Shelley L. Kirkland

Shelley Lynn (Lackas) Kirkland, 62, of Pender, NE passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at her home in Pender. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27th, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, May 28th, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pender. The burial will be on Wednesday, May 28th at 2:00 p.m. at the Belden Cemetery in Belden, NE. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Belden Cemetery in honor of Shelley’s wishes. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Shelley was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend whose impact on those around her will never be forgotten.

Shelley was born on April 20, 1963, in Wayne, NE, to Kearney and Carol (Kalin) Lackas. Shelley grew up in Randolph, NE, where she was an active and accomplished student. In her senior year at Randolph High School, she led her basketball team to an undefeated season, securing the Nebraska Class C Girls State Championship. She also excelled in volleyball and earned a scholarship to Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE, where she furthered her athletics in volleyball, basketball, and academic pursuits. Following her time at college, Shelley completed cosmetology school in Norfolk, setting the foundation for her creative and people-centered career.

In 1992, Shelley met the love of her life, Kevin Kirkland. The two were married on February 26, 1994, and their partnership was a true testament to love, laughter, and shared adventure. On August 19, 1998, their lives were forever changed with the birth of their miracle daughter, Cierra.

Shelley’s devotion to her family extended beyond the home. She became an active force in her community, especially through coaching her daughter’s sports teams. For years, she coached basketball, volleyball, and softball, starting with Cierra’s second-grade class and continuing until Cierra reached junior high. Shelley’s coaching was driven by her love for the game and her dedication to the young athletes she mentored. Her passion for helping others extended into her personal life, where she enjoyed camping, jet skiing, and spending time with her family and friends on the water.

As Cierra grew up and graduated high school, Shelley found new passions. One of those was motorcycling. Together with Kevin, they traveled across the United States, seeking the freedom and thrill that the open road provided. It was on the back of Kevin’s motorcycle where Shelley felt a true sense of peace and escape from the world.

Shelley was preceded in death by her parents, Kearney and Carol Lackas.

She is survived by her loving husband, Kevin Kirkland; daughter, Cierra (Jacob) Wilson; granddaughter, Josephine Lynn Wilson; siblings, Gwen (Steve) Jorgensen, Lori (Jay) Smith, and Greg (Michelle) Lackas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family who will miss her deeply.

Shelley’s love for life, her boundless energy, and her dedication to her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Rest in peace, Shelley. You will forever be loved and missed.