Shirley Yvonne Archuleta, age 74, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Shirley was born April 23, 1943 in Hemet, California. In 1961, she graduated from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, California. Thought of as a “natural beauty” by those who were privileged to know her, Shirley was also known for her elegant charm which ultimately facilitated her career in modeling. While modeling for Models Ltd, the Gene Nelson Morning Show, and Channel 13 in Sacramento, California, Shirley met her husband and life-long soul mate, Benny Archuleta.
Their journey together began 56 years ago at 4836 Alexon Way in Cameron Ranch, Carmichael, California. Shirley and Benny raised two wonderful children in their Cameron Ranch home. A devoted daughter, sister, granddaughter, wife, mother, auntie, grammy, and great grandmother, Shirley was also the nucleus and loving nurturer for extended family. Shirley’s home was the center of activity for holidays and family gatherings. In addition to the unconditional love and care showered on her family, Shirley helped run their family owned beauty salon Fashion Tress. When her children were small, Shirley volunteered at the Cameron Ranch Elementary School as Room Mother, hot dog mom, and various other volunteer positions. She later immersed herself in the La Sierra High School drill team, sports and other activities in which her children were involved, becoming a second mother and friend to all of her children’s peers, hosting many events in their family’s home.
Family time was still very much the focus of Shirley’s universe even as their children began their own adult lives. Shirley devoted time caring for her parents as they entered their advanced years, while always making herself available to her children and nieces too.
When grandchildren entered her life, Shirley fell in love with each and every one as the family grew and grew. Wanting to be close to family, Shirley spent fifteen years living in the northern plains. While she struggled with the long North Dakota winters, which were not kind to her beloved plants, flowers and trees she was so passionate about, Shirley was just grateful to be immersed in the lives of her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her green thumb was only second to her beauty and love of family.
In 2015, Shirley and Benny settled in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. This climate and environment was much favorable for her gardening. To be able to watch her flowers grow and bloom in her garden brought her so much joy. Each blossom was precious and truly a reflection of how much she valued all living things. Before passing, Shirley welcomed a twelve week old Boston Terrier puppy named Sugar into her life. Raised with Boston Terriers herself, , this sweet, sweet puppy made Shirley smile from the inside out. An incredible gift given at just this right time, this dog filled her last days on this earth with great joy. We take comfort knowing that Shirley now rests in the arms of her Savior and creator Jesus Christ with great confidence that we will meet again on streets of Gold.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Amanda Merline (Byrd) and Ralph Warner James, Sr.; and brothers, Ralph Warner James, Jr. and Robert (the late Barbara Lundy) Lundy. Shirley is survived by her husband of 56 years, Benerito P. Archuleta of Highlands Ranch, CO; daughter, Tonya (Scott) Lewis of Highlands Ranch, CO; son, Anthony (Cathy) Archuleta of Dillsburg, PA; step-son, Gilbert (Fran) Archuleta of Sacramento, CA; grandchildren, Elisabeth Lewis of Minot, ND, Timothy Lewis of Minot, ND, Christina-Rose Gleaton of Killeen, TX, Andrew Lewis of Minot, ND, Oliver Lewis of Highlands Ranch, CO, Olivia Lewis of Highlands Ranch, CO, Sydney Archuleta of Dillsburg, PA, TJ Archuleta of Dillsburg, PA and Julian Archuleta, Kelani Archuleta and Makena Archuleta, all of Sacramento, CA; great-grandchildren, Arianna Gleaton, Grayson Lewis, Amira Lewis, Monique Archuleta, Analicia Archuleta and Alex Archuleta; nieces, Kelly (Jerry) Johnston of Jefferson City, MO and Kristy Duncan of Jefferson City, MO, nephews, Steven (Teri) Oldham of Jerrill, TX and Michael (Debbie) Oldham of Ennis, MT; great-nieces and great nephews, Carissa Manifold, Rozelyn (Rob) Claypool, Cody (Samantha) Bohrman, Seth (Beth) Oldham, Heather (Michael) McCarty, Chris Oldham, Michael (Rainie) Oldham, Jr., Mars Oldham; and other loving family and friends.
A Visitation for Shirley will be held Thursday, April 26, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121. A Funeral Service will occur Friday, April 27, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121, immediately followed by a Committal Service in the cemetery. A Celebration of Life Reception will take place at 4:00 pm at the Archuleta Residence, 9543 Cedarhurst Ln Unit B, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.
Serving as pallbearers are Tony Archuleta, Scott Lewis, TJ Archuleta, Andrew Lewis, Tim Lewis, Dennis Byrd, Oliver Lewis and Grayson Lewis.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerchapelhill.com for the Archuleta family.
