Shirley Kay Mapes

Omaha, Nebraska - Shirley Kay Mapes, 88, of Millard passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, April 26, 2026. She was born in Capioma, Kansas in Nemaha County on April 22, 1938 to William and Katherine (Nohl) Gilbert.


A rare used book dealer 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 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.


Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Braman Mortuary, Millard Chapel, 6505 South 144th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68137, with family visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. In honor of Shirley, her family kindly requests that those in attendance wear bright, floral attire.


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.