Shirley Mae Tucker

Celebration of Life:

Shirley M. Tucker, 79, passed away on June 2, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Shirley retired as a vocational counselor for the Colorado Division of Labor and Employment after nearly 30 years.

Shirley was born June 1, 1945, in Washington, D.C. She graduated from Centennial High School in Pueblo, Colorado, in 1963 and earned her Bachelor of Science from Southern Colorado State College in 1968.

Shirley, a beacon of resilience, overcame a tumor in her hip at the tender age of 12. This setback didn’t deter her from embracing new experiences. She fearlessly took up snow skiing, cross-country skiing, boating, and water skiing, finding solace in the open waters. In her leisure time, she found joy in reading, crafting, scrapbooking, knitting, and cardmaking, reflecting her creative side.

She loved spending time with her husband Tom, supporting him in the Lions Club, cheering on the Broncos and Rockies, and caring for their corgi named Cadi. She cherished their travels together and the memories they shared.

Shirley’s giving nature was a cornerstone of her character. She generously supported charities close to her heart, including those benefiting animals, children, the military, and faith-based organizations. Her contributions, both big and small, made a significant difference in the lives of many.

Shirley’s commitment to her community and faith was unwavering. She was a regular at First Baptist Church during her childhood and single-parent years, dedicating much of her time to strengthening her faith and forging lifelong friendships. After marrying Tom, she became a pillar of Fountain Creek Church, pivotal in its growth. As she aged, she found joy in attending Bible studies, where she deepened her faith in God, made new friends, and reconnected with old ones.

Shirley’s love for her family and friends was boundless. She adored her children and grandchildren, and her outgoing, good-natured, and joyful personality made her a magnet for friendship. She was always ready to make new friends and engage in lively conversations. No one was ever a stranger to Shirley.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, William G. Childress and Thelma J. (Evans) Childress, her sister, Jean Stephens, and her husband, Thomas W. Tucker.

She is survived by her brother, Frank (Elke) Childress; sister-in-law, Judy Tucker; children, Jennifer (Tom) Sharp, Jill (Bryan) Dewar, and Lance Vogan; stepsons Sean (ReaAnna) Tucker and Jeff (Maria) Tucker; grandchildren Devon Speier, Kenyon Sharp, Bryanna Dewar, Brenden Dewar, Jakob Tucker, Patrick Tucker, Alexandra Kennedy, and Jason Tucker; great-grandson Theo Speier; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial service, 10:30 a.m., June 17, 2024, in the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003, with a reception to follow. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Memorials in Shirley’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=wtg-mm-btn-donate-now or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or https://t2t.org/donate/. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com

Funeral arrangements are by Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors.