Sylvia Ann Spellman

Sylvia A. (Kay) Spellman, 91, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Brookestone Gardens in Kearney, Nebraska. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Shelton, Nebraska. Burial will follow in the Shelton Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Sunday from 5–7 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.

Sylvia was born in Wood River, Nebraska, on October 31, 1934, the only child of Arthur and Rose (Boltz) Kay. She attended Wood River Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1952. After graduation, she worked for the Farmers Coop Elevator in Wood River.

On February 9, 1957, she married Jim Spellman of Shelton. Jim served in the U.S. Navy, and they lived in Boston, Massachusetts, and Newport, Rhode Island, until his discharge. Sylvia later became the bookkeeper for Spellman’s Service during the 25 years they were in business. She then worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years in Shelton, Wood River, Kenesaw, and Grand Island, retiring in 1996.

While raising her children, Sylvia had an uncanny ability to stretch a meal for six into a meal for twenty. The Sunday table was always set with room for extra kids. Her summers were spent making a “gourmet” lunch followed by Family Feud, after which the kids were off to their summer jobs or the swimming pool.

She and Jim were devoted Bulldog fans and rarely missed a sporting event involving their children or grandchildren. They truly loved watching all the local kids play. Sylvia was also lovingly known as the “quilt lady.” She created and gifted quilts to her children, grandchildren, and all 13 of her nieces and nephews, along with countless raffle donations over the years.

Sylvia cherished her weekly coffee gatherings with her “coffee gals,” but more than anything, she loved being surrounded by her family—listening to the chatter and laughter during holidays, Sunday dinners, and right through her final moments on Earth.

Sylvia is survived by her children: Dan (Diana) Spellman of Hastings; Cindy (Nick) Brandt of Shelton; Mike (Cathy) Spellman of Shelton; and Kirk (Diane) Spellman of Lincoln; ten grandchildren: Philip (Kristen) Brandt, Josh (Kenzie) Spellman, Jared (Becky) Spellman, Kayla (Jack) Abel, Claire (Manny) Urra, Laura Spellman, Leann (Luke) Aanenson, Lexie (Grant) Wiseman, Tyler (Megan) Spellman, and Zach Spellman; twenty-two great-grandchildren: Reagan, Harrison, Linkoln, and Monroe Brandt; Layne, River, Denton, and Wiley Spellman; Ivy, Simon, and Cameron Spellman; George, Joey, and Johnny Abel; Esmé and Mia Urra; Fletcher Carey; Matthew (Essie) Roybal, Rebekah Roybal, and Asher, Theo, and Isla Wiseman; and three great-great-grandchildren: Dani, Chloe, and Sebastian Roybal.

She is also survived by her brother- and sister-in-law, Gary and Joyce Spellman of Minden, and sister-in-law, Penny Spellman of Shelton.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim, in July 2024; her grandson, Jacob, in September 2017; four brothers-in-law: Marvon, Bill, Fred, and Bob Spellman; and four sisters-in-law: Roma, Viola, Linda, and Joanne Spellman.

Memorials are suggested to the Shelton Volunteer Fire & Rescue and the Shelton Community Pool Project. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.