A beloved mother, amazing grandmother, sweet sister, and wonderful human being passed away on August 16th in Littleton, Colorado. Shirley LaMae Pettes lived 97 beautiful years of life, starting her life in Fleming, CO on February 25th. She was the adored daughter of Edward and Inez Wertz, and sweet sister of Carol Ann. Shirley attended a high school in Fleming, and following her graduation, decided she wanted to go to Denver. She hitchhiked all the way to the big city, and stayed in a boarding house with 4 other girls until she could go out on her own. Her best friend from that time survives her.
The Late Clifford M. Pettes was recently home after having served a tour with the United States Air Force and he fell in love with Shirley. They were married in Denver, Colorado, and until Clifford's death, remained married for 63 years. Shirley was a devoted wife, a wonderful employee of the Air Force Finance Center for 35 years, and a beloved mother to Cheryl and Randy. She loved her garden, and loved to cook. Her children and grandchildren savored every chicken casserole and porcupine burger she made. She liked to cook so much, that whenever she went to a family members home she came prepared, either with the dinner meal, or with the supplies to make it.
As Shirley's children grew and married, she was blessed with additional title: Amazing Grandmother. She loved to write poetry, and each granddaughter has a poem that Shirley wrote just for them. They will remember grandma as being always prepared to cook, or with something already made, and for her love of roses, and her beautiful garden.
Shirley joins her parents, and husband, Clifford. She leaves behind her children, Cheryl (Michael), and Randy (Deborah); grandchildren, Erica (Ronald), Lisa, and Abbie; great-granddaughter, Ezzmay; sister, Carol Ann Stephenson; and her dear, Tia and her children, Americas and Kadence.
Shirley will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24th at 10:30 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary. Those who wish to pay their respects can do from 9:30 to 10:30. Shirley will be laid to rest at Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery.
In honor of Shirley's habit of donating to every organization that sent her something in the mail, her family asks that those who wish to, may donate to a charity of their choice.
