Shirley Ann Simpson Mertes was born March 15, 1937, in Stella, Nebraska. She was the third of four children born to Leland Simpson and Mabel (Klepper) Simpson. The family farmed near Auburn, Nebraska for most of Shirley’s childhood where she attended country schools and Auburn High School, graduating in 1954.

Shirley married the love of her life, Larry Mertes, at Coryell Chapel on September 23, 1956. The couple moved to Denver, Colorado in the Fall 1957 and built a life and family in Colorado until her passing. Larry and Shirley had three children, Ricky Mertes of Denver, CO, Renee Mertes Stevens (Ed Stevens) of Gainesville, GA, and Darla Mertes Francies (Scott Francies) of Greeley, CO, and nine grandchildren.

Larry and Shirley lived in Northglenn, Colorado from 1961 through 1999, and moved Windsor, Colorado in 1999 where Larry still resides. They made friends who were like family everywhere they lived. Shirley took great pride in her home and her family. Her home was always open, and she enjoyed entertaining. She was a creative, spirited soul and enjoyed oil painting, sewing, cake decorating, and home renovations, as well as gardening and cooking. She was a stay-athome mom while her children were young, and later enjoyed working for retail stores and in administrative positions. Shirley loved to travel and in her younger years was able to enjoy trips throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Shirley passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024, after suffering with Dementia for several years. She is survived by her husband, Larry, of nearly 68 years, her three children, her sister Mary Jarvis of Auburn, sister-in-law Isabella Simpson of Denver, CO, several nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. Shirley’s wishes were to be cremated and no further memorial services are planned at this time.