Shirley Marie Lanford

Shirley Marie Lanford, age 83, of Thornton, Colorado, passed away peacefully on April 12th at Bethesda Gardens Thornton, Colorado with family by her side.

Shirley was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and a woman who touched countless lives with her kindness, strength, and beautiful smile.

Shirley Marie Lanford was born on February 16th , 1943 in Brighton Colorado to Zelma Lewton and Jack Young.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Richard John Lanford, Daughter, Michelle Pappas of Centennial, Colorado; Son, Richard (Dean’na) Lanford of Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico.  Her grandchildren Ryan Rector, Christine Cook, Ashleigh (Evan Vilella) Lanford and Brittany (Nico) Gross.  Her great-grandchildren Alexis Waggoner, Caleb Cook, Noah Rector, Brody Cook, Brynn Cook, Aiden Rector, Ava Rector, Ophelia Lanford, Lorenzo Vilella, Piper Gross and Carmen Vilella.  Her sister Jean Thomas and many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Zelma Young, her sister Naomi Beaver and her grandson Matthew Rector.

Shirley grew up in Brighton Colorado where she spent many days out east on the Lewton family farm.  She graduated from Brighton High School in 1961. Shirley married the love of her life, Richard, on June 24th, 1961, in Brighton, Colorado.

Shirley spent her life as a dedicated homemaker as well as working in medical offices and in her younger years working at Western Electric.  She was known for her warm heart, unwavering faith and love of family gatherings.  Everyone loved her cooking, especially her green chili.  She also loved to travel with family and friends.

Shirley found her greatest joy was in her family, spoiling her grandchildren, hosting holiday meals, attending church and ensuring her home and garden were always perfect. Christmas was always the event of the year with so many gifts it was hard to see the Christmas tree. Her home was always open, her coffee always fresh, and her hugs always ready.

Shirley lived a life defined by her Christian faith, love, resilience, and quiet strength. She taught her children and grandchildren the value of kindness, forgiveness, faith, and laughter.  Even in her later years, she remained the heart of the family, offering her loving smile, comfort, and endless stories from her rich life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association at https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/deannalanford/in-honor-of-shirley-marie-lanford in her memory.

Shirley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through the generations of her family.

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