Shirley Faye Parrish Haruf was born on March 5, 1935, in Yuma, Colorado, the only child of Russell and Clara Parrish. She passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, surrounded by her three children.
As a young child, Shirley enjoyed spending time with her parents at the Parrish Cafe in Yuma, which they owned. She spoke fondly of riding the train to Eckley, sitting with the engineer on her way to visit her Grandma and Grandpa Smith. Grandpa Smith was the sheriff of Eckley, and Shirley loved listening to his stories and sharing candy. As a young girl, she had a wonderful group of friends who were often invited to slumber parties at her home. Her father, Russell, ensured that Shirley and her friends were always able to go to the movie theater on Saturday afternoons. By her own admission, Shirley was “spoiled” by her parents and often said she had a wonderful, loving childhood where she was treated like a princess. One of her most treasured memories was her “sweet sixteen” birthday when she received a brand-new red convertible.
A talented musician, Shirley played both the piano and clarinet and was very active in the band. In later years, she would go on to play the piano for the Yuma High School graduation ceremonies for many years.
Shirley attended K-12 in Yuma Schools and graduated from Yuma High School in 1953. In 1957, she married Verne Haruf, and from this union, they were blessed with three children: Jacqueline, born on Christmas Day in Thermopolis, Wyoming; Lynn and then Marc born in Yuma, Colorado.
Dedicated to education, Shirley graduated from Colorado State University in 1957. Her early teaching career took her to Timnath, Colorado; Thermopolis, Wyoming; and Bennett, Colorado, before she eventually returned home to teach at Yuma High School and Liberty High School. She returned to Yuma High School permanently in the early 1980s and remained there until her retirement. Shirley also earned her Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado, finishing her career as the beloved guidance counselor for Yuma High School.
In total, Shirley served the Yuma School District for approximately 36 years, retiring in 1996. Even in retirement, she continued as a substitute teacher and operated the volleyball and basketball game clocks. She was deeply involved in high school sports, and one of her favorite traditions was giving a stick of Big Red gum to each player before basketball games—a gesture that made the players smile, but made her smile even more. Known as “Mom” to Marc’s friends and later as “Grandma” to the entire student body, Shirley was a positive influence who advocated for every student and helped countless young people achieve their goals. Throughout her life, she received many awards, most recently being recognized as an “Outstanding Fan” and a True Legend of Yuma High School.
In her later years, Shirley enjoyed traveling to many destinations, including Europe, Canada, Nova Scotia, and Hawaii. She enjoyed cruises down the Mississippi River, through the Panama Canal, and across the Mediterranean, accompanied by her fun-loving friends. Whether traveling to Ogallala and other destinations or staying in Yuma, Shirley loved supporting her grandchildren watching them play sports and participate in their activities.
Shirley cherished her morning “ladies coffee group” and lived a rich life surrounded by family, friends, and her community. With a huge heart, she embraced everyone she met with love and empathy.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Clara Parrish; her son-in-law, Tim Frates; and her nephew, Mark K. Haruf.
She is survived by her children: Jackie (Butch) Raile, Lynn Haruf, and Marc (Tami) Haruf; her grandchildren: Aaron (Liz) McBride, Shane (Hannah) McBride, Mollie (Jared) Coughlin, Trevor (Grace) Haruf, and Jake Haruf (Ashley Ibanez); and her great-grandchildren: Henry, Freddie, Teddy Frank, Brady, Cort, Jersie, Harlan, and “Baby Haruf.” She also leaves behind many nieces, sisters-in-law, and a devoted “Tribe of Friends.”
A Celebration of Life open house will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Indian Hills Clubhouse from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In honor of Shirley’s legacy, please wear Red and White or Yuma School attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to the charity of your choice.