Eileen Ann "Cookie" Shirk, born October 15, 1942, in Maquoketa, IA, USA, passed away at her home in Beatrice on July 21, 2024. She spent her life dedicated to her family, her community, and her faith. A humble and reliable woman, Eileen was known for her thoughtful nature and unparalleled commitment to those around her. She resided in Beatrice, Nebraska for 40 years, and it is here where she left an indelible impact. Married to her beloved husband, Thomas Shirk, on January 13, 1973, Eileen was the epitome of a devoted wife, loving partner, and best friend.

She received a BS degree in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Iowa, and had been the director of Rehabilitation and Evaluation at the University of Iowa Medical Center before her marriage. Eileen was a homemaker by occupation, yet her contributions extended far beyond her own home. She poured her energy into her community, volunteering at the Homestead National Historical Park, serving on the Beatrice Library Board for 12 years and was chairman for 8 of those years, served on the YWCA board, and participating actively in the PEO and the Homestead Computer Club at Southeast Community College. She served as the Iowa state representative for the Ostomy Association.

Her dedication was recognized when she and her husband were named Volunteers of the Year at the Homestead National Historical Park and represented the 13 state region for the National Park Service George B. Hartzog Jr. Volunteer of the Year Award. Eileen was also a proud recipient of the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award. Her commitment to serving others reflected the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Eileen was a dedicated member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and assisted with the broadcast of the services. Her hobbies included genealogy, gardening, and traveling, which she pursued with the same fervor and dedication as her volunteer work. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mary (Waddell) Scheiber. She is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas Shirk; and by several cousins.

The visitation will take place at Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel on Monday, July 29, 2024, from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, with the family greeting friends at the same location from 6:00-7:30 PM. The family prayer service will be held at the Centenary United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 10:45 AM, followed by a celebration of Eileen's life at the same location at 11:00 AM. The service will be Livestreamed by the church for those unable to attend. A memorial has been established to the Beatrice Educational Foundation with the funeral home in charge. Burial of her ashes will be at the Andrew Cemetery at Maquoketa, IA at a later date. 

We encourage all who knew and loved Eileen to leave memories and upload photos to www.ghchapel.com. You may also view a recording of her service or watch her video tribute on her memorial page. Her life was a testament to a life well-lived, and she will be missed deeply by all who knew her.

 These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.