Margaret Elisabeth Shelley

Margaret Elisabeth Shelley of Westminster, CO and past resident of Broomfield, CO passed away at the age of 95 on October 1, 2024. Margaret was born on April 28, 1929 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Jacob and Rose (Bunge) Horchler. She was baptized by her maternal grandfather, a Lutheran minister, and graduated from Parkston High School in 1947. Margaret earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1951 from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. In 1952 Margaret joined the Army and completed the Medical Service Women Company Officer Course at Fort Sam Houston and finished her medical training at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. At the time this was the US Army’s premier medical institution and the Department of Defense’s largest medical facility. Margaret completed numerous courses within the departments of Combined Instruction, Medicine and Surgery, Neuropsychiatry, Physical Medicine and Nursing earning her an academic rank of 1st out of a class of 15. This team at Brooke Army Medical Center was at the forefront of developing new physical therapy techniques for wounded soldiers coming back from the Korean War. Margaret achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant, became a certified physical therapist and met her future husband, Robert Joseph Shelley, while stationed at Letterman Army Hospital located in San Francisco’s Presidio. Margaret and Robert were married on May 31, 1953 in Watertown, SD. Son Robert F. was born in August 1954 causing an honorable medical discharge from the Army in 1955. In addition, they had two other sons, James and William. Margaret was an amazing wife and mother who dearly loved her family. 

Her husband was with the National Park Service and the family spent six summers living in three different national parks enjoying camping, fishing, and hiking activities. Margaret was an avid outdoorsman enjoying biking, skiing, and tennis. In 1969 she was the Virginia Bow Hunters Association State Champion. Additionally, Margaret enjoyed many years of Bible studies, volunteering in the church, welcome wagon hostess and delivered meals on wheels. 

Margaret went to work as a purchasing agent for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She received 26 letters of appreciation from fellow employees and scientists and was awarded 9 annual certificates of recognition for sustained outstanding performance before retiring. 

Margaret is survived by three children and their spouses: Robert and Cynthia, Katy, TX; James and Judy, Broomfield, CO; William and Janet, Homestead, FL; two sisters: Mary Robinson (David Robinson), Delano, MN and Katherine Allen, Waco, TX; 10 grandchildren: Andy Shelley, Rebecca Shelley, Rachel Hueske, James Shelley, Elizabeth Shelley, Shannon Gauer, Christopher Shelley, Olivia Shelley, David Shelley, Makayla Shelley and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. 

A memorial service will be held in Westminster, CO at Smith Fellowship Hall, Covenant Living of Colorado on Saturday, October 12 at 10:00 am.