Shirley Joan Taylor

Shirley Joan Taylor passed away on June 28, 2026 at the age of 88 in her home at The Ridge at Pinehurst in Lakewood, Colorado. She found relief from the physical struggles that she had endured during the past few years while in the company of her sons.

Shirley enjoyed the beauty of the natural world and spending time outdoors. She was grateful for both of the wonderful husbands in her life. She loved gardening and the company of many pets throughout her life. She will always be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother by her family. Those who knew her will remember her as a kind, caring, unselfish, and very spiritual person. Those who were close to her will remember her strength as she faced the physical challenges of her latter years. Never complaining. Never bitter. Always more concerned for the welfare of her friends and family than for herself.

Shirley was born on July 10, 1937 in Putnam County, Indiana to Cecil and Clema Scott and grew up with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. She began school at age 7 in a 2-room schoolhouse after being held back a year to care for her bedridden Mother, who died from tuberculosis. After a 1955 graduation from Cloverdale High School in Indiana, she moved to Indianapolis to attend comptometer school and find work. She met her first husband, Carl Allan Taylor, through a coworker at the age of 18. They were married a little over a year later in Oceanport, New Jersey near where Carl was stationed after being drafted into the Army. Soon after they wed, Carl was sent to Germany, and they lived together for 11 months in Heidelberg. After his service in the Army ended, they settled in the Indianapolis area where they raised 2 sons together in a loving home. During this period she focused on raising her boys as a full-time homemaker, became very active in her church, and developed her personal relationship with God. She lost her dear husband Carl to cancer at the early age of 49.

Shirley remained independent for 22 years after Carl passed. She worked a few different clerical and administrative jobs for employers that included the State of Indiana and a local dentist. Her favorite job was in a nursery, where she spent her time caring for plants. She also moved on from the family home and tried life in a rustic home on a lake in Indiana and in a small place in Fort Mill, NC. When her first grandson was on the way she moved back to Indianapolis to become a supportive grandmother. It was also during this period of her life that she went through a bilateral hip replacement surgery, which later in life led to significant mobility problems.

After returning to Indianapolis, Shirley met a very kind and generous man named William Boltz at church. After several years of friendship with Bill, she married him at age 72, and they moved into a home in Whiteland, IN. She enjoyed their golden years together, having a large circle of friends from church and a new extended family. They went on cruises together, traveled across the country, and had an active social life. Shirley’s mobility challenges were gradually increasing, but with Bill’s support they were able to maintain active lives until he passed away suddenly in 2021. Shortly after his death she was diagnosed with lymphoma and fought it for several months until it was in remission. She decided at that time to move to Colorado to be near her sons and grandsons for the remaining years of her life.

Shirley is survived by her sons Gregory Taylor and Gary (Jennifer) Taylor; grandsons Ethan Taylor and Graham Taylor; siblings Frank Scott, Pat Steele, Marvin Scott, and Brenda Weekly; and 14 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husbands Carl Taylor and William Boltz; siblings Barbara Herbert and DeWayne Scott.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in her honor.

 A memorial service in Indiana is being planned for the Fall. Details have not been finalized.