Shirley Mae Cody

Shirley Mae Cody passed away June 8, 2022, at the Palmilla Senior Living Center, Albuquerque, NM, at the age of 90. She was born January 14, 1932, to Abram Squire Vermilyea and Ruth Berniece Montogomery in Luton, Iowa.

She attended schools in Luton, skipping 8th grade and graduating in 1949. She was on the high school girls’ basketball team all 4 years in which they won the Single A State Championship Title. Shirley was awarded a full-ride academic scholarship to Denver University in CO but was, unfortunately, unable to attend at that time.

Shirley lived in Sioux City, IA, and worked at Securities Acceptance where she met her husband-to-be, Robert Cody. After their marriage on May 9, 1952, she joined him in La Junta, CO where they lived for 64 years and raised 6 children.

Shirley was always an active member of the LJ community. Shirley and Bob were members of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Patrick’s churches. She was a founding member of Marion Coterie in 1951 and of the LJ Chamber of Commerce Maverettes. She was a member of the AVRMC Auxiliary for decades, delivering mail to patients, working in the hospital, nursing home and the hospital gift shop.

Her husband, Bob, served on the Southeast CO Film Commission and Shirley enjoyed hosting film crews and actors during that time. Some of the high points for her was having James Arness stay in their home while filming “How the West Was Won”, and chatting with Richard Chamberlain on the phone when she filled in as receptionist for the film crew.

From 1988-1993 Bob served on the LJ Development Board and Shirley acted as hostess to many prospective business owners and their spouses. Shirley was well-known for her delicious home

Shirley was well-known for her delicious home cooking: fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, potato burritos with green chili, etc. All of her children had their favorites which they have attempted to reproduce with some(?) success. Many parish priests, neighbors, newcomers to LJ, friends of her children were invited to her table and many requested to return! Her brownies were gifted to people on all occasions. Her peanut brittle was a Christmas-time favorite for an ever-increasing list of recipients each year.

Shirley loved sending and receiving mail. She wrote weekly to all her children and included hometown news, comic strips, and lots of love. She sent cards and notes to grandchildren, family and friends. She grieved when she could no longer continue to do that.

Shirley was awarded the LJ Sunshine Award in September 2015 for her many acts of service and kindness for members of the community. She highly prized that award.

Shirley’s children were often told by their friends and acquaintances that their Mom was beautiful. She was; inside and out.

Shirley is survived by her six children: Theresa Cody (Mike Cowen) of Midland, TX; William Cody of Pueblo, CO; James (Monica) Cody of Albuquerque, NM; Jean (Steve) Gingerich of Parnell, IA; Thomas (Sherri) Cody of Cody, NE; Julie (Dwight) Proctor of Swink, CO. Grandchildren: Stephanie (Ryan) Schlabaugh of Kalona, IA; Cody (Liina) Bender of Erie, CO; Jill (Vince) Anderson of Kalona, IA; Ross Bender (Will Federico) of Inglewood, CA; Nick (Andrea) Cody of Buffalo, WY; Chris (Chandra) Cody of Casper, WY; Jamie Cody (Adam Sanchez) of Albuquerque, NM; Alicia Cody of Ft. Collins, CO; Leah Cody of Denver, CO; Tyler Cody of Albuquerque, NM; Sally (Jason) Huddle of Palisade, CO; Levi (Kelly) Gingerich of Appleton, WI; Luke (Annie) Gingerich of Palisade, CO; Kim (Tyler) Pittman of Nixa, MO; Cade Cody of Omaha, NE; Kitra Cody of York, NE; Natalie, Lauren and Cord Proctor all of Swink, CO. 27 great-grandchildren and her sister, Lucille Reynolds of Grand Junction, CO. Her last great-grandchild, Nolan Pittman, was born on the day she left for heaven. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Cody, her parents, her brothers Raymond and Robert Murphy, and sister Laurene Scurlock.

As per Shirley’s request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick’s Parish in La Junta. A time of fellowship will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Colorado Boys Ranch Youth Connect, 12567 W. Cedar Drive, Suite 101, Lakewood, CO 80228.