Shannon McKenney

Shannon McKenney, 46, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Blue Valley Care Home in Hebron, Neb. 

She is survived by her parents, Lewis and Judie McKenney; her sisters, Shay (Terry) Knapp and Shauna (Justin) Coupens; and nieces and nephew, Cori, Jacie, and Keegan. She is also survived by her grandparents Clifford and Donna Lawrence, aunts Lorraine Sidak and Lillian Denny, and uncle Gary (Becky) Lawrence. 

She is preceded in death by grandparents, Lew and Evelyn McKenney; great-grandparents, Ray and Wilma Westlake and Opal and Emery Lawrence; uncles Gene Sidak and Ray Denny, and cousin Dennie Sidak. 

She was born December 3, 1969 in Bassett, Neb., to Lewis and Judie (Lawrence) McKenney. Shannon grew up in Alliance, Neb., graduating from Alliance High School in 1989. She smiled and treated others with kindness and compassion despite enduring relentless bullying during her middle and high school years. Shannon loved attending sporting events, was a member of the FHA, and the golf team. She was also proud to be a teacher’s aide at Emerson Elementary and being a candy striper at the hospital. 

Shannon moved to Hay Springs, Neb. in 1990. She briefly worked at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home and at the Hay Springs Head Start. Shannon was very proud of her little blue house. She enjoyed spending time with her cats, watching Husker and Bronco football, and listening to music. Wearing either a cat or Husker t-shirt, Shannon walked uptown and also to her grandparents house daily.

Shannon’s physical and mental health began to slowly deteriorate in her early 20s. She remained in her home with the help of her family until it was no longer safe. Those who loved her watched the Shannon they had known slowly disappear. She went to live at an OHD group home and attended their workshop for five years. The workshop and group home staff provided her with wonderful care and love. Last summer she lived with her parents and was cared for by her family until she was placed in a long-term care facility. Shannon spent her final days at the Blue Valley Care Home in Hebron, Neb. The incredible staff at this one of a kind facility took exceptional and loving care of her. 

Shannon was a sweet and kind person….a true gentle soul. She wasn’t mean to others, although they were often mean to her. She didn’t understand or know why. She taught her family many things about kindness, compassion, and patience. Shannon loved children, and if she had been able to, she would have been an excellent mother and teacher. Thank you to everyone who brought happiness to Shannon’s life and thank you to all parents who teach their children not to bully others.

Shannon’s funeral will be held on May 31, 2016 at the Newport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials in her memory be made out to the Blue Valley Care Home or the Newport Fire Hall Fund and sent to her parents at 5774 445th Ln, Hay Springs NE, 69347.