Shirley Heck

It is with sadness and gratitude that we announce the passing of Shirley Heck, who departed this world peacefully on April 27, 2026, after fighting Parkinson's Disease with tremendous grit and grace. Shirley was born on July 24, 1942, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to her parents Jack and Adeline Cromwell. Adeline died in childbirth. Jack’s sister Nettie Hull and husband Edwin Hull adopted Shirley and raised her as their own alongside their three older sons.

Shirley's journey through life was one of vibrance, love, and unyielding dedication to those she cherished. A graduate of East High School in Sioux City, Iowa, class of 1960, Shirley went on to become a talented secretary supporting her family with hard work and dedication. For more than 30 years Shirley worked for the Denver Regional Council of Governments. She served with distinction as an administrative secretary and personnel coordinator, and for more than 25 years, as an executive assistant and Board Coordinator. Her professional life was marked by a commitment to excellence and genuine care for her colleagues and Board Members.

Shirley was blessed with two marriages. She first married Charles Cameron on September 23, 1961, with whom she raised two children, instilling in them a deep love for the majestic Colorado mountains. Shirley found the love of her life in James Richard Heck, marrying him on August 1, 1981. Together, they navigated life for 44 years, blending families, sharing an unwavering faith, and creating a treasure trove of cherished memories.

Shirley was a devoted member of Arvada United Methodist Church for 50 years, where her voice graced the choir and she also played the handbells. Her faith was lived actively through the Mary Martha Circle and the cherished 'Unit' group, where through monthly gatherings, picnics, and trips she and Jim enjoyed friendship and community.

Shirley played as hard as she worked—she was a talented seamstress, a piano enthusiast, and an avid lover of the great outdoors, finding joy in picnicking, camping, and hiking in Colorado and beyond. Cooking and crafting were staples in her life, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Shirley's personality was a blend of quick wit and warmth, a beacon of wisdom and love to all who knew her. She was a loving mentor, a vibrant presence who knew how to care for her family and celebrate life’s precious moments with joy and laughter. She added a touch of color to every event.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Marsha Schultze (Ken); stepchildren RJ Heck (Diane), Mary Jo Cameron, and Paula Bishop; her treasured grandchildren Cameron Schultze, Megan Schultze, Courtney Schultze, Joey Heck, Drew Heck, Laila Cameron, Braeden Cameron, Cheyenna Hernandez, Barbara Lambert, and Allan Arkenburgh. She also leaves behind her siblings Doug Cromwell (Echo), Connie Raynock (Paul), David Cromwell (Beth), and Dean Cromwell; nieces and nephews Cindy Assour (Ron), Sandy Gooch (Randy), Randy Hull, Brian Hull (Michelle), and Rusty Hull; cousin Carole Edwards (Zane); and a circle of cherished friends including Carol Royalty, Sandy Hall, Suzie Vanderweil, and Janice MacLeod from Sioux City, her Pinochle friends Betty, Roxie, Janice, and Sharon, and her colleagues from DRCOG.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Ed, Cordell, and Gordon, her beloved husband Jim Heck, and her son Mark Cameron.

A service to celebrate Shirley's remarkable life will be held on June 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Arvada United Methodist Church, located at 6750 Carr St. Arvada, CO 80004. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's, (https://davisphinneyfoundation.org).

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary staff at Stonebridge Assisted Living and Memory Care and Dignity Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Shirley Heck's life was a testament to love, resilience, and the enduring impact of a kind heart. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.