Shirley Rae (Keeler) Boden

Shirley Boden entered the presence of the Lord on Monday, February 20, 2017.  She was born to Clarence and Francis Keeler on August 24 ^th , 1929 and lived in the area around Idalia, Colorado all her life.  She was 87 years old.

Shirley married Harlan Boden on June 22 ^nd , 1952.  They enjoyed over 60 years of life together most of it on the family farm south of Idalia, and spent their later years together at Hillcrest Care Center in Wray, Colorado until Harlan’s death on May 30 ^th , 2013.

Shirley was a dedicated farmer’s wife.  She loved cooking, her garden, family and entertaining people.  Before her marriage to Harlan, she was a school teacher back in the days of the one-room school house in Hale, Colorado.  She always enjoyed children and taught Sunday School for many years.  In her later years, she immensely enjoyed her friendships with all the residents and staff of Hillcrest Care Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Francis Keeler of Hale, Colorado; her brother, Kenneth (Norma) Keeler of Burlington, CO; her son Michael Boden of Bakersfield, CA and her husband Harlan Boden.  She is survived by her daughter Phyllis (Mike) Beecham of La Junta, Colorado; Grandchildren Sarah Beecham , Michelle (Daniel) Blackwell, and Joshua Beecham from La Junta, CO; Kiley (Mike) Roberts of Bakersfield, CA, Kimberly (Charlie) Sandiford of Burnsville, MN, Kody (Brandi) Boden of Fort Irwin, CA; Great-grandchildren Cayden and Malachi Blackwell of La Junta, CO, Pacey, McKenzie and Liam Roberts of Bakersfield, CA, Presley and Finley Sandiford of Burnsville, MN, Elizabeth and Gavyn Boden of Fort Irwin, CA.

Funeral services will be held at St. Johns Church south of Idalia on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM .  Services will be officiated by Pastor Chuck Wright.  There will be refreshments served afterwards.  Memorial contributions can be sent to Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado to be donated to the Hillcrest Care Center in Wray.