Sheila Stein Horton

Sheila Stein Horton of Boulder, Colo. passed away June 27, 2016, from cancer. She was 68. Sheila showed a cheerful, unwavering passion for everything she did at home, at work and in politics. She was an ardent supporter of democracy and the American republic, a defender of small business and a near-legendary garage-sale aficionado. A devoted mother, she was also a loyal friend who gave generously to anyone in need. No surprise that friends described her as everything from "The Happy Warrior" to "a force of nature." Sheila was born June 16, 1948 in Pueblo to Emanuel Stein and Ruth Dobin. She graduated from Pueblo East High School and later earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the University of Colorado Boulder. She married Gary L. Horton on June 10, 1973 in Pueblo. Sheila taught history and economics at Broomfield High School and later worked as a sales trainer and apartment manager. But she was best known for her work as the highly effective, long-time executive director of the non-profit Boulder Area Rental Housing Association. Outside of work, Sheila loved searching for jewelry at local garage sales. Ever in search of the perfect gift for a friend - and not just for birthdays and holidays - she earned the nickname, "The Jewelry Lady." A deeply devoted mother, she stepped away from her career for many years to raise her son Noah, who credits her passion and entrepreneurial spirit for his own success in life. Sheila is survived by her husband Gary and son Noah, of Boulder; two grandchildren; and two brothers, Marvin Stein of Pueblo and Gerald Stein, M.D., of Eureka Springs, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents. Services were held July 1 at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Pueblo. A Memorial Service will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 19th in the Glenn Miller Ballroom in the University Memorial Center 1669 Euclid Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80309. Memorial contributions may be made to TRU Community Care, 1100 Balsam Ave., Boulder, CO 80304, or www.trucare.org; or the Independence Institute, 727 East 16th Ave., Denver, CO 80203, or www.i2i.org.