Shirley Ann Thompson

Shirley was born in Alamosa, CO and grew up on her family’s farm in the San Luis Valley. She attended Adams State College, graduating in 1963 with her bachelor’s in education, going on to teach for 29 years. While she worked as a substitute teacher for a brief time, her focus was in early elementary education, working with young children. She retired from Mark Twain Elementary (District 11) in 1996.

She met her husband Michael in Colorado Springs in 1967; and they married on June 22, 1968. Shirley traveled with Michael to many of his duty stations with the US Army before his retirement in Colorado Springs in the early 80s. They began fostering their daughter Michelle in 1987, with her adoption finalizing in 1989.

She is survived by her husband Michael, their daughter Michelle; and her siblings Eva Benavidez and Joseph Sanchez.

Services for Shirley will be held on August 26, 2026 at St. Dominic’s in Widefield, CO. Rosary will begin by 10:30 am with funeral service following at 11am.