Shriley Mae (Mason) Brown

Shirley Mae (Mason) Brown 

Sept. 14, 1932 - July 10, 2023 

Shirley Mae (Mason) Brown died Monday, July 10, 2023, at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford, Neb., at the age of 90. 

Shirley was born Sept. 14, 1932, to Guy and Grayce (Hamaker) Mason in Glen, Neb. She attended school in Glen and Crawford.  Shirley entered the workforce at a young age and worked various jobs in Crawford before moving to Alliance, Neb. She was united in marriage to Jerry Mehring in 1952 being blessed with four children in five short years. After the divorce, she returned to her hometown of Crawford to raise her children alone for 16 years, working as many as four jobs at a time to support them. She still always had time to play games (especially Cribbage) and spend time with her children. 

In 1973, she met the love of her life, Carroll Brown. They were both working at the Crawford Schools at the time and were married Oct. 23, 1974. Carroll helped ease the load of raising teenagers and treated Shirley like a queen. In 1980, they moved to Basin, Wyo., where they traveled to many gun shows together. Shirley added the “craft” element to the shows with her many handiworks and famous fudge treats. She actually often times gave away more of her baby quilts and dishtowels than she sold because of her generous spirit.  

Shirley had a big heart and was so good about remembering birthdays, anniversaries, etc., with a card she always spent time choosing for that special family member or friend adding personal notes.  

After 30 years in Basin, Shirley and Carroll returned to Crawford where they opened a gun shop in their garage and Shirley continued craft shows.  

In 2013, Carroll suffered a stroke and went to recuperate at Ponderosa Villa. Shirley walked up every day to visit. After Carroll’s passing in 2015, Shirley lived independently until 2019 before moving to Ponderosa Villa Assisted Living. She still continued her embroidery work and jigsaw puzzles. As dementia advanced, Shirley moved down to the nursing home side where she received such loving care. Even after she wasn’t able to walk or communicate, she remained independent in her own way. She loved her family above all and cherished their visits.  

Inurnment will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Crawford Cemetery. 

Survivors include daughters Twila (Dave) Vogl and Peggy Mehring of Crawford, Shirlene (John) Groethe of Rapid City; son David Mehring of Gering, Neb., and stepson Royce (Pauline) Brown of Seneca, Neb.; brother Gary Mason of Omaha; eight grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and five nieces.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Guy Junior, grandchildren Teresa Vogl Lewis and Chad Mehring.