Obituary of Shirley Pisel

Shirley Arlene Pisel was born in Deer Trail, CO on November 8, 1919, and went to be with the Lord on December 3, 2015. She was born to Oliver and Bertha (Zittle) Gerkin, the middle child of six brothers and two sisters. She lived her entire life in Deer Trail, until a fall in June meant living her last six months at Carla’s Cluster nursing home in Limon, CO, where she passed away surrounded by their loving care. She married Wesley S. Pisel on November 9, 1938, having those wonderful years together until Wes’ death in June of 1979. To this union four daughters were born, ShirleyAnn, Linda JoAnn, Leona Rae, and Lois Christine. Upon their marriage, Shirley had become mother to, and raised Wesley’s two young children, James and Lavina, as her own. Together they farmed and ran an International Harvesting tractor dealership. Shirley’s faith in the Lord carried her through the bad times, as well as the good. Her family was everything to her, and she was our rock, always there for all of us. She loved every new baby that was born into her family, welcoming each in her own special way. Many baby sweaters and caps she knitted for several hospitals. Her hand sewn quilts will be treasured by family and friends. Shirley was an avid reader and a history buff, mostly learning through her travels. She was fortunate enough to have visited many foreign countries, including several European countries, Australia. New Zealand, Canada and Mexico. Her “traveling” goal was to see every state in the United States, which she achieved. Church, the Lord’s work, and music were very important to her, accomplishing so much in each. She accompanied many children at music festivals and competitions, played at hundreds of graduations, weddings, and funerals throughout the years, and was the church pianist and organist for over 40 years. She worked at the school and was the librarian for a few years, was a member of the First Baptist Church of Deer Trail, Eastern Star Chapter Hope 122, Deer Trail Music Club, Baptist Missionary Society, Lion’s Club, Deer Trail School Alumni and Senior Citizens. She is survived by two daughters and son-in-laws; Linda and James Johnson, Chris and Randy Roth, son-in-law Melvin Allison, stepson James Pisel, 8 grandchildren and spouses, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Her loved ones who passed before are her beloved husband Wes, daughters; Shirley Ann Pisel, Leona Rae Allison, step daughter LaVina Lee, grandson Donald Lippitt, great grand-daughter Brittany Lippitt, her parents Oliver and Bertha Gerkin, and eight siblings. We all take comfort in knowing that she is with them now in Heaven, giving them all hugs and telling them it is okay.