Oct. 4, 1935 ~ Dec. 14, 2024
Shirley Kay Nickson, fondly known to family and friends as “Kay,” died Dec. 14, 2024, in Grand Junction, Colorado. She was 89.
Kay was a vibrant, happy and giving soul, deeply committed to her family, friends and community.
She was born Oct. 4, 1935, in Walla Walla, Washington, to Otha N. and Helen Campbell. An only child, she always dreamed of having a large family — a wish she joyfully fulfilled.
On Sept. 6, 1953, she married Earl Schoenrock, and together they welcomed three children: Wayne, Dena and Janalee. After the couple divorced, Kay moved to California, where she worked for Rocketdyne. There, she met and later married Richard L. Nickson on Dec. 8, 1961. Together, they had two more daughters, Gelean and Lilydee.
The family eventually settled in Rangely, Colorado, where they became longtime community members. There, they formed a close bond with friends Rachel and Buck Palmer and spent 13 summers together at a cabin in the South Fork area near Meeker, Colorado — a cherished time full of learning, laughter, practical jokes and lasting friendship.
Kay’s career reflected her spirited and service-driven nature. She worked as an animal control officer in Rangely, where her dedication led to the establishment of a new animal shelter. She later graduated from the Police Academy Program at Colorado Northwestern Community College and served as a certified Rangely police officer until her retirement.
After retiring, Kay and Richard enjoyed traveling in their motorhome, spending summers at Flaming Gorge, Utah, and winters in Arizona with their beloved toy poodles, Him and We, their standard poodle, Pooh, and their cat, Ms. Kitty.
Later in life, the couple served as camp hosts at Rangely Camper Park, where they welcomed travelers from near and far. Kay especially loved meeting new people and making them feel at home. The park became a gathering place for family and friends, with campfires, music, games and shared stories.
Kay’s love for her family never wavered, even in hard times. Her strength, joy and warmth continue to inspire those who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otha Campbell and Helen Goodnight; her husband, Richard Nickson; a granddaughter, Lacey Nickson; and a son-in-law, Bernie Shafer.
Survivors include her children: Wayne R. Nickson (Annalee) of Rangely, Dena Kay Hutton of Mena, Arkansas, Janalee Storey (Rod) of Rangely, Gelean Bell of Mena, and Lilydee Chumacero (Juan) of Rangely; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, at the Rangely Camper Park. A light dinner will follow, along with a blazing campfire and the sharing of stories in her honor.
Her legacy lives on in the laughter, love and memories she leaves behind.
