Shirley Lynn Karnei, 73, of Nordheim, Texas, passed away on August 24, 2025. She was born on Friday, April 4, 1952, in Yorktown, Texas, to Elmo Clinton and Jo Ruth (Morisse) Neutzler.
Shirley was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Nordheim on November 26, 1952, by Pastor William Durkop, and her sponsors were Helma Neutzler and Connie Tips. She was confirmed on April 3, 1966. Shirley graduated from Nordheim High School on May 29, 1970, and attended Bee County College.
She married Rodney Warren Karnei on February 19, 1972, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 53 years. Their first home was in San Antonio, where Shirley began her career with USAA, before the family returned to her hometown of Nordheim in 1978. Together, they raised three daughters: Sarah Diane, Kimberly Lynn, and Lisa Ann.
In 1988, she began a 24-year career at Nordheim ISD, serving with dedication and proudly cheering on the Nordheim Pirates. She also gave her time to many parts of the community. She supported students as a booster parent and volunteered with Friends of Nordheim, the Nordheim Volunteer Fire Department, the Nordheim Shooting Club and Dance Hall, and the Nordheim PTA. She was the secretary at St. Paul Lutheran Church, a youth group leader, and a Sunday School teacher.
In retirement, Rodney and Shirley often traveled to Rockport, where they loved watching sunsets over the bay and casting a few lines for redfish. Their greatest joy came from attending their grandsons’ sporting and band events, and in celebrating birthdays and milestones. She loved playing games with her family and friends and looked forward to her monthly social with the Bunco Belles.
She was known for her quiet spirit, generous heart, and devotion to those she loved. Nothing brought Shirley more joy than time spent with her daughters, grandsons, nieces, and nephews. Whether at a ball game, a birthday, or simply gathered at home, she embraced every moment with them. Her love was steady and enduring, and it will live on in the family she so deeply cherished.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Jo Ruth Neutzler; siblings Elmo Clinton Neutzler Jr. and Marian Ruth Neutzler; her parents-in-law Harlan V. and Georgia Mae Karnei and her brother-in-law Marvin Ray Karnei.
She is survived by her husband, Rodney; brother Charles (Janette) Neutzler; sister-in-law Debbie (Tomie) Runyan; sister-in-law, Shirley Ann (Darryl) Karnei-Mueller; daughters Sarah (Derrell) Skillman, Kimberly (Jeremy) Pierce, and Lisa Karnei; grandchildren Trey and Devin Skillman, Tucker, Preston, and Eli Pierce; nieces and nephews Jackie (Drew) Crow, Charlsie (Chase) Nickerson, Dr. Clayton (Kelly) Runyan, Tamie (Cory) Coltharp; Heather (Richard) Gisler, Jarred (Angela) Karnei; great-nieces and nephews Ella and Henry Crow, Wesley Nickerson, Jack and Kizer Runyan, and Kache, Paislee, and Piper Coltharp, Brent and Brooke Gisler, and Colby, Madeline and Chloe Karnei.
Pallbearers will be Drew Crow, Chase Nickerson, Jeremy Pierce, Tucker Pierce, Derrell Skillman, and Trey Skillman. Honorary pallbearers are her daughters, grandsons, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Yorktown. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Massey Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Karnei officiating. Interment will follow at Nordheim Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Nordheim, Nordheim ISD Education Foundation, or the donor’s choice.
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