Shirley Ann Scott

Shirley Ann Scott, age 89, of Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

She was born on January 5, 1937, in Centralia, Kansas, to Clarence and Margaret (Fraser) Maelzer. She grew up on the family farm in Centralia, where she developed a deep appreciation for hard work, family, and the outdoors.

Shirley lived a full and active life and was known for her many talents and interests. She was an exceptional cook and seamstress and enjoyed a wide range of activities including golf, hiking, cross-country skiing, mahjong, hunting, fishing, painting and gardening.

She was active in her community and was involved with the Aurora Art Club, served on the Tyndall Green HOA Board, participated in Neighborhood Watch, held a major role in the Havana Business Improvement District and was a member and board member of the Aurora Hills Ladies Golf League for many years. She was an avid traveler with her husband Bill and they both were devoted supporters and regular attendees of Colorado Symphony performances. Shirley also had a deep appreciation for history and art and loved exploring museums, often sharing this appreciation with her daughter and grandchildren. She cherished her family and especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild and was fondly known as 'Gram' and 'Great Gram' to all.

Shirley had a successful career as an administrative and executive secretary, concluding with 15 years at United Engineers and Constructors/Raytheon. During her time there, she also played a role in planning national conference events and served as a marketing and local media representative for the power division.

She is survived by her daughter, Tracie (Scott) Larson of Lone Tree, Colorado; her grandchildren, Chelsie (Nathan) Di Paola of Santa Monica, California; and Derrick (Natalie) Rasser of Fort Collins, Colorado; and her great-granddaughter, Lina Di Paola.

Shirley is also survived by extended family members Pat Lord of Aurora, Colorado; Timothy (Debby, Alexandra, Demitri) Lord of Seattle, Washington; Kathleen (Chuck, Ryan, Weston) Lord-Jones of College Station, Texas; Thomas (Ty) Lord of Aurora, Colorado; Michael (Wendy, Ashley) Vonderburgh of Honolulu, Hawaii; Gina Funderburgh of Santa Barbara, California; Garrett (Kendra, Reed, Jack) Silva of Irvine, California; Robin Morrison of Portland, Oregon and Huntley (Kelli, Sylas, Shae) Morrison of Portland, Oregon.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Smith, her parents Clarence and Margaret Maelzer, and her sister Neva Funderburgh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Colorado Symphony, honoring Shirley's love of music. https://coloradosymphony.org/support/ways-to-give/honor-memory/