Shirley Heck

It is with profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude that we announce the passing of Shirley Heck, who departed this world peacefully on April 27, 2026, after valiantly fighting Parkinson's Disease with tremendous grit and grace. Shirley was born on July 24, 1942, in the heartwarming town of Mitchell, South Dakota, to her beloved parents Jack and Adeline Cromwell & Nettie and Edwin Hull. 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 respected and integral member of the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Over more than three decades, she served with distinction as an administrative secretary, 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 a genuine care for her colleagues. In the realms of love and family, Shirley was blessed with two beautiful marriages. She first married Charles Bruce Cameron on September 20, 1961, with whom she raised two children, instilling in them a deep love for the majestic Colorado mountains. After 19 years, Shirley found love anew with 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 the Arvada United Methodist Church for half a century, where her melodious voice graced the choir and her hands played the handbells. Her faith was lived actively through the Mary Martha Circle and the cherished 'Unit' group, where monthly gatherings and joyful picnics were a testament to her vibrant spirit. Her life was a tapestry of talents and passions—she was a talented seamstress, a piano enthusiast, and an avid lover of the great outdoors, finding joy in picnicking, camping, and hiking. Cooking and crafting were her creative outlets, yet her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Shirley's personality was a delightful 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 life she touched. 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, Andrew Heck, Laila Cameron, Braeden Cameron, Cheyenna Hernandez, Barbara Jean, 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, Suzie, and Janice 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, a cause close to Shirley's heart (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.