Shirley Ray Lalli

Shirley Ray (Howerton) Lalli

   Shirley Ray (Howerton) Lalli, 84, was born January 16, 1940, in Maysville Oklahoma to her father, Rayborn Howerton and her mother Mary Austin. Shirley passed away in her home, surrounded by her loved ones, on April 30, 2024.

  Shirley met the love of her life, Nick, in May of 1958, while both attending college, on a blind date to a square dance. After a few dates, and only 17 days later, they ran off and were married on May 18, 1958. Shirley earned a master’s degree in special education, and taught in Roswell, NM and Hagerman, NM. Shirley also took pride in her Crystalline Glazed Pottery, as she would say was the most beautiful and mysterious glazes she had ever seen. Shirley enjoyed watching birds, as well as all types of critters. Shirley was a faithful Christian, she loved the Lord her Savior, and she believed in his Holy name.  Shirley was a faithful member of Grace Community Church, in Roswell, NM.

   Shirley is preceded in death by her father, Rayborn Howerton, and her mother, Mary Austin as well as one precious granddaughter.

   Shirley lives in the memory of her devoted husband, Nickolas A. Lalli of Krebs, Oklahoma/ Roswell, New Mexico; Daughters Mona R. Slayton of Roswell, New Mexico; Toni J. Pritchard of Lockney, Texas; Sisters Alice Springborn of California and Charline Jones of Oklahoma. As well as 8 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren.

  A viewing for Shirley is scheduled on Monday, May 6, 2024, from 1:00pm-4:00pm at LaGrone Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held the following day on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Grace Community Church, starting at 10:00am, with a burial at South Park Cemetery.

  “Crystalline glazes are the most beautiful and mysterious glazes I have ever seen. I love being able to create glazes that look like frosty windowpanes, flowers, or floating galaxies. The most critical part of producing crystalline glazes is in the cooling cycle of the kiln. I heat the kiln to the maximum temperature needed to melt the glaze, then reduce the temperature several hundred degrees and hold the kiln at that level 4 or 5 hours. This allows the crystals time to form in the molten glass. Crystalline glazes are truly a combination of art and science that allows me the element of surprise every time I open the kiln.”       -Shirly Lalli

Arrangements are under the personal care of LaGrone Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lagronefuneralchapels.com