Shirley Brunton

Shirley R. Brunton of Montrose died after a short illness on July 27, 2012, at Montrose Memorial Hospital. She was 87.

She was born Sept. 18, 1924, in Denver to William and Lula (Carmichael) Richards.

Mrs. Brunton grew up in Denver and attended East High School and then the University of Colorado, graduating with a B.S. in 1946. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority.

She married Bill Brunton on July 1, 1946, in Denver. Soon after marriage they settled in Granby and started a family while working on the two family ranches, Drowsy Water Dude Ranch and Chimney Rock Ranch, a cattle ranch. They later moved back to Denver to raise their family. Mrs. Brunton volunteered at St. Joseph's Hospital among many other places. She was an active member of First Plymouth Congregational Church and Redeemer Temple in Denver.

After retirement in 1986 the couple moved to Montrose. In 1987, Mrs. Brunton became a member of the San Juan Weavers Guild. She served three terms as president as well as secretary and treasurer, and was actively involved with the group for many years. She was prolific in her weavings and would often do demonstrations at local schools. Over the years she acquired many ribbons, most of them blue, at the Montrose County Fair.

Mrs. Brunton was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Montrose.

Mrs. Brunton is survived by her husband, David William (Bill) Brunton II; sons David III and his wife Theresa of Safford, Ariz., Richard and his wife Nancy of Montrose, Robert and his wife Jane of Hesperus, John and his wife Cindy of Elizabeth; daughter, Nancy and her husband Ken of Denver; her sister, Joanne Casebeer of Pueblo; granddaughters, Kathryn and her husband Peter, and Sarah and her husband Matthew; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Malcolm; and her sister, Janet

A memorial tribute will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 3 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara Rd. in Montrose.

Contributions may be sent to Life Choices Family Resource Center, Curriculum Department, 200 S. 4th St., Montrose, CO 81401.