Roll Call Tribute

Published in The (Colorado Springs CO) Gazette on May 31, 2012

Shirley Mielke Plapp
Shirley Mielke Plapp of Colorado Springs died peacefully at home on May 26th following a long illness. Shirley was born August 23, 1932 in Columbus, Ohio to Harold and Oma Mielke. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from the Ohio State University. Later, she earned a Masters in Urban Planning from Texas A&M University. She worked as Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Brazos County, TX, from 1970 until 1982 and later worked as a Nurse Auditor in the insurance office for Texas A&M University. Shirley married the love of her life, Frederick W. "Bill" Plapp in Columbus on July 23, 1955 and together they raised three children in Madison, Wisconsin, Corvallis, Oregon, Berkeley, California and College Station, Texas. They resided in Tucson, Arizona from 1995-2003 and then relocated to Colorado Springs. Shirley loved music, art, politics, travel, swimming, and bike riding. She was a member of High Plains Church Unitarian Universalist and over the years was also active in the League of Women Voters . Shirley was predeceased by her eldest son, Steven Frederick Plapp, in 1993. She is survived by her husband, Bill of 56 years; brother William/wife Patty Mielke of Columbus, Ohio; sister Carol/husband George Coy of Cohocton, New York; son Thomas/wife Tanya Lovetro-Plapp of Houston, Texas; daughter Amy/husband Tom Ward and granddaughter, Stephanie of Colorado Springs. A memorial service will be held June 27 at 6:00 p.m. at High Plains Church UU, 1825 Dominion Way in Colorado Springs. Shirley's family would like to thank Pikes Peak Hospice for their loving and compassionate care over the past seven months. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may wish to consider Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, 7155 E 38th Ave., Denver, CO 80207, or the National Audobon Society, 225 Varick Street 7th floor, New York, NY 10014.