Nellie Arnett Corley

Nellie Arnett Corley, 92, passed away peacefully at home in Thermopolis, early Monday, January 25, 2021.

She was born July 24, 1928 in Broadwater, Nebraska, the second of five children of Henry and Mae (Rhubottom) Shoopman.  The family moved to Thermopolis in the 1930s living on Owl Creek.  After attending Hot Springs County Schools she graduated in 1946.

On June 15, 1946 she married Royal Corley.  They had four children, Sandra, Melodi Anne, Barbara and Michael.  After the deaths of Royal’s mother, Irene, and their daughter, Melodi Anne, they moved to the family ranch on Owl Creek where they lived the rest of their lives.

In addition to working at the ranch, Nellie worked as a scale operator for WYDOT and for 30 years at Holly Sugar.  In her later years she was a Foster Grandparent at Head Start and finally as a partner with her daughter at Hazel ‘n Pearl’s.

Active in her community, Nellie earned numerous awards and served many years as a 4-H leader, election judge, fair clerk and was a member of Home Extension Club.  A Sunday School teacher, she was active at all levels, ever faithful, in her service to her church and faith in God until the end of her life.

She enjoyed her Bible study group, her good friends at her quilting group and working at Hazel ‘n Pearls.  Her fondest memories were of the large family reunions at Boysen Lake.  Her greatest joys were her family, home, love of quilting and the many friends and neighbors that she loved.  She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Nellie is survived by her daughter, Barbara Rice, son-in-law, Todd and grandson, Brandon Rice of Thermopolis; grandchildren, Melodi Anne (Tim) Horrocks of Shoshoni, Jon (Mayce) Gibson of Thermopolis and Ashley Mendoza of Casper;  great grandchildren, Taisha(Andi) Crow, of Thermopolis, Tyfanee (Erik) Klebba of Tennessee, Jace Gibson and Isaac Sosa; great, great granddaughter, Natalie Klebba; sister-in-law, Charlene (Jack) Chatwell of Thermopolis and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Royal; children, Sandra, Melodi Anne and Michael; brother, Lloyd Shoopman, brothers and sisters –in-law, Leroy and Billie Shoopman and Runt and Laurie Shoopman; sister and brother-in-law, Gladys and Bud Green and grandsons, Bud Rice and Wesley Leech.

Graveside services were held Saturday, January 30 at Monument Hill Cemetery with Rev. Ron Philips of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church officiating.

Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Church designating “Nellie’s Memorial”, P O Box 950, Thermopolis, 82443.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Messages may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.