Shirley Jean Harris, 88, of Ft. Morgan, CO, passed away peacefully, and surrounded by her loved ones at home, on November 14, 2021.

Shirley was born in Denver, CO, and was the only child and treasured daughter of Arthur and Iva Bellis. Her father was a Professor of Physics at Colorado School of Mines where he also led the marching band. Shirley recalled vivid memories of sitting in the bandstand with her father and being handed down to her mother before he conducted his band's performances.

Shirley graduated from East High School in Denver.  She then attended Denver University (DU) for two years before she met the love of her life, Walt, at Colorado A&M (known then as the Aggies, but now as CSU) in Fort Collins.  Shirley and Walt met at a Wesley Foundation meeting, which was a Methodist organization at the college.  Shirley majored in Early Childhood Development and graduated from A&M with high distinction. Later in life, she obtained her master's degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado, with a specialized certificate in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD).  Her first teaching job was in Timnath, CO, and she taught at the Fort Morgan Middle School for 16 years.  Shirley also volunteered as an ESL mentor for 20 years in the H.O.S.T.S. mentoring program in McAllen, TX.

Shirley and Walt were always adventurous travelers, and upon retirement they rode the entire Colorado Trail on horseback. They also enjoyed 21 years of their retirement as "Winter Texans" where they square danced, golfed, rode their motorcycle, and met many life-long friends.

Shirley was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She'll be remembered for her fun personality, her bright smile, her teaching excellence, her love of children, and her strong faith.  Shirley will also be remembered as a fighter with an incredible will to live, as she was a two-time breast cancer survivor, she survived a near-fatal horseback accident, and she battled dementia for nearly 15 years.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Walt, of 66 years; children, Jack Harris, Dan Harris, Amy (Steve) Tumath, and Kirby (Marta) Harris;  grandchildren, John McKie and Nakita Williams; and her faithful caregiver, Olga.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her two infant boys, Gary Allen Harris, and Timothy Edwin Harris.

The family is planning a celebration of life at the United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 27 ^th at 10:00 am, the public is welcomed.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in Shirley's honor.