Shirley Kay (Campbell) Nickson

Shirley Kay Nickson, fondly known to family and friends as "Kay," passed away on December 14, 2024, at the age of 89, in Grand Junction, Colorado. She was a vibrant, happy and giving soul, deeply committed to family, friends, and community.

Kay was born on October 4, 1935, in Walla Walla, Washington, to parents Otha N. and Helen Campbell. An only child, Kay always dreamed of having a large family, a wish she genuinely fulfilled during her lifetime.

As a young woman, Kay married Earl Schoenrock on September 6, 1953, and together they welcomed three children: Wayne, Dena, and Janalee. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Kay's journey through life led her to California where she worked for Rocketdyne. It was there that she met and married Richard L. Nickson on December 8, 1961. The couple expanded their family with two more children, Gelean and Lilydee and eventually settled in Rangely, Colorado, where they became longtime pillars of the community.

Rangely is where they met and became vast friends with Rachel and Buck Palmer. The family was welcomed and went to their cabin 5 miles into the Meeker, CO South Fork area every summer for 13 plus years. A blessed experience of learning, working and being carefree, practical jokes, games and true friendship. A lifetime of experiences and stories are still being told today with love and laughter.

Kay's career milestones reflect her vibrant spirit and zest for life. She held a position as an Animal Control Officer in Rangely, a role in which she was so dedicated that a new animal shelter was established under her guidance. Further exemplifying her tenacity and determination, she graduated from the Police Academy Program at CNCC and served as a certified Rangely police officer until her retirement, a proud testimony of her commitment to serving and protecting her community.

Life with Richard in retirement was an adventure of travel, friendship, and companionship. Kay cherished summers at Flaming Gorge, Utah, and winter months in Arizona, exploring both destinations in their motorhome alongside their beloved toy poodles Him and We, their standard poodle Pooh, and their ever-loyal cat, Ms. Kitty.

As life slowed down Kay and Richard became Rangely Camper Park Hosts. Where they welcomed visitors from all over. Kay loved the people and enjoyed visiting and making them feel welcome in our community. There were many family gatherings with a multitude of friends that enjoyed evenings with the campfire blazing along with singing, games and stories of yesterday being told.

Kay loved her family and made things memorable even when times were tough. Her memory will continue to inspire and bring joy to those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents Otha Campbell and Helen Goodnight, Husband Richard Nickson of Rangely, CO, Granddaughter, Lacey Nickson of Rangely, CO and, a son-in-law Bernie Shafer of Rangely, CO. Kay leaves behind son Wayne R. Nickson (Annalee) of Rangely, CO daughter Dena Kay Hutton of Mena, AR, Janalee Storey(Rod) of Rangely, CO, Gelean Bell of Mena, AR and Lilydee Chumacero(Juan) of Rangely, CO. 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren .

A celebration of Kay’s Vibrant Life will be held at the Rangely Camper Park (940 East Rangely Ave) on August 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., a light dinner will be held afterwards along with a blazing campfire, where stories of love, joy and adventure will be shared in her honor. Her memory will continue to inspire and bring joy to those who had the privilege of knowing her. Arrangements under the direction of Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.