*********As we say goodbye to our mother, Grandma, Grammy, Sister, Aunt, Teacher, and Friend, Shirley Marie (Brandt) Mertens, we invite you to join us in celebrating her remarkable life and the profound impact she had on each and every one of us. To assist us in planning this special gathering, please RSVP by September 7, 2024. You can respond by visiting tinyurl.com/ShirleyMertens* *******

Shirley Marie (Brandt) Mertens, 86, of Windsor, CO, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 10, 2024, peacefully in her home, after life-long and courageous health battles. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, a mother to four children and a grandmother to ten. Shirley's life was a quilted tapestry of love, faith, family, education, and service. The family will host a celebration of life luncheon in honor of Shirley at 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 21 at Sterling Berean Church fellowship hall.

Shirley was born January 9, 1938, in Sterling, CO to Henry Carl and Esther Irene (Ellis) Brandt. She was one of five children, who remained close throughout her life. Her childhood was filled with the simple joys of life, which laid the foundation for her nurturing and giving spirit. After graduating from Sterling High School in 1956, she pursued her passion for education at L.I.F.E Bible College in Los Angeles, CA, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Religious Education in 1960. In 1959, she married Gary Lee Sharp and together they adopted two sons, Gregory Charles (1964) and Bradley Keith (1967). In 1970, she returned to Sterling, and completed her college education at U.N.C. in Greeley, earning a Bachelor's degree in Mental Retardation and a Master's degree in Learning Disabilities. She continued with course work to be able to also teach in the field of Social Studies.

During this time, she was active in church work, serving in various ministries such as teaching Sunday School, leading Ladies' Bible studies, and assisting with kitchen and food preparation. She had a passion for sharing the gospel and the love of Christ with everyone she met. Shirley began teaching at Sterling High School in 1977 and completed 24 years of teaching until health concerns caused her to retire in 2000. She taught in the Department of Special Education and then Social Studies. She touched the lives of many students and colleagues with her kindness, patience, and wisdom. She was always eager to learn new things and inspire others to do the same.

In April 1980, Shirley married Thomas R. Mertens (Tom) and their home was blessed by the adoption of their children, Thomas Ryan (1983) and Allison Elisabeth (1986). They were married for 42 years before Tom passed away in September 2022. Shirley and Tom raised their four children in the family home below Pawnee Pass, just west of Sterling before moving to Mesa, Arizona in 2015 to avoid the cold and wintery months of Colorado.

Shirley was an active member of the Sterling community, serving in both school groups and church ministries. She was especially involved in the pro-life movement and supported many organizations that promoted the dignity and sanctity of human life. She volunteered for seventeen years for Birthright International, first in Greeley and then in Sterling where she was instrumental in helping to set up an office. She served as Assistant Director and then Director. She counseled and assisted many women and families who faced unplanned pregnancies and offered them hope, compassion, and practical support. She also helped to raise awareness and funds for the cause through various events and campaigns. She was a passionate advocate for life and a voice for the voiceless.

After retirement from teaching, she became active in the Sterling Friends of the Library organization. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma teaching sorority and the American Association of University Women. She was an avid reader and belonged to a Reader's Club in Sterling. She enjoyed discussing books and ideas with her fellow book lovers and always had a recommendation for a good read.

She also had a lifelong love of music and especially enjoyed listening to instrumental piano hymns, like her brother Chuck used to play. Shirley was known for her sewing and handwork abilities and completed over fifty quilts for family members and close friends before her vision failed. She then took up crocheting of baby afghans, by feel, and completed hundreds of blankets for new family additions and hospital nurseries. She took pride in her work and put a lot of love and care into each piece.

Shirley's love of travel was shared by her children, family members and close friends throughout the years. She was a source of inspiration, encouragement and comfort to all who knew her.  Shirley was a woman of grace, who faced many health challenges throughout her life with courage and trust in God. She never complained or gave up, but always thanked God for His goodness and faithfulness.

Shirley's memory will be cherished and kept alive by her four children, sons Greg (Lori) Sharp of Greeley, Brad (Karen) Sharp of Boston, Ryan (Robin) Mertens of New Raymer, and daughter Allison (Carson) Summers of Windsor. Ten grandchildren, Sydney, Katrina, Alice, Annabelle, Cameron, Natalie, Margot, Mason, Jackson, and Hudson who will carry her legacy of kindness and generosity. Two brothers, William Brandt of Loveland and Edward (Jodi) Brandt of Sterling. In-Laws, Ruth (Lee) Fritz of Greeley, Paul (Ann) Mertens of New Raymer, John (Lorraine) Mertens of Brush, and Jim (Danelle) Mertens of New Raymer. As well as several nieces, nephews and very dear friends. Shirley was greeted in heaven by her husband, Tom, her parents Henry and Esther Brandt, in-laws Ray and Mary Mertens, brother Charles Brandt, beloved sister Edna Harrach, brother-in-law Russell Harrach, and sister-in-law Ruth Brandt and countless other loved ones.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, calls, and visits during this difficult time. We appreciate the care and compassion of the Bloom hospice staff and caregivers: Caitie Mock and Jayde Warner, who helped Shirley in her final days. We are grateful for the love, support and memories shared from everyone who loved her.  Shirley will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, but we rejoice that she is now in the presence of her Savior, who has prepared a place for her in heaven. Her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bloom Hospice, 12600 W. Colfax Ave. Suite B-200, Lakewood, CO 80215 or the American Heart Association, 1777 S. Harrison St. Suite 500, Denver, CO 80210 in Shirley's memory.