Grace Shackelford passed away on August 22, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 28, 1932, in New Albany, Kansas, to Eddie and Nora (Brown) Gillham.

Common for growing up during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl era, Grace was part of a large family that included ten siblings. She was preceded in death by her Helen Ziegler Wilcox, Edward, Bernard, Loyd Wayne, Francis, Viola Schooley, Alice Boyce, and Charles. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Duane Shackelford; daughter, Kelly McGinnis; youngest sister, Virginia Deaver; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Grace always set high goals for herself. Remarkably for a young woman of her time and circumstances, she left home to pursue a college education. While attending college, she met and married Rex McGinnis. Their daughter, Kelly, was born in 1957. Grace and Rex also welcomed a daughter, Tracy Lynn, whom they tragically lost in infancy. Just a year later, in 1961, Grace experienced another profound loss when Rex passed away.

Despite these hardships, Grace persevered and completed her education at Kearney State Teachers College, where she first met Duane. She later moved to Hastings, Nebraska, where she began her career teaching business classes before earning a master’s degree in counseling. As a counselor at Hastings Senior High School, Grace influenced, encouraged, and inspired countless students. During her years in Hastings, she formed many lifelong friendships, was active in the Hastings Community Theater, and loved welcoming and entertaining friends in her home.

Grace was always a loving and devoted mother, demonstrating resilience and self-reliance, providing support and encouragement, and never failing to show her pride in and love for her daughter.        

Grace found love again and married Duane Shackelford in 1980 at Christ United Methodist Church. Following their marriage, she moved to Lincoln, where she worked for the Nebraska Public Service Commission. Grace remained active in church circles and Bible study until late in life and was also involved in several service organizations throughout Lincoln.

After retirement, Grace and Duane were rarely apart, spending nearly all of their hours together. They enjoyed 42 years in their Lincoln home before moving to Eastmont four years ago. As Grace’s health declined during her final years, Duane remained a loving, devoted, and attentive husband, continuing to care for and support her even when independent living and memory care meant they could no longer share the same home.

Grace was remarkable in so many ways. Although she came from a humble farm background, she yearned to expand her education and was on the leading edge of women attaining professional and advanced degrees.  She was a devoted sister, mother, teacher, friend, wife and always had a remarkable way of showing kindness to anyone she met, touching and improving many lives. 

 Knowing and loving Grace was a privilege; we were blessed to have her in our lives for 94 sweet years; she will be missed, and she will never be forgotten.   

A service celebrating Grace’s life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

A private burial will take place at a later time.

Memorials may be directed to the family or to Christ United Methodist Church.