Shirley Gaye Wallace

Shirley G. Wallace, 86, of Rocky Ford, passed away on April 16, 2023 at Pioneer Health Care Center in Rocky Ford, CO. She was born on June 24, 1936 in New Berry, Michigan to Anthony and Grace (Hunter) Matelski.

Shirley was a career nurse in the course of her life and started nursing school in Marquette, MI in the early 1960's. She lived and worked in the Newberry, MI area for several years until relocating to Rocky Ford, CO with her husband Stanley in the early 1980's. She worked as a psychiatric and OB nurse for several years at AVRMC in La Junta and eventually returned to nursing school receiving her RN in 1989. She remained at AVRMC until retirement and continued to live at her home in Rocky Ford as well as her summer cottage in McMillan, MI. Shirley married Stanley Wallace. Together they had four children, Daniel Haapala, Cynthia Jacobson, James Haapala and Dustin Wallace. She enjoyed spending time with her 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She enjoyed collecting antiques, reading, family events, politics and cooking.

She is survived by her children, Cynthia Jacobson of Colorado Springs; son, James Haapala of Standish, MI; son, Dustin Wallace of Swink, CO; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was one of six sisters and is survived by Antoinette McLeod of Hopkins, MI; Maxine Pangburn of Sun City Center, FL; Helen McRoberts of Ruskin, FL and Camille Fox of Saginaw, MI. She is preceded in death by her husband Stanley Wallace; parents, Anthony and Grace Matelski; sister, Belinda Cady; and son, Daniel Haapala.

Services will be privately held at a later date in her home state of Michigan.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.