Shirley J. (McCoid) Hoefel

Shirley Jean McCoid, surviving twin of Harley and Carrie (Baier) McCoid, was born on December 11, 1925 in Sioux City, Iowa. She died on May 20, 2023 in Bassett, NE at the age of 97 years.
When Shirley was age four, the family moved to Ainsworth, NE, where she attended Ainsworth Public Schools and was a student of Miss Lila McAndrew (for whom the elementary school is named). In 1939, the family moved to WaKeeney, KS. While there, Shirley attended high school and graduated in 1943. She enrolled at Ft Hayes State College where she was a member of the Delta Sigma Epsilon sorority. She met and fell in love with Harold Hoefel at that time and marriage was discussed but postponed due to his deployment. Shirley’s father moved the family to Lincoln, NE during the war and she and Harold lost contact. She was employed for a time at the Hastings Munitions Depot during the World War II years. During one of the many family visits to Ainsworth, Shirley met Dale Baker and they were later married in 1947. Together they raised a family of five children and shared 43 busy years farming in rural Ainsworth. Following Dale’s death in 1991, she was reacquainted with Harold Hoefel through her church pastor, Don Christianson. They were married 1994 and lived near Spokane, WA for 11 years. After Harold’s death, she moved back to Ainsworth in 2006.
As an active member for 73 years, the Ainsworth United Methodist Church was an important part of her life. She participated in many activities there including choir, circle, quilting and the prayer shawl ministry. Her records indicate that she knitted 53 shawls in total. She also served as the church secretary for 20 years. She was a volunteer at the Brown County Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop and a member of the Rim-of-the-Prairie County Extension Club.
Shirley loved words and birds. She noticed the details in life that others might miss. One of her great passions was writing and reading poetry. She loved doing both. She was a “mean” Scrabble player and a Michigan Rummy card shark, and a champion pancake maker. She enjoyed knitting, embroidery, making hooked rugs and was an accomplished seamstress. Although she was quite shy, Shirley will always be remembered as a kind, thoughtful and generous woman.
Shirley is preceded in death by her first husband Dale Baker, beloved son Paul, grandson Dylan and second husband Harold Hoefel. Those left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are: her sister Phyllis Carson, Los Angeles, CA, four children and their spouses: Norman (Pat) Baker, Tempe, AZ, Keith (Marilyn) Baker, Ainsworth, NE, Nancy (Charlie) Keithline, Tulsa, OK, Patti (Don) Anderson (widow of son Paul), Adams, NE, and Sheila (Mike) Wolfe, Norfolk, NE. There are seven grandchildren: David (Amy) Baker, Bill (Jenny) Baker, Carrie (Tal) Shaked, Greg (Mirna) Gomez, Andy (Carmen) Wolfe, Craig (Victoria, fiancée) Wolfe, and Shannon (Chris) McClain; fourteen great grandchildren, one great-great grandson along with many nieces, nephews and friends.


Funeral Services were held on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Pastor David Randall officiated at the service. Music Arrangements by Linn Baxter included the instrumental selections of “Moonlight Sonata,” “Fur Elise” and “Farewell to the Piano” and the congregational hymns were ”How Firm A Foundation” and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Special remarks were given by Nancy Keithline. Casketbearers were: Bill Baker, Dave Baker, Andy Wolfe, Craig Wolfe, Don Fling and Bob Hunt. Honorary Casketbearers were: All the Caregivers, Nurses and Doctors at Rock County Hospital, Long-Term Care and Cottonwood Villa. Memorials were suggested to the Ainsworth Senior Center or the Brown County Hospital Auxiliary in Shirley’s name. Interment was in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com .