Sheila Kay (Jaeger) Johnson
On Feb. 12, 2024, Sheila Kay (Jaeger) Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Sheila was born June 13, 1949 in Imperial, Nebraska to Wayne and Ruth Jaeger.
Sheila graduated from Chase County High School in 1967 and in 1968, she graduated from Parks School of Business in Denver, Colorado.
After graduating from business school, Sheila worked for Data Documents in Englewood, Colorado. In 1969, she married and gave birth to her surviving son Cody Kimberling. Sheila moved to McCook in 1970 and while living there as a single mother raising her son, she worked for the McCook Public School Administration Office.
In 1974, Sheila was recognized by the McCook Business and Professional Women’s Association for her work implementing computerized financial record keeping. In 1976, after the loss of her father, Sheila moved to Imperial. She worked as an administrative assistant for the Imperial School system.
In 1981, Sheila started her social work career for Nebraska Department of Health. Eventually, she advanced to Southwest Nebraska Regional Supervisor for Department of Health and Human Services. Sheila remained in that position until 1986.
While living in Imperial, she was elected to serve on the City Council in 1984. During her tenure, she also served on the West Central Nebraska Development District Board, Imperial Centennial Celebration Planning Committee and helped spearhead Imperial’s recycling program which benefited local citizens.
In 1988, Sheila started her own in-home business helping families process medical claims. In 1992, Sheila and Barry Johnson moved to North Platte. Together they operated Johnson’s Taxidermy for 25 years. Additionally, she was deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of her husbands PRCA rodeo career.
Shelia’s true passions in life were her family, travel, and volunteering. She was a selfless daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. After her mother’s death, Sheila devoted her life to care for her disabled brother Ronald Jaeger. She was a devoted sister and had a special relationship with her brother Duke Jaeger. Sheila was Duke’s best friend and confidant with all matters in life.
She was a devoted mother who epitomized unconditional love and support. Most importantly, Sheila was a loving and deeply involved grandmother. Her love for her grandchildren was immensely palpable. She was pivotal in the upbringing of her son’s three children and swelled with pride as being the “Best Babysitter on the Planet.”
Sheila was a loyal and genuinely devoted friend to many people from all walks of life. She enjoyed traveling across the country, going to various rodeos with her husband. She also loved having the opportunity to travel the world with her grandchildren and brother Duke Jaeger. Her heart swelled with pride and joy watching her grandchildren grow and participate in school activities and sporting events.
Sheila was also involved in arts and she enjoyed painting and music. She was a member of Heartland Singers and volunteered to serve as treasurer and record keeping. Sheila also served as elected president and treasurer for the HOA at Kristen Court. She was a devoted philanthropist for the disabled and underserved.
Sheila was preceded in death by her mother and father Ruth and Wayne Jaeger of Imperial; brother, Ronald Jaeger; and sisters, Connie Jaeger, Debra Anderson, and Carol Chur.
Sheila is survived by her grieving son, Cody (Donelle) Kimberling and their children, Chase, Jenna and Kinsey Kimberling of North Platte; brothers, Duke Jaeger of Imperial and Sid Jaeger of Darr; husband, Barry Johnson and his daughter Renee (Bryan) Graysen, and their son, Rylan Grayson; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
Memorials are suggested to be sent on behalf of Sheila to Mosaic Home Capernaum, P.O. Box 67, Axtell, NE.
Funeral services will be held privately at her graveside. Inurnment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial.
Mother you are deeply missed. However, know that you will live on in our forever grateful hearts and minds. You graced the world with endless love for your family. Heaven gained a true angel and I take comfort knowing you are walking hand in hand with God and your loved ones that have passed. Please continue to guide us in all that we do in life and know that you will never be out of our mind’s eyesight walking with us morning, noon, and night. RIP my beloved mother.