February 20, 1965 – April 9, 2025

In Loving Memory
Michel Leelyn “Shelly” (Spencer) Berger, of Rifle, Colorado, passed away on April 9, 2025, at Rifle Hospital. A devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, cherished daughter, and loyal sister, Shelly brought light and laughter to the lives of everyone who knew her. She was known for her quick wit, her unforgettable laugh, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest days.
Shelly was born on February 20, 1965, in Denver, Colorado, to Jerry and Bonnie Spencer. She was raised in Arvada, Colorado, and graduated from Pomona High School.
On September 20, 1982, Shelly gave birth to her son, Ryan Joel Spencer. She later married Eric Berger on June 19, 1993. Together with Ryan and their daughter, Allison, the family moved to Leadville, Colorado. Shelly worked as a property manager for vacation rentals in Breckenridge until 1999, when she and Eric
relocated to Kona, Hawaii. There, she continued her career in property management. She loved the ocean, the beach, and especially the humpback whales.
In 2010, feeling too far from her family, Shelly and Eric moved back to Colorado and settled in Rifle. She continued working in property management for Catholic Charities and Community Services in Carbondale, Colorado.
In addition to her deep love for family, Shelly had a passion for gardening and took special pride in raising beautiful orchids. She cherished time spent with her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Her warmth, generosity, and nurturing spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Eric Berger; her son, Ryan Spencer, of Florida; her daughter, Allison Quezada, of Montrose, Colorado; her parents, Jerry and Bonnie Spencer, of Grand Junction, Colorado; and her brother, Kurt Spencer, of Idaho Springs, Colorado.
She also leaves behind three nephews, two nieces, a great-nephew, a great-niece, and five beloved grandchildren.
Shelly was preceded in death by her brother, Jay Kevin Spencer, and her sisters-in-law, Lisa Bucknell, Laura Asselin, and Lindsay Spencer.
A celebration of Shelly’s life will be held on May 3 at 2:00 PM at Meadowlark Garden in Grand Junction, Colorado.
In accordance with her wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA in her memory.