Shirley Jo Engler

Shirley Jo Tate Engler was born April 9, 1932 to Thelma Barry Tate and Arthur Samuel Tate in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the second of ten children.  She was surrounded by her five daughters at home when she went home to be with the Lord at the age of 90 on November 7, 2022.

Shirley moved many times with family until they finally landed in Bayfield, Colorado where she met the love of her life Richard Claire Engler.  They were married July 8, 1949 in Aztec, NM.  She was a full time helper on the Ranch/Farm as well as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all.

Shirley was very active in her community as a member and officer of the Mt. Allison Grange, La Plata Pomona Grange, Colorado State Grange and National Grange; the Allison Community Presbyterian Church; La Plata County, Colorado and National Cowbelles and Cattlemens, Allison Willing Workers, Allison Ranchettes, Pine River Valley Heritage Society, as well as supporting partner to Rich as a LPEA Director, Lions, Basin Coop, and La Plata County Fair board member.

She was active in her daughter’s 4-H lives, 4-H leader, and Jr. Grange leader and taught many lessons to them, the grandchildren and many others.  She was a hero to many and a true example of how to work, play, and live!  She was a caretaker to many family, friends, and neighbors.  She was a loving Mama Jo to the grandkids and great grandkids. 

Her husband of 61 years, Brothers: Tom, Harry, Jack, and Sam Tate, grandson Douglas Phelps, and great granddaughter Kinley Simons preceded Shirley in death.  Her daughters, Norma Conley (Pat), Karen Baxter (Dennis), Sharon Nossaman (Burl), Louetta Phelps (Roger), and Trish Corman (Larry), survive her.  Also surviving are her brother John Tate (Evelyn), sisters Betty Swanemyr and Margaret Sutton, 13 Grandchildren, 31 Great Grandchildren, 5 Great Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allison Community Presbyterian Church (P.O. Box 1899, Arboles, CO 81121), Mt. Allison Grange #308 (C/O Sharon Nossaman, 11173 Hwy 151, Ignacio, CO 81137), or Hospice of Mercy. The family would like to thank Camy and the team at the Hospice of Mercy for their care.

There will be a visitation on Sunday, November 13, 2022 from 2pm-4pm at Hood Mortuary Chapel, 1261 E. 3^rd Ave., Durango. A funeral service will be on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 1pm at the Allison Community Church, 2724 C.R. 329, Ignacio, CO 81137, with burial to follow at Allison-Tiffany Cemetery.