rose (AJ Rose), Paul Carson, Erick Todd (Karla Todd) Jimmy Todd (Missy Todd), David Carson (Sara Carson). Fifteen great-grandchildren Tyler Carson (Mariah Klein), Dalton Horton, Kylee Goff, Cody Horton (Karley Kaiser), Jayden Carson, Jaylyn Horton, Sydney Carson, Maddy Rose, Kensey Rose, Mason Todd, Meredith Todd, Anden Todd, Rowan Todd, Davis Todd, Kellen Todd, Michael Carson, Brandon Carson, Jessica Carson, Tegan Carson, Sophia Klein and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.
CELEBRATION OF SHIRLEY'S LIFE: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 11:00am, with VISITATION one hour prior to the service, all at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel).
INTERMENT: Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park
Braman Mortuary and Cremation Services
1702 N. 72 St. Omaha, NE 68114 / 402-391-2171
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