Ruth "Irene" Thies

Ruth "Irene" Thies, 91 of Shelton passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. A celebration of life will be held 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. She was born on April 27, 1934, at home in Crab Orchard, Nebraska, to Glenn and Maryetta (Sovereign) Shew. Irene attended school in Tecumseh, Nebraska, and following her graduation, began working for the telephone company. She was united in marriage to Richard Thies, and together they built a family through the adoption of their three children: Wendee, David, and Dana. The family later moved to Kearney, Nebraska, where Irene continued her work with the telephone company while also caring for children through her in-home daycare. After her marriage ended, Irene moved to Bellevue, Nebraska, where she formed many lasting friendships. She was active in the VFW community and worked in the deli at a local grocery store. Later, she returned to Tecumseh to be by her mother’s side during her final days and remained there to support her father and sister as well. While back in Tecumseh, Irene reconnected with classmates, friends, and family. She enjoyed social outings, including bus trips to the casinos with friends. Irene had a gift for making people feel welcome—she loved baking cookies and often shared them with new neighbors as a warm introduction. She was also a very creative and thoughtful person who loved crafts. In her later years, Irene moved back to Kearney to be closer to her family. She found great joy in attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Irene lovingly hand-made 500 Christmas cards for servicemen and women, a reflection of her generous and caring spirit. Irene was a kind and selfless person who always put others before herself, and she took immense pride in her family. She is survived by her sister, Maryaldene Busch of the Chicago area; her children, David Thies and his wife Sharon of Willis, Texas, Wendee Rush of Kearney, Nebraska, and Dana Chavez of Shelton, Nebraska; her grandchildren, Shali, Kassandra, Isaiah, Karter, Alexandrea, Kameren, Desa Rae, and Keaton; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Irene will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Ruth "Irene" Thies

April 27, 1934 - April 7, 2026