May 16, 1935 – April 13, 2024

Shirley I. Allen Boulton was born May 16, 1935 in Winterset, Iowa to Frank E. and M. Oleta Allen. She had one sister, Cleda, and two brothers, Bill and John. She graduated from Winterset High School in 1953, and shortly thereafter married Lewis Young. They had two sons, Kenneth and Thomas. They divorced in 1962, and in 1966, she married Bob Peters and they and the boys moved to Rifle, Colorado. When that marriage ended in 1972, she later married J.R. Boulton.

Shirley worked for attorneys Gavin D. Litwiller and Stephen L. Carter for twenty years, and then for the Garfield County Treasurer’s office for eighteen years. She also worked for Sam Potter Agency and Commonwealth Title for short periods of time.

Shirley never met a stranger and was loved by everyone who knew her. She was “Mom”, “Gramma Shirley”, and “Aunt Shirley” to so many people. Her hobbies were reading and playing cards, and she enjoyed horseback riding and playing golf. The highlights of her life were spent with her sons, whether pinning the wings on Kenny at the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Jump School Graduation or traveling with her son Tommy as they attended Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concerts and sold merchandise.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, sister Cleda, Brothers Bill and John. She is survived by her sons, Kenneth and Thomas, as well as many special nieces and nephews. She passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family April 13, 2024, at the age of eighty-eight. Her positive influence through her great example and wonderful two boys leaves a legacy and tradition of love and service.

Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 27th at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist-Presbyterian Church in Rifle, Colorado.