Shirley Ann Rager

Shirley Ann Rager (Dierking) passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at home, surrounded by her family.  She was born in Lincoln, NE on January 19, 1924. She married Mel Rager on July 3, 1945, at First Lutheran Church. They had four children - Mike Rager (Michele) of Alexandria, VA; Scott Rager (Kim) of Oak Brook, IL; Kurt Rager (Ginny) of South Sioux; and Carol Miller (Ritch) of Omaha, NE.   She was a life-long, devoted member of the First Lutheran Church, where she was a member of Church Circle Two.  She was also active in Eastern Star, Extension Club, and PEO.   Shirley enjoyed working in her beautiful flower garden, and sewing, for which she won several awards. She loved birds, reading, golf, crossword puzzles, Nebraska and Green Bay football.   An avid letter-writer, she was committed to her political ideals. She also loved to cook for her family. More than anything, she enjoyed attending all the activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.     She was preceded in death by her husband, brother, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, one grandchild, and one great grandchild. She is survived by her four children, thirteen grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren, and a dear cousin, Sharon Gingras of Tucson, AZ.   Visitation services will be Monday, September 7 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Becker-Hunt in South Sioux, with a prayer service at 7:00pm.  Funeral service will be Tuesday, September 8 at 10:30am at First Lutheran Church in South Sioux, immediately followed by lunch in the fellowship hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to First Lutheran Church in Shirley’s honor.