Shirley Ruth Moreland

Shirley Ruth Smith Moreland, 89, a longtime resident of Midland, Texas, passed away March 11, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas.

She was born February 12, 1937, in northwest Arkansas to Russell and Ruth Lamons Smith and was raised in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She graduated from Siloam Springs High School in 1955 and earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

In 1959, she accepted a job opportunity in Midland, Texas, and worked for Shell Oil Company as a “seismic computer”. Her move led her to meet her future husband. She married John Moreland on January 1, 1960.

She went on to teach mathematics in Midland ISD for 26 years, including Alamo Junior High, Goddard Junior High, Lee Freshman High School, and Midland Freshman High School. She served as department chair for many of those years and retired in 1992.

John and Shirley were married for 65 wonderful years. They were blessed with two children, John Russell in 1961 and Patricia Dawn in 1963. Life in retirement was full of many happy years with the children and grandchildren. They enjoyed travel, church activities, entertaining and projects in their home of 60 years.

Shirley was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and the Keystone Sunday School Class. She was also active in the Midland Retired Teachers Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Harold Dale Smith and her beloved husband.

She is survived by her son, John Russell Moreland (Janella) of Shoreline, Washington; her daughter, Patricia Dawn Hicks (Donnie) of Lubbock, Texas; her grandchildren, David Hicks (Becca), Katie Hicks (Amanda), and Zenith Bloom (Jackie); and her great-granddaughter, Heidi Lee Hicks.

The family would like to thank the staff and friends at Raider Ranch in Lubbock for their compassion and care.

Services will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3011 W Kansas Ave, Midland, Texas at 3:00 on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Memorial donations may be directed to the music program at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Midland or a charity of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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