Shirlee Hamilton

Shirlee Hamilton read the final chapter of her book on October 31, 2019 with her adoring family by her side.  She traveled the world in her books and still believed her life with her husband and family was the best story ever written.

Like of all us…Shirlee’s life had its own story…and as with most good books her story drew you in by setting the plot, in this case the story of a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  The plot twist came when you realized her roles, although conventional, were carried out in an extraordinary manner. She was genuinely happy with what she had in this world and grateful for the life she led.  She chose to speak kindly of others, wish only the best for others and to always put her family first.  Her life story captured the hearts of all who were part of it, it entertained, inspired, taught lessons and in the end, made each of us better.

Ultimately, her book was really a love story. Born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to John and Rose Burton, she spent most of her childhood in Grand Junction with her four siblings Jack Burton, Joanne (Peterson), Ben Burton and Kathy (Matson) and she loved the Grand Valley. She met the love of her life, Darrell Hamilton at Grand Junction High School.  They married on October 22, 1955 and laughed and loved their way through 64 years together.  They moved to Arvada, Colorado where they raised their three children before returning to the Western Slope to retire.  She was a loyal fan to her children and grandchildren in all they did. She loved her workout friends at Country Creek, knitting, drives on the Monument, time spent with the extended family and chats with her best friends, Barbara and Danny.

Her final lesson…” A heart that is broken is a heart thats been loved.”

She is survived by her husband, Darrell, sons Jamie (Debbie), Jerry (Kelli) and daughter Robin (Anne). Grandchildren Dane (Kaci), Sarah (Brandon), Lindsay and Taylor and great grandchildren, Mikayla, Sienna and Lennon.  Her sister Kathy (Don) Matson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the team at Hope West for their gift of dignity and care.

A celebration of life will be held on December 14, 2019 at the Hamilton Family Tower from noon-2pm.

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Shirlee’s name to the Mesa County Library (Fruita Branch Foundation) 443 N. 6th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 or HopeWest, 3090 North 12th Street Unit B Grand Junction, CO 81506