Shirley (Cooper) Welborn
November 28, 1934 ~ December 7, 2020
Born in:
Vineland, Colorado
Resided in:
Vineland, Colorado
Services for Shirley Welborn:
Shirley (Cooper) Welborn, 86, was born at home to the late Zelma and Dallas Cooper on Nov. 28, 1934, and passed away Dec. 6. 2020. From the time Shirley could walk, she often would be found out looking at the amazing animals that were to become the center of her life. She enjoyed pleasure riding at an early age then soon developed a love for competing in different horse events, which she often won the top prize. Shirley loved the outdoors on the back of her favorite horse during trial rides and helping bring cattle down from high mountain ranges. Known far and wide in the horse community and loved and respected by many. In her later years, special friends Cathy Snell, Corky (Karen) Reitz and Vivian Clark often drove from Pueblo to Colorado Springs to share a meal, bring a smile and share memories with Shirley. Pete Valdez was another true friend and worker who helped keep the home place in order. Shirley is survived by cousins that were especially close include, Douglas Cooper, Al and Jan Cooper, Don and Joyce Cooper, Rod and Joyce Rockwell, Lowell Custard and Robert Summey; families of husband include niece, Penny; and nephews, Mark and Mikel. Preceded in death by husband, Sherman Welborn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vineland United Methodist Church, 1587 36th Lane, Pueblo, CO 81006; Pueblo County 4-H Foundation, 701 Court St., Suite C, Pueblo, CO 81003 or charity of one’s choice. Visitation, noon to 1 p.m., followed by funeral service at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Private family interment. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
Services
Funeral Service: December 10, 2020 1:00 pm
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel
1317 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
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Louise Welsby
Shirley was a very special lady. I met her when I was hired as an Extension Agent for CSU Extension in 1965. She was a kind and knowable person. I can not thank her enough for helping me met the 4-H leaders learn about the program. Audrey and Shirley were an awesome team. Shirley was the 4-H secretary. I will never forget watching them put on their aprons and run the 4-H newsletter on a monogram machine and than see Shirley put out a newsletter on the computer and copy machine. What a change. We both grew and saw the Pueblo Extension employees expand from six to sixteen which included agents, office manager, support staff, and program assistants. Shirley was a bookkeeper, secretary, and office manager. She could answer questions on any of the program areas. She was my friend and we shared many hours visiting about the Cooper family and my family. She loved her horses, competed and won many awards.
I will always remember her beautiful smile, kind word and ability to stay calm in any situation. I will miss you. Rest in peace my friend.
Shirley retiring from CSU Extension is the reason I am currently employed. She was such a sweet lady. I always enjoyed talking with her at Christmas parties or when she stopped by the office for a visit. May she rest in peace.
I met Shirley when I began working for CSU Extension in 1982. She had a warm smile , twinkling eyes, and welcomed me into the Pueblo County Extension family. She was a good friend, loved her horses and the time she spent riding and competing. Shirley was always fun to be around and made the best of all situations. I remember her learning curve when she was the first person in the office to get the very first computer. I know that was a stretch for her but in true Shirley form, she won. Shirley was gracious, kind and an encourager for everyone- my life has been blessed to know her.
My cousin Shirley was an inspiration on how one should live their life. She was kind, compassionate, and always thoughtful of others. She was very much a people person. She was truly interested in and thoroughly enjoyed her relationships with everyone she met. It is no wonder that she had such a wide circle of friendships and was so loved.
Our families shared many memorable times together when I was young including her wedding to Sherm. As years passed, my visits to Pueblo were less frequent. When I was there she took me into her home, invited everyone to dinners at her house so I would be able to see and visit with all, and made me feel totally welcome. Shirley was very kind to my father and watched out for him in his declining years. We cried together and were a comfort to each other when Dad received a terminal diagnosis.
Shirley was the type of person that we are blessed to meet only once in a lifetime. I will miss her deeply. Rest In Peace dear Shirley.
When I was a little girl I used to want to be just like the beautiful lady across the street with all the horses. She welcomed me with an open heart and became one of my nearest and dearest friends over my lifetime. We spent countless hours together in and out of the saddle. I will treasure her friendship as one of my greatest gifts. Shirley, you will be sadly missed by many who have held you dear, but I know you are making blue ribbon rides in Heaven. Love you with all my heart, and we will ride again some day.
Shirley was a mentor to me when I started working at CSU Extension. I learned so much from her and soon became best of friends we traveled to conferences together for many years. On a cold and snowed night we took of for the warm beaches of Hawaii to spend time on Maui and spend time with my nephew who was a boat captain. He took Shirley and I out on his boat and I immediately became terribly sea sick. Shirley tried every trick to help until she also became sea sick. We did all the island things; drank Long Island iced tea boogie boarded and drank a little saki had a wonderful time. I so enjoyed clerking the market stock sale with her at the Colorado State Fair for decades. We always had such a great time. I would go out to her home in Vineland and rode her very gentle horses. I enjoyed stories about the history of the Cooper family and the sale barn. I loved to watch her compete in her horse events. especially cutting horse events. I have truly loved Shirley for over 50 years Rest In Peace my dear friend. I will miss you. 🐎🐎🐎❤️❤️💕🐴