Shirley Maxine Goldfish of rural Scotia, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on August 17, 1938, near Arcadia, Nebraska, Shirley was the daughter of LaRoy A. and Maxine P. (Fuller) Hodgson. She spent her early years riding her horse, Pete, to country school alongside her brother, Dennis, before attending high school in St. Paul, graduating in 1955. Shirley pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, earning a Teaching Certificate in 1957.

On November 11, 1956, Shirley married William Henry Goldfish in Scotia, Nebraska. To this union five children were born, Steven, Billie Jo, Michael, Becky, and Gary. The family initially lived on a farm east of Scotia, before settling on a farm south of Scotia in 1967, where they made their lifelong home.

A dedicated educator, Shirley taught at a rural school near her home from 1955 to 1960 before serving as a clerk at the ASCS office in Greeley until her retirement in 1991. Her commitment extended to her community through active involvement in the Zion Lutheran Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and the NLS Booster Club.

Shirley found joy in maintaining her lawn, flowers, and supporting local sporting events. Her voice could often be heard above the crowd as she cheered for her kids and the NLS Wildcats. She cherished camping and vacationing, particularly in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park.

She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 70 years, Bill of Scotia; her sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Valerie Goldfish of Van Buren, Arkansas; Michael and Sherry Goldfish of Scotia, and Gary Goldfish of St. Paul; two sons-in-law, Greg Zyntek and Quinn Vinson; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her daughters, Billie Jo Zyntek and Becky Goldfish-Vinson; her grandson, Beau Zyntek; granddaughter, Amanda Goldfish; daughter-in-law, Shelly Goldfish and brother, Dennis Hodgson.

Shirley’s wishes were to be cremated. Services will be determined by the family in the future.

Cards of condolence may be sent to: Bill Goldfish, 80133 Grist Mill Avenue, Scotia, NE 68875.