Marjorie (Shields) McMurtry, 93, was called home to be with her Lord on November 7, 2026, in Seward, Nebraska.
Marjorie was born on June 15, 1933, to William Glenn and Nellie (Phillips) Shields in McCook, Nebraska. She grew up on the family farm southeast of McCook and graduated from McCook High School at the age of 16. After graduation, she worked at J.C. Penneys in McCook until she met her future husband, Richard McMurtry.
Marjorie and Richard were married on August 23, 1959. Richard’s work took them to Kearney, Nebraska; Oskaloosa, Iowa; Norfolk and Grand Island, Nebraska, before they settled in Lincoln in 1966. They shared 52 years of marriage before Richard preceded her in death in 2012. Their family grew to include three children, five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Marjorie was someone others could always depend on, offering a helping hand for as long as she was physically able. Wherever she lived, she was a devoted member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For the last 35 years of her life, she was a beloved member of Southview Christian Church. Throughout her life she served as a deaconess, elder, financial secretary, choir member, and women’s group member and leader, and she faithfully attended Sunday school. She enjoyed spending time with fellow church members, especially her dominoes group.
Marjorie was also proud to serve as an election board judge for more than 25 years. On Election Day, she could be found in the hallway at Meadow Lane Elementary School in Lincoln, helping others exercise their right to vote.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents; her sisters, Hazel Collins and Maxine Patterson; her brothers, Marvin and Rolland Shields; and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nieces.
She is survived by her children, Cheryl McMurtry of Lincoln, Keith (Becky) McMurtry of LaVista, and Lori (Donald) Hilligoss of Olathe, Kansas; and her brother, Harley Shields of McCook.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jacob (Billie) Hilligoss of Paola, Kansas; Kara (Brandan) Tierney of Spring Hill, Kansas; Andrew McMurtry of El Paso, Texas; Ethan McMurtry, who is serving in the Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and Braden McMurtry of LaVista. As well as her great-grandchildren, Dalton, Kinley, Delaney, and Clayton Hilligoss, and Kaylee and Addison Tierney and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation and Celebration of Life
Visitation: The family will be present on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68510.
Celebration of Life: A service will be held at Southview Christian Church, 2040 S 22nd Street, Lincoln, NE 68502, on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Southview Christian Church.
Kara is my beautiful daughter in law. I know the passing of her beloved Grandma, has broken not only her heart but the whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with Kara and the whole family. May, she RIP and may she be dancing with our Lord savior, who welcomed her home in his loving arms. Peace and Love be with you.