She was born on May 2, 1939, and was the daughter of Earl and Myra VanMatre. She graduated from Wauneta High School in 1956.
Shirley was married to Jesse A. Chitwood and together they owned JS&S Trucking. Some of her happiest times were driving the “big rig” across the many highways and byways enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. She may have been small in stature, but she could keep up with the best of them. She especially enjoyed their vacations to Hawaii, Cancun and Clearwater, Florida. They vacationed in one of these places every year.
She also had a heart for the elderly. Earlier in her working career and after retirement, she tenderly cared for the elderly, primarily in long term care and later through Home Instead. She developed many close relationships, and they loved the attention she gave them. She helped them keep, and in some instances, restore their dignity and purpose.
Shirley’s family was her greatest pride and joy. She loved family dinners and gatherings. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, doting grandmother, and caring friend.
Shirley is survived by her daughters: Debbie (Doug) May, Vicky (Dean) Stromberger, and Shera (Donald) Tapp. Grandchildren: Amy (Todd) Long, Jeremy (Sheila) Lutz, Kim (Jake) Shultz, Melissa (Brandon) Gutierrez, Ally Tapp, and Addie Tapp. Great grandchildren: Hope (Ben) Lovisone, Joey Long, Gracie Lutz, Lillie Lutz, Blake Lutz, Jadelynn Gutierrez, Chase Gutierrez, Dominic Gutierrez, and Dalton Gutierrez, Great Great Grandchild, Curtis James Lovisone. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Jesse A. Chitwood, Son-in-law Douglas May, grandson Brent Stromberger, Parents Earl and Myra VanMatre, and brothers Gene and Donald VanMatre.
A small and intimate memorial service for Shirley will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.
