Shirley Ann Foster

Services are scheduled for 2 pm Tuesday, March 17th, at Terpening & Son for Shirley Ann Foster of Artesia, New Mexico.

Shirley, 89, died on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in Lubbock, TX after a short illness.

Michael Elliott will officiate the services with burial to follow at Twin Oaks Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Terpening & Son Mortuary from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesday.

Shirley was born on September 1, 1936 to Claude Eston Nivens and Ruby Dean Nivens.

She married Kenneth Andrew Foster on May 29, 1957 in Artesia. Their marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them. Kenneth loved and took care of Shirley for 64 years until his passing in 2021. You could often find her sitting on his lap at Ken-Mar or riding on the handlebars of his motor scooter.

After graduating from Artesia High School, she worked at Newmont Oil Company for 20 years until opening Ken-Mar Furniture in 1975 and Shirley’s Bridal in 1980. Shirley loved helping ladies find their dream wedding or prom dress.

She was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church from its inception in 1976 until her health declined to the point she could no longer attend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, and sister Irene.

Survivors include her daughter Kenetta Matthews and husband Jack; grandchildren Shilo Bradshaw and husband Reed of Midland, TX, Saranda Stallings and husband Landon of Hobbs, NM, Samantha Gabriel and husband Grayson of Lubbock, TX, and Paris Matthews; great-grandchildren Mabrey, Mallory, and Macy Stallings and Briggs Gabriel; brothers Claude (Johnny) Nivens and wife Linorie and Dennis Nivens and wife Nancy, and sister Nelva (Deanie) Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews; and her wonderful caregivers Ruth Chavez and Shirley Adamson.

Pallbearers will be Landon Stallings, Grayson Gabriel, Kevin Hokett, Coly Hokett, and David Husselman.

Honorary pallbearers are Jack Matthews and Reed Bradshaw.