Nellie Jo Shank

Nellie Jo Shank, 87, of Mineral Wells, TX, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 8, 2026. Nellie was born Nellie Jo Rogers, in Natty Flats, TX on August 31, 1938, to her parents Johnnie Inez Faye Ennis and Deward “Dee” Rogers, and was raised by her loving stepfather, Coy Irvin.

Nellie’s childhood was deeply rooted in her Native American heritage, which she was very proud of. Much of her time growing up was spent with close family, especially her beloved grandmother, Cora Lee Seay, who would teach her many aspects of farm life, horticulture, and respect for nature which she carried throughout her lifetime.

Nellie attended school in Brazos and then Mineral Wells, where she met her husband, William “Tooter” Boatman. She had several jobs in Mineral Wells, including working at the Baker Hotel and Dairy Queen, while Tooter pursued a career in music.

In 1957, Nellie and Tooter welcomed their beloved daughter, Belinda Pauline “Paula” Boatman. She was the biggest blessing of their lives. Nellie raised her daughter in Mineral Wells, near family, where she would make unforgettable memories with her cousins.

Sadly, in 1963, they lost Tooter in an auto accident. After his untimely death, Nellie and her daughter spent many years traveling to other states, meeting new people, and learning new and interesting cultures. Together they developed self-educated trade skills, and learned invaluable life lessons, embracing chaos and finding strength, laughter, and hope in the most unexpected places. Keeping life interesting and fun was always key during good times and bad.

In 1975, Nellie married the love of her life, Richard Edsel Shank. Over the years, they enjoyed absolutely everything together including traveling, gardening, building at their home, model airplanes, riding motorcycles, and spending time with their family and friends. Nellie and Richard shared the most beautiful life together.

Nellie spent many days with their granddaughter; swimming, pulling the wagon around the neighborhood, having adventures in the backyard, and finding the most fun things to do, even if Paula wasn’t always aware of their shenanigans. Nellie was a very creative person; always making the best things, sewing, doing projects, and sharing them with others. If she had something that you loved, she would rather give it to you than keep it for herself. She also made the best sandwiches.

Nellie loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed going to garage sales, creating things for outside, playing Phase 10 and Bingo, watching British comedies, having family dinners, and any new adventure that came her way. She was never afraid to try something new, even if it meant roller skating or playing in a bubble suit. She was always so much fun!

Nellie is survived by her daughter, Paula Smith and son-in-law, Gary of Mineral Wells; granddaughter, Somer (Smith) Senor and husband Kevin, with great-granchildren, Hannah Grace and Jonah Thomas Senor of Aledo, TX; granddaughter Cemi Jo (Smith) Cook and husband Taylor, with great-grandchildren, Lane Warren and Levi Evans Cook of Greensboro, NC; sister Pat Delois Wages of Fort Worth, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that she adored; and best friends that were like family, Ingrid Crawford, Don Miller, and Sheryl Wiklund, all of Mineral Wells, TX.

Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, Inez and Coy Irvin; husband, Richard Shank; mother-in-law Mildred “Groovy” Shank, sister, Betty Poynter; beloved Aunt Estelle Porter, and lifetime friends Margie and Jessie Smith, all of Mineral Wells, TX.

In the end, we can only hope that we have left our loved ones with the memories of the love we had for them, our generosity, and the lessons of life that make us who we are. Nellie achieved this. She will be remembered well.