Obituary of Lorraine (Lorrie) Shroads

Lorraine (Lorrie) Fitch Shroads passed peacefully on December 8, 2023 from Alzheimer's Disease, while living in memory care. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Carson Shroads; and then by her longtime partner, Ray Anthony; and by her beloved companion, Cat Pants. She is survived by her daughter, Sandi Shroads (Frank Actis), and Frank's grown children, Tony, Lisa and Kevin Actis.

Lorrie, an only child, was born in Cambridge, New York, on December 6, 1926, to Marguerite Flower and James Leonard Fitch. Her father died of ALS when she was nine, after which she and her mother moved to Wickenburg, Arizona, where they lived with her mother's sister and family on their ranch. Lorrie graduated from high school in Wickenburg and then attended Colorado Women's College in Denver for two years. She transferred to the University of Arizona and completed her Bachelor's Degree in Personnel Administration.

Lorrie had fallen in love with Colorado and moved to Denver after graduating. While working at Vest Aircraft, she met and married a young pilot, Richard Carson Shroads. They moved to Colorado Springs, where he worked as a pilot for Colorado Interstate Gas for thirty years. Dick died of pancreatic cancer in 1983, six months after taking early retirement at the age of 62.

Lorrie met Ray Anthony, and they enjoyed traveling and dancing together until Ray's death in 1994 from prostate cancer. Lorrie LOVED ballroom dancing, and for several years after Ray's passing, she would terrify her friends and family by driving to Denver every Sunday evening to attend Seniors dances for singles.

Lorrie worked as a dental assistant for many years, but her greatest passion was her volunteer work with the Assistance League of Colorado Springs. She was an original charter member and volunteered in many capacities into her 90's, receiving her 55-year membership pin in 2023.

Lorrie will be remembered fondly by her friends and family for her sense of humor, her infectious smile and friendly manner, her snappy fashion sense, her generosity, and her love of animals, particularly kitties and horses.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on January 20, 2024 1:00PM, at Unity Spiritual Center in the Rockies; 1945 Mesa Road; Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904.

Reception to follow at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Assistance League of Colorado Springs or The Humane Society of the Pikes Region.