Shirley Rae Payne

Shirley Rae (Clark) Payne, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away on November 16, 2019 at the age of 86 years old. She was born on August 6, 1933 to Benjamin Ray Clark and Mamie Gertrude Clark.

Shirley graduated as valedictorian of her high school class at Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado. But, as much as she is remembered for her academic achievements, she is often remembered for her great talent in playing the accordion. Her accordion skills were requested at every reunion, but as time went on none of the men could help her carry the accordion in, so she had to find someone from a younger class to help.

Shirley valued hard work. During her working career she worked at Western Union, The Martin Company, C.A. Norgren Company, as a court reporter, and ultimately as a petroleum landman, becoming one of the first female petroleum landmen in Colorado's history.

Shirley lived her whole life in Colorado (other than the time when she traveled for work), but loved to travel, always with one or more of her family members, having visited Tahiti, France, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Cancun, Mexico, and Canada. She also loved traveling in Colorado and throughout the western United States, usually driving in one of her many fast cars - she always had the cool cars!

Throughout her life, Shirley loved to garden - especially taking care of her roses, peonies, and her vegetable gardens. She was an avid reader, and a self-taught student of all manner of subjects, including history and funds investing.

Shirley especially enjoyed the holidays - hosting family dinners when she was able, often cooking for 20 or more people, and all family and friends were welcome.

Shirley is survived by her brother, Kenneth J. Clark and her sister, Jeanne Hoback, her three children, Cheryl L. Palmer, Mark K. Payne and Michael B. Payne, as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was a great mom, and sister and will be truly missed.