Shirley Jean Lumpe Nix

Shirley Jean Lumpe Nix, 84, Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, surrounded by her family at home in Palmyra.

Shirley was born Feb. 16, 1939, in Lincoln, Mo., to Carl C. and Arvilla Ruth Bell Lumpe. She was married to Jim D. Nix on April 22, 1961,  in Palmyra. He survives.

Other survivors include her children, Cammie Foster (Raymond), Palmyra;, Daniel C. Nix, Lebanon, Ohio; David Nix (Tammy), Palmyra; and Darin J. Nix, Lumberton, Texas; grandchildren, Garrett Foster (Kate), St. Peters, Mo.; Courtney Foster, Hannibal, Mo.; Abbey Reed, Seattle, Wash.; Haylee Nix (Trent), St. Louis, Mo.; Tanner Nix, Palmyra; Savannah Easter (Eric), Indianapolis, Ind.; Elizabeth Bennorth (Alex) Franklin, Tenn.; Andrew Nix, Lebanon; and Alan Nix, Franklin; great-grandkids, Hugo, Greta, Heidi and Klaus Foster, Owen Bennorth and Beckham Easter.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Sharon Oakley.

Professionally, Shirley worked at two local banks and then moved on to babysitting full time while raising her own children. After her kids were older she was a secretary for Lovegreen Motors before moving on to being an employee of the city of Palmyra for 18 years, with the last 14 years serving as city clerk.

Shirley was a very simple lady, very good friend, wife, mom and grandmother, who always put her family first. Her flower gardens were always overflowing with beautiful blooms. 

She was an excellent cook. Some of her family’s favorites were fried chicken, potato salad, cheesy potatoes, oyster dressing and Chex mix. During holidays her grandkids always required she set up an ice cream sundae bar. 

Shirley knew the importance of family and cherished the heirlooms passed down from her own family. She made it a priority to create traditions and fun memories with her children and grandchildren, by playing games and attending all their activities. 

She enjoyed watching all sports, sewing clothing and sneaking off to the casino to play slots. Her zest for life and the love she had for her family will be remembered always.

Shirley was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Palmyra.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday Aug. 31, at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra. Pastor Wes Gehrke will officiate.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Garrett, Andrew, Tanner, Alan, Alex, Eric and Trent.

Honorary pallbearers will be her granddaughters, Courtney, Elizabeth, Haylee, Abbey, Savannah and Kate.

Memorials may be made to  Zion Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.