Shirley Linton

Shirley Linton, 87, of Fort Collins, CO passed away April 11, 2016. She was born October 24, 1928 to George and Ruth Arbogast in Hardin, Montana.

Shirley's Dad was a railroad agent for Colorado Fuel & Iron Corp. She began school in Padroni, Colorado, where piano was one of her social activities. The family moved to Wyoming where she attended Gurnesey High School then graduated from Sunrise High School. Shirley had awards for perfect attendance in vacation church school. She was baptized the same day she graduated from High School. Shirley and her parents were confirmed a week later in Hartville, Wyoming. She was a member or 4-H and received a Certificate of Merit – News Reporter. Her first vocation was a Stenographer for Colorado Fuel & Iron Corp. in Sunrise.

In 1951, Shirley graduated from Colorado State College of Education, (Currently University of Northern Colorado) with a Bachelor of Arts and a Life Certificate to teach Elementary Education. In the fall of 1951 she began her teaching career at LaPorte Elementary, in Fort Collins. Shirley also met and married Wayne Linton that fall. For the next 18 years she raised her family, volunteering as a Cub Scout and a Girl Scout Leader. Shirley and Wayne were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church for more than 60 years. She was a Sunday school teacher and a member of the Sarah Circle. They raised a family and enjoyed family events with Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. In 1970 Shirley returned to teaching at Irish Elementary. She received the Distinguished Teachers Award in 1984 and honorable mention for Colorado Teacher of the Year in 1985. Shirley and Wayne were honored in 1989 by having Linton Elementary named for them. Together they volunteered at Linton Elementary and the Colorado Welcome Center. Wayne and Shirley enjoyed traveling, theater, being Ram Fans, and fishing at their cabin in Gould, CO. Shirley also enjoyed being a docent at the Lincoln Center. They enjoyed numerous friends, among them the 'Potluck Group' and the 'New Years Eve Group' and the 'Birthday Girls'. Shirley was a 'Faculty Wife' and enjoyed playing bridge throughout her life.

Shirley is survived by her children, Fred (Kim) Linton, Robert (Sally) Linton, Ann (Bruce) Scott; ten grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruth Arbogast and her brother, George Arbogast Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday April 23, 2016, 10:30am, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Stuart St.. Donations may be made to Linton Elementary, Larimer County Parkinson's Support Group, or Trinity Lutheran Church in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.