Shirley Roseann Merkel's Obituary
Our wonderful mother Shirley Roseann Merkel passed away peacefully at her home on June 2, 2023, at the age of 82. Shirley was born on Feb 27, 1941 to Mathew and Ellen Mares in Denver Colorado. She is the youngest of five children and is survived by her brother Neal Mares and is preceded by her brothers Alfred Mares, Reo Mares, and Ronald Mares.
She rejoins the love of her life Corky Merkel whom she married on Aug 18, 1978 in Denver Colorado. Shirley loved plants and gardens, painting, nature watching, fishing and Spider Solitaire. She loved good jokes and loved playing jokes on others even up to her final days.
She left behind her five children, their spouses, twelve grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren. They include her son Lane (Hilda) Shade, grandson Casey Shade and great grandson Nicholas, and grandson Christopher Shade. Her son Dale (Sandy) Shade, granddaughter Sara Shade, granddaughter Elizabeth Rathborn, and great granddaughters Evelyn and Emily, granddaughter Ashley Shade Kight, and great granddaughter Alina, great grandson Aiden, great grandson Jack, great granddaughter Katie, and granddaughter Amanda Brown. Her Daughter Lisa (Brook) Cyrus, granddaughter Tegan Dollison, great grandsons Tab, Colton and Matthew, granddaughter Megan Hamilton, granddaughter Kendra Hamilton. Her Daughter Dawn Shade, granddaughter Amber Himmelbach, great granddaughter Violet, granddaughter Heather Himmelbach, great granddaughter Lilly, great grandson Bradley, great granddaughter Olivia, great granddaughter Nova. Her son Micheal (Sophia) Merkel, grandson Johnathan Merkel.
My mother, my best friend, your presence on earth will be greatly missed, but my love for you will live on forever.
She was a loving mother who gave us all the love in the world and then more. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
As per Shirley’s request, no funeral or memorial services will be held.
What’s your fondest memory of Shirley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Shirley?
Share a story where Shirley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Shirley you’ll never forget.
How did Shirley make you smile?