Shirley Richendifer Sides Obituary
Shirley Richendifer Sides (Cushman), longtime resident and businesswoman of Longmont, CO, passed away on March 19, 2024 in Sun City West, AZ at 84 years of age. She was born on May 11, 1939, to Albert and Frances (Mondragon) Hervey in Longmont, CO. She graduated from Longmont High School in 1957, and soon began her lifelong commitment in the real estate business. Shirley married Walt Cushman in 1961, of that union, they adopted their infant son Dustin in 1970. They later divorced. She married Cley Richendifer in 1980, and they enjoyed many fruitful years until his passing in 2008. Shirley married Al Sides and he preceded her in death in 2017. In the early 1960's, she started as a secretary in a real estate office, obtained her sales license in 1966 and broker's license in 1970. Thereafter, Shirley started Cushman Real Estate and continued her own business as an individual female in a male dominated world and was highly respected for her accomplishments that served her well throughout her lifetime. During the 1970's, she was instrumental in developing the Horizon West subdivision located on north Francis street in Longmont. Shirley sold and managed real estate properties throughout the 1980's and 90's, then in 1994 she and Cley decided, the "Longmont Baby" (as he fondly called her) that a change was necessary and purchased a peach orchard in Palisade, CO. They resided there for 2 years then made one more move to Sun City West, AZ. They spent the remainder of their years in AZ. Travel was very important to Shirley, she and Cley toured the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They thoroughly enjoyed traveling in their RV, and took in several cruises as well. Their little dogs were always in tow on their trips. The Trinity Bible Church in Sun City West provided her with the spirituality she enjoyed, and a following of friendships she relished. Churches in Lyons and Longmont were important to her as well. The last several years, Shirley spent her summers in Longmont visiting and entertaining family members and many lifelong friends. Spending time back in her hometown was very comforting to Shirley. Throughout her life, Shirley took great pride in managing her own real estate and rental business, and did so right up until her passing. She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. Shirley is survived by her son Dustin (Cheri) Cushman of Paulden, AZ, special niece Diana Daugherty (Frank) of Longmont, CO, and numerous nieces and nephews as well as many dear friends. Also surviving are several step-children and step-grandchildren from her two late husbands' families. Preceding her in death were her parents; former husband Walt; husbands' Cley and Al; brothers Bill, Roy and Walter of Longmont, CO; brother Bob of Grants Pass, OR; and a sister Betty of Erie, CO. A small, family service will be held in Longmont on July20, 2024. A visiting and reminiscing memorial will follow the service at 12692 Grandview Drive in Longmont at 12:30 pm.
