Shirley Lavonne Jacoby

Shirley Jacoby, born on December 15, 1928, in Hildreth, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, after living nearly 98 years filled with love, laughter, and grace. She was surrounded by family, friends, her “chosen” children and grandchildren, and the wonderful staff at The Bridge Assisted Living.

Shirley was raised on a Nebraska farm by her parents, Ralph and Edith Arehart, alongside her brother Gene Arehart. After graduating from high school, she attended secretarial school—a pursuit she truly loved. She later met the love of her life, Jack Jacoby, a World War II veteran who served in the Air Force 55th Fighter Group and 442nd Air Service Group Association, 338th Fighter Squadron in London. After marrying, they moved to California, where they welcomed their first son, John Jacoby.

While in California, Shirley worked for a wealthy land developer and retired military colonel, assisting him in writing his memoirs. Each day, his chauffeur would drive Shirley to lunch by the ocean, where she would take dictation for his stories—a memory she cherished. The family later moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for Jack’s work, where Shirley was employed at the Air Base. On New Year’s Day, 1962, they celebrated the birth of their second son, David Jacoby. In 1969, the family relocated to Greeley, Colorado, where Shirley became the office manager for Dr. Erickson’s medical practice, a position she held for more than 20 years. She remained in Greeley for the rest of her life, living independently until November 2025, when she moved into The Bridge.

Shirley was known for her sharp wit, infectious humor, and boundless warmth. She was a mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. After retiring, she devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren, Bailey and Devan Jacoby—making Halloween costumes, sewing dresses for Bailey, and sharing Friday ice cream trips to Dairy Queen. She delighted in baking treats for school events and even faced her fear of snakes to take Devan to The Greeley Village, watching proudly as he held one. In her seventies, Shirley joined her family on a trip to Mexico, where she rode a jet ski with Devan across the ocean—an adventure that perfectly captured her spirited nature.

A gifted seamstress and quilter, Shirley spent countless hours sewing, canning vegetables and jams, and volunteering at her church. One of her proudest achievements was completing her President’s Quilt, a project that took several years to finish. In her later years, she became a beloved member of the “Shirley Club,” a group where all Shirleys—and honorary ones—were welcome. She treasured the friendships and laughter shared among its members.

Shirley also found great joy in caring for her great-granddaughters, AJ and Kira Jacoby, hosting tea parties and creating cherished memories. She loved music, playing both the piano and organ, and kept her 60-CD player running almost constantly. In her final months, she found peace watching the birds and squirrels outside her window, spending hours enjoying their visits to her feeder.

The staff at The Bridge often remarked that Shirley had more visitors than anyone they had ever seen—proof of the deep and lasting connections she built throughout her life.

Shirley is survived by her son David Jacoby and his wife Tammy Jacoby; her daughter-in-law Sherry Sailor; her grandchildren Bailey and Devan Jacoby; her great-granddaughters AJ and Kira Jacoby; her dear friend and honorary Shirley Club member Barb Varra (“Shirley-Barbara”); and countless friends she considered family. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Jacoby, her son John Jacoby, her brother and sister-in-law Gene and Mona Arehart, her parents Ralph and Edith Arehart, and her beloved cat Damn-it Toby Jacoby, and beloved dogs - Misti, and Petie.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown to Shirley and her loved ones. Special thanks to Larry and Becky Lawhead for their kindness and for honoring Shirley’s wishes by preparing and delivering her sermon.