Connie Shea, long time Phillipsburg resident, passed away Tuesday, January 26th, 2016 at the Christian Homes in Holdrege, NE, at the age of 72, following a yearlong battle with cancer, complicated by pneumonia.

She was born March 29, 1943 in Colby, Kansas, the daughter of Doyle and Frances L. (Tubbs) Erwin. She attended school in Levant and graduated from Brewster High School in 1960.

On October 14, 1961, Connie was united in marriage to John Shea in Colby. They were blessed with 4 children. The family lived in the Levant/Colby area until they moved to Phillipsburg in 1976. She worked various jobs in Phillipsburg, including Martha's Café, KN Energy and The Refinery. Before she retired, she was employed for many years at the Phillips County Retirement Center in Phillipsburg.

Connie spent her free time crocheting, sewing, working on puzzle books (fill-ins), shopping, reading Danielle Steel Books & her favorite, the Twilight Series. She loved watching videos of her youngest grandsons and enjoyed watching HGTV, The Food Network, DIY and The Hallmark Channel, especially their "Love Comes Softly" Series.

Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and beloved grandchildren. She always made sure her family was well taken care of. Connie would make sure her grandchildren had nice clothing before the school year started or for their promotion attire, prom or graduation. She always made sure they had a nice winter coat and sometimes she would get them clothing just because she wanted to.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Doyle & Frances Erwin; brother, Maurice (Mickie) Erwin & Marvin Erwin; and her son, Rick Shea.

Survivors include her husband, John of the home; a son, Randie & wife, Julie; daughter, Bonnie Ewing & husband, Brian, all of Phillipsburg; daughter, Tonia Driggs & husband, Buck of Manhattan, KS; 10 grandchildren: Gabrian, Gareth, Gavyn, Rheanna & Aryssa Peterson-Shea; Zackary & Hunter Ewing; and Tayber, Tucker & Gunner Driggs; and a sister, Bonnie Siruta of Winona, KS.

The family has chosen the Christian Homes of Holdrege, NE for Connie's memorial. Connie stayed at Christian Homes for 11 months recovering from a broken femur. Her final days of life were spent there in the comfort of many wonderful people that she and our family became to treasure.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the First Lutheran Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 12:00 to 9:00 Thurs. & 9:00 to 9:00 Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Homes.