Shirley Theresa Hamilton Clendenen was born on September 4, 1925 inDetroit, Michigan, to Albert Joseph & Gertrude Mae Mawby Hamilton.She spent much of her growing up years figure skating, rubbing elbows with thechildren of auto-industry tycoons, and outsmarting the nuns at ImmaculataHigh School for girls, where she walked barefoot for 5 miles, through thesnow, uphill.In 1943 she moved with her family to Orlando, Florida, and worked as atachometer inspector at Eglin Field. Memories of wealthy suitors from MotorCity quickly faded when she met a mild-mannered country boy named RogerBenton Clendenen, who was returning stateside from North Africa. Rogerand Shirley married in the Chapel on the base at Eglin on November 3, 1945,and faithfully lived out their wedding vows for over 65 years.Shirley was a street-smart city girl whose boundless strength and resolve wouldserve her well on the dusty, rugged ranches of Ozona, Texas, and Torreon,Mexico, where Roger worked. They eventually sought a more conventional lifefor their growing family, and ventured to Palo Alto, California, and finallyHobbs, New Mexico, where they lived for over 50 years.Shirley blessed Roger with a baby girl six times over. She embracedmotherhood in her own unique way, relying on her tenacious spirit and utilizingtactics not typically found in most child-rearing books. Her heart was abottomless well of faith in the potential of each of her six daughters, and likeJesus, the Good Shepherd, she would not relent or rest until every last sheepwas safely home. Roger blessed Shirley in ways too numerous to mention, buther arsenal of police scanners ranked close to the top of the list. From themoment her first baby girl was placed within the safety of her womb to her finalbreath, there was not a single thought that was void of Roger and her girls.Shirley Clendenen was a Renaissance Woman who would not be defined bystereotypes. She quickly assessed the astronomical cost of raising a houseful ofgirls and sprang into action, launching a stellar 45 year career in real estate.The Hobbs Welcome Service took roots when Shirley realized the need for away to welcome newcomers to Hobbs with gifts from local merchants and ashort introduction in the Hobbs News Sun. It was the perfect segue into sellinghomes, and before long, Shirley established Clendenen Realty which later grewto be Clendenen Realtors-Gallery of Homes. During this time, Shirley servedas President of the Hobbs Board of Realtors, state chairman for the RealtorsPolitical Action Committee, charter member and district Vice President of thethe Realtors Association of New Mexico, and chairwoman for the HobbsChamber of Commerce Ambassadors. She was the second woman in the stateof New Mexico to earn the title of Certified Residential Broker. Shirley wasalso awarded Realtor of the Year and was the first recipient of the diamondaward by the National Association of Realtors. She continued to work wellinto her 70's, when she and Roger retired at last, spending two years at theirdaughter and son-in-law's beautiful Wildwood Ranch in Quitman, Texas.Eventually, they would come to Midland, Texas, to spend their remainingyears close to their extended family.Shirley will forever be remembered for her hospitable heart. She created ahome that fostered family, thrived on chaos, welcomed everyone, fed themultitudes, and framed a lifetime of memorable moments that will live on in thehearts of those who were fortunate enough to pass through her doors…both frontand back. She was a lifelong member of St. Helena’s Catholic Church inHobbs, NM, and St. Ann's Catholic Church in Midland.Shirley is survived by her six daughters and their spouses, Debbie and BarryAntweil of Cypress, Denise and Perkins Brasher of Midland, Rebecca andOliver Maxwell of Midland, Kelly and Gary McDaniel of Dallas, ErinDean of Kerrville, and Allison and David Eyler of Midland, all of Texas.Grama Shirley will be remembered and celebrated by her 15 grandchildren, 21great-grandchildren, and one great, great granddaughter. She is also survivedby a sister Jane Dunn of Elk Grove, CA, a brother Albert Hamilton ofRivera Beach, MD, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who were likefamily to her.The family wishes to thank her loving caregivers, Debra Washington, RaneyBradley, Ashley Rodriguez, and Maricela Galvan for their tender care. Sheenjoyed many happy days in her home because of your dedication to making herhappy and comfortable. Also, our hearts are grateful for the many doctors,Hospice nurses and aids who tended to her so sweetly.A funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann's Church on Saturday, August 16th,at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness followed bya heartfelt \God Bless Shirley!\Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
