Shirley passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and devotion to family and friends. She was born to Goldie (Spafford) Doty and George Doty on June 30, 1932, in Fort Morgan, CO.  She graduated from Fort Morgan High School and married her husband, Robert, on May 20, 1951.  This union lasted for 74 years.

Growing up on a farm in the Colorado plains, Shirley's early years were shaped by the values of hard work and compassion instilled by her parents. She met life's challenges with quiet determination, always placing the needs of others before her own.  Growing up, she shared a small country house with 10 brothers and sisters.

As a young woman, Shirley built a home with a welcoming spirit that embraced all who entered. Cherished memories of family gatherings, laughter around the kitchen table, and heartfelt conversations will remain in the hearts of those close to her. When you went to Shirley's house, she made sure you were fed—and anyone who tasted her famous oatmeal is still trying to recreate it. She took her responsibilities as a mother and grandmother seriously, applying her industrious nature and knack for problem-solving to caring for her family. In that same spirit, she crafted many quilts and cross-stitch projects for her loved ones.

She was an avid volunteer and an active member of the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church, where she prepared and served numerous meals, feeding many people through her service. For many years, while raising her children, she was involved with the Platte Avenue Social Club. Shirley was a long-time member of the Beta Sigma Phi Fort Morgan Chapter and generously volunteered for a hospice agency, providing comfort and companionship to many individuals at the end of their lives.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob), sisters Joyce Oden, brothers Gene Doty, Dale Doty, Donald Doty, Burke Doty, and Larry Doty, her nephews Chad Doty, Scott Doty, and Russell Doty, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roy and Joanne Kula, and her cherished grandson Thomas Lanman.

Shirley is survived by her four daughters, Vicky Higgins (Lex), Linda Kula (Jack), Cheryl Kula (Jim), and Barbara Bell (Scott).  Shirley was Grandmother to Nathan Janos (Alexandra), Benjamin Janos (Lindsay), Abby Birch (Terrence), Zoe Rusch, Ivy Kula-Kreidler, Asa Carpenter (Kelly), Lee Carpenter (Lacey), and Spencer Lanman.  She was always delighted to welcome new members into the family, especially her great-grandchildren: Celeste, Simone, and Max Janotto; Janos and Lola Folker; Tao Birch; Iola and Jack Rusch; Xander and Korben Carpenter; Shelby and Brody Frye; and Khloe Carpenter.  Shirley was also survived by her sisters, Georgia Hultquist, Udella McConnell, Lorie Wageman, brother, Ken Doty, and many Nieces and Nephews of the Doty family who will treasure her memory and honor her life by carrying forward the values she embodied. While she will be deeply missed, the imprint of her compassion and grace will remain in the hearts of family and friends.

A visitation will be at 9:30 AM on March 21, 2026 with a memorial service to follow at 10:30 AM in honor of Robert and Shirley at the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church, Fort Morgan, Colorado.  In place of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity close to your heart or the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church in Robert and Shirley's memory.