Shirley Antis Kirkendall

Shirley Antis Kirkendall, 89, died September 16, 2026. Born July 8, 1937, in Alamosa, Colorado, Shirley was the daughter of Richard and Lucille (Quirico) Vining and grew up alongside four siblings. From the beginning, her life reflected steady perseverance, as she faced a severe learning disability—yet met each season with determination and a generous spirit that shaped the way she cared for others. Shirley resided in Denver, Colorado.

Shirley devoted many years to her home and family as a homemaker, work that was never small in her hands. Later, she brought that same diligence and reliability to her role as kitchen manager at the Excelsior School in Aurora, Colorado—serving others with the kind of quiet steadiness that made people feel looked after and respected.

On June 8, 1957, Shirley married Jack Lewis Kirkendall. Together they had four children: Glinda, Tammy, Jack, and Tim. Jack and Shirley divorced in 2000.

Shirley found joy in the comforting, creative arts of daily life. She liked to sew, crochet, knit, and cook, and she was fashion savvy—taking pride in the details that made a home warmer and a day brighter. In the last 13 years of her life, she also seemed to draw friendship and companionship with ease, and many male residents at the assisted living facility enjoyed spending time with her. She was known within her family for a great sense of humor and quick comebacks that could bring a room to laughter and make time together feel light, easy, and memorable.

Her life also carried a hard-won milestone that spoke to her resolve. Despite reading at a second-grade level, in her mid-50’s Shirley found the courage to study diligently and earn her driver’s license—an achievement her family celebrated with deep pride, honoring the effort behind it and the independence it represented.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings Walter (2019) and Edward (2020).

She is survived by her children, Glinda (Kirby) Hodgkin of Aurora, CO, Tammy (Chuck) Ruddy of Larkspur, CO, Jack (Cathi) Kirkendall of Sand Springs, OK, and Tim Kirkendall of Pueblo, CO; grandchildren, Brittany Hodgkin, Cody (Jamie) Hodgkin, Celeste (Oliver) Janevski, Anthony (Nicole) Ruddy, Steve (Naomi) Kirkendall, Nicole Hardt, Sarah Nichols, Ivan (Alyssa) Nichols, Emma Nichols, Brody Nichols, Conrad Nichols, TJ Kikendall, and Ashley Brewer; great grandchildren, Trinity Sperr, Danica Janevski, Jordan Janevski, Lucy Ruddy, Luke Ruddy, Ellie Ruddy, Serenity Kirkendall, Erica Robinson-Kirkendall, Henry Fulford and Johnathon Brewer; siblings, Robert (Barbara) Vining of Cheyenne, WY, Colleen Rogers of Thornton, CO and Peggy Vining of Kit Carson, CO; special friend, David Martinez; as well as, many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 11AM at Fellowship Community Church, 6263 South Parker Road, Centennial, CO 80016. A reception will immediately follow, also at the church. Shirley will be laid to rest on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 1PM at Imperial Memorial Gardens in Pueblo, Colorado.