Obituary of Shirley Trimmer

View Video Tribute Shirley Ann Trimmer, 76, of Flagler, Colorado died at her home on March 7, 2008. Born in Nebraska, she met her husband Fred in Greeley while attending Colorado State College. Fred was visiting the city during a college outing from Colorado A & M where he was studying to become a teacher and that shared goal drew them together. When they married in 1952, Shirley left school to become a wife and mother, but she was always a teacher at heart. She often substituted at the various schools Fred worked for, and was acknowledged as the “substitute of choiceâ€? by students and teachers alike. Shirley loved her job as Flagler librarian where she was completely in her element amongst the literature. As an avid reader, she gobbled books especially those with a mystery or thriller twist, and shared them freely with neighbors and family. If Shirley earned any Life Achievement Award, it would be for “Momâ€? as that was without question her favorite job. Her five children survive her: Dave (and Lori) of Spokane, Washington; Marc (and Janice) of Houston, Texas; Jeanette of Hendersonville, North Carolina; Alisa (and Russ) of Tigert, Oregon; Michael (and Leanne) of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania; as well as twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The many children who considered her a “second momâ€? through the years and the scattered friends her family gained over many years of travel will miss her, too. The Trimmers moved often in their teaching career, and finally settled in Flagler, which Shirley considered home. However, she also loved her time in Miles City, Montana and had fond memories of her curling days in Grand Centre, Alberta, Canada where she became an aficionado and participant of that national sport. An accomplished seamstress, her family shares fond memories of her abilities in constructing the backpacks and tents she could sew up for their outdoor adventures, as well as the prom dresses and dance costumes for more dressy events. She was also a memorable cook whose recipes will live on in the next generations. Survived by her beloved husband of 55 years, Fred, as well as a brother, Raymond, she also leaves many nieces and nephews and extended family too numerous to mention by name. Her parents, three brothers, and two sisters preceded her in death. Shirley was a prairie woman at heart who loved the wide, open plains. She was fond of saying she could live in a sod house -- as long as she could have all the modern amenities inside. She has been termed kind, caring, compassionate, opinionated, tough, fair, liberated, fun-loving, a disciplinarian, and deeply respected especially by her children. Many will miss her quiet and abiding love for her family, friends, and community. A memorial service and reception will held on March 11 at the Trinity Hill Church in Seibert, Colorado. Memorial contributions may be made to The Community Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 101, Flagler, CO 80815 or Trinity Hill Church, 307 Kansas, Seibert CO 80834 The Trimmer Family extends deep appreciation to all who have looked out for them over the years.