Obituary of Shirley Grace Stewart

Shirley Grace Stewart was born in Canistota, South Dakota on Valentine’s Day in 1930 and passed away peacefully to go be with the Lord on March 8, 2022, in Greeley, Colorado.

Shirley grew up in South Dakota on a farm, which she liked to refer to as the “river’s bottom.” As she entered schooling, she discovered her love for teaching and music. She earned her degree in music from Yankton College. She was a travelling music teacher in Omaha, Nebraska, where she eventually met, and married, Earl Stewart on July 27, 1956. While Earl continued his career in the U.S. Navy, he was stationed in Oahu where Shirley taught English. After their wonderful experience in Hawaii, they relocated to Eaton, Colorado where she became a middle school English teacher in the Highland School District, and was even a principal in Carr for a short time. Shirley taught children for 34 years and loved it very much. After retirement, Earl and Shirley worked at Glen Echo Resort, and enjoyed spending time in the mountains and travelling to visit family. They were wonderful grandparents and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, which included attending all of their activities. Shirley enjoyed singing, and was part of the choir at Eaton United Methodist Church where she was a member for over sixty years. She also loved: reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching the Colorado Rockies, and helping everyone with their homework. She was a wonderful housewife, and always made sure the house was clean before any guests came over, especially concerned that the President might stop by. Many family members received poems, that Shirley wrote throughout her life, that remain prized possessions.  

Shirley is survived by Earl, the love of her life for over 66 years, children Valerie Bartow (Tim), Corey Stewart, grandchildren Travis Ehrlick, Chevelle Ehrlick, Dustin Stewart, Kylee Stewart and many friends and family members.  

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents (William and Lennie Tarrell) and siblings Vivien Addy, Howard Tarrell, Marion Tarrell, and Vernon Tarrell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Adamson Life Celebration Home on March 21^st, 2022, at 1:00 PM with a reception to follow.

Memorial contributions should be made out to The Alzheimer’s Association in the care of Adamson Life Celebration Home.