Shirley J. Ecker, 73, of Marquette and Central City, died at Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.

Shirley Janece was born on September 19, 1938, in Ewing to Fern and Verna (Borden) Cashatt. She grew up in Nebraska and received her education at Butte Schools. In 1956, Shirley was united in marriage to Gene Abernathy in Butte. They moved to Idaho and were both employed with the Lookout Service for the National Forest Service and they also worked in the logging industry.

Shirley returned to Nebraska in 1967 and in 1971 she came to live in Central City. She worked at the Ordinance Plant in Grand Island and she owned and operated the East Gate Cafe in Central City from 1977 to 1990. She was also owner of Kate's Root Beer Stand and Ace Motel, both in Central City. Shirley retired in the early 1990's.

After her retirement, she designed and assisted in any way she was able to with the construction of her daughter's and son-in-law's home near Marquette. Shirley enjoyed playing cards, fishing, cooking and baking.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter - Cindy and Lenny Everson of Marquette; two grandsons - Jeremy Everson and Chrissy Peard and Jordan Everson; step-children - Mike and Glenda Abernathy of Washington and Linda Abernathy of Utah; her brother - Wayne (LaVern) and Lu Cashatt of Eldora, Iowa; her sister - Beulah Stiger of Ord; three sisters-in-law - Dorothy Cashatt of Lincoln, Neola Cashatt of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Pam Abernathy of Idaho.

Those preceding Shirley in death were her parents; two brothers - Myron and Harlan Cashatt; and an infant brother - Keith.

Memorial services will be Friday, June 15th at 10:00 a.m. at the chapel of Solt Funeral Home in Central City with Rev. Marta Wheeler officiating.

Interment will be at a later date.