- Date Of Death: December 30, 2018
- State: New Mexico
Surrounded by his loving family, our beloved and cherished, Ronald Dennis Shirley aka “Ronnie, Shirl, Sherpa,” age 70, went to be with our Lord on December 27 in Chandler, Arizona after a courageous battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by Baby Shirley, his parents Ben and Corinne Shirley and childhood friend Mike Manning. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 40 years Margo Shirley; their two children, daughter Lindsey and husband Paul, and son Aaron (Audrey); grandchildren Adam Michael, Liam Santiago and Maggie Corinne; in-laws Marianne Candelario and Rolando and Grace Romero; sister Shelly Budris; first cousin Lydia Steinig and family; brother-in-law Landie Romero (Stephanie); sister-in-law Lori Culbreth (Steve); nephews Justin, Landie, Jeremy (Shannon) and Brandon Romero, Caleb and Cyrus Armjio and Jason Budris; grand-nephews Ben and Jazz; compadres, David and Pam DeLaO and Bill and Nancy Roybal along with numerous godchildren and lifelong friends.
Ron graduated from St. Michael’s High School in 1966 and New Mexico State University in 1972 with a degree in social work. He lived his life serving the needs of others as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, boss, community member and coach. He worked as a social worker for La Familia Medical Center and Santa Fe Public Schools. He retired from the City of Santa Fe Parks and Recreation Department in 2007 as director where he spent 28 years serving the needs of the community and beautifying his beloved city. After retirement he continued to work for the Santa Fe Public Schools as interim athletic manager at Santa Fe High School. He served on many boards and committees including but not limited to the Santa Fe Independent Youth League and Santa Maria de la Paz Building Committee.
