Shirley Kay Mapes

Omaha, Nebraska - Shirley K. Mapes, 88, of Millard passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, April 26, 2026. She was born in Capiola, Kansas in Nemaha County on April 22, 1938
to William and Katherine (Nohl) Gilbert. A used rare book salesperson and previous library specialist, Shirley was known for her extensive book collection and her ever growing shelf of books to read. She was an avid gardner. Her showpiece flower bed in her front yard drew the most attention. As a dedicated genealogist, Shirley was most proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She felt her research on the family was her best accomplishment to pass to the next generation.
Shirley is survived by her sister, Sharon Lake; brother, Fred (Sandy) Gilbert; daughter, Lisa J. King; daughter-in-law, Penny Mapes; grandchildren, Jason (Andrea) Mapes, Jasmine (Matt)
Embrey, Lindsay Mapes, and Brendan Mapes; great grandchildren, Ethan Mapes, Kaleb Mapes, Kaitlyn Mapes, Trinity Mapes, Xever Buck, Odin Placek, and Onyx Embrey; as well as a
cherished extended family including the Ken Mapes family and numerous great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and
Katherine Gilbert; her husband, Charles Mapes; and her son, Bruce Mapes.
A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. and family visitation one hour prior on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at the Braman Mortuary in the Millard Chapel, 6505 South 144th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nebraska Children’s Home in Omaha. This is a favorite charity of Shirley’s since she toured it as a young person in the
Benson Presbyterian Church women’s group