In Loving Memory of Shelley Ann Klosterboer

Shelley Ann Klosterboer, 54, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, surrounded by many of her beloved family members and friends. She was a cherished wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend whose loving, accepting spirit touched countless lives. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and she will be deeply missed.

Shelley was born on December 31, 1971, in Beeville, Texas, to Terry and Michele Lyon. In 1974, her family moved to Columbus, Nebraska, where Shelley and her sister, grew up and attended Columbus High School. She later earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from the Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Shelley spent more than a decade working at Hot Topic, where she advanced to the position of store manager. Her impact went far beyond managing a store and its employees. Shelley had a special gift for bringing people together, building a sense of family among her coworkers, and forming friendships that will last a lifetime.

On August 20, 2000, Shelley married Aaron Klosterboer in Ankara, Turkey. They celebrated their marriage again in the United States on October 13, 2000, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Soon after, her nephew, Royal Lyon-Jones, became part of their family. Their family grew with the births of their two children, Dorian in 2002 and Draven in 2004. Shelley embraced motherhood with a selfless, loving, and accepting heart, creating a family grounded in love and belonging.
Shelley had many ways of showing her love, and one of her favorites was through food. An amazing cook, she loved cooking, baking, and decorating cakes. She took special delight in knowing everyone’s unique favorites and making sure each person had something they especially loved. For Shelley, preparing a meal was more than putting food on the table; it was a way to make people feel cared for, welcomed, and loved. Her kitchen was another place where her generous heart could shine.

Shelley also knew how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and make wonderful memories along the way. She loved feeling the warmth of the sun on her face while riding behind Aaron on their motorcycle. She loved the ocean, camping with Aaron, and playing in the water. With her playful spirit and love of the sea, Shelley often affectionately referred to herself as a “Mermicorn,” a fitting reflection of her own unique blend of imagination, color, fun, and love for all things magical. She also treasured attending concerts with Aaron and their friends, sharing the excitement of live music and the joy of spending time with the people she loved.
Her compassion extended well beyond her home. Shelley worked in Lincoln Public Schools as a paraprofessional, supporting students with disabilities, learning differences, and physical or behavioral needs. She also served the Lincoln community through the City of Lincoln’s adaptive recreation and accessible community programs for individuals with special needs.

In these roles, Shelley did more than provide support. She gave her heart and soul to the individuals she served, offering patience, understanding, encouragement, and acceptance. Her work reflected the very best of who she was: someone who recognized the worth of every person and made others feel valued and included. Caring for others was not simply her profession; it was a part of her nature.

Shelley’s greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely, the relationships she nurtured, and the lives she made better simply by being part of them. Whether she was caring for her family, preparing someone’s favorite meal, bringing people together at work, enjoying an adventure with Aaron, or making a difference in the lives of those she served, Shelley left her mark through kindness, compassion, laughter, and an unwavering acceptance of others.

Shelley leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her husband, Aaron Klosterboer; her children, Royal Lyon-Jones and Courtney Garner, Dori Klosterboer, and Draven Klosterboer, all of Lincoln, Nebraska; her father and stepmother, Terry and Sadan Lyon, of Columbus, Nebraska; her sister, Elizabeth Lyon, of Phoenix, Arizona; her step sister, Funda (Tarik) Yüksek, of Phoenix, Arizona; her mother-in-law, Grace Robinson, of Maricopa, Arizona; her father-in-law and stepmother-in-law, Bill and Laurie Klosterboer, of Lincoln, Nebraska; and her brother-in-law, Nicholas Klosterboer, of Oahu, Hawaii. She also leaves behind a host of dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 8th at 2 pm at the Bourbon Theater, 1415 O St, Lincoln, NE 68508. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate her life, share memories, and honor the lasting impact she made on those around her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Easterday Recreation Center / Shooting Stars Program, 6130 Adams St., Lincoln, NE 68507, in keeping with Shelley’s generous spirit and her lifelong commitment to helping others.

Shelley’s life was a testament to the power of love, acceptance, and compassion. She filled lives with delicious meals, made memories under the sun, found joy in the ocean and music, and gave so much of herself to others. Though she is no longer physically by our side, the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the connections she built will continue to be part of her lasting legacy.

She will be loved always and forgotten never.