Shirley Ann Foster

Shirley Ann Foster of Artesia, New Mexico, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 89 after a short illness.

Born on September 1, 1936, to Claude Eston Nivens and Ruby Dean Nivens, Shirley graduated from Artesia High School. She worked for 20 years at Newmont Oil Company before opening Ken-Mar Furniture in 1975 and Shirley’s Bridal in 1980. She took great joy in helping women find their perfect wedding or prom dresses.

She married Kenneth Andrew Foster on May 29, 1957, in Artesia. Their loving marriage of 64 years was an inspiration to everyone around them. Until Kenneth’s passing in 2021, the two were often seen with Shirley sitting on his lap at Ken-Mar or riding on the handlebars of his motor scooter. A faithful member of Faith Baptist Church from its founding in 1976, Shirley remained devoted until her health no longer allowed her to attend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth, and her sister Irene. Shirley is survived by her daughter Kenetta Matthews and husband Jack; grandchildren Shilo Bradshaw and husband Reed of Midland, Texas, Saranda Stallings and husband Landon of Hobbs, New Mexico, Samantha Gabriel and husband Grayson of Lubbock, Texas, 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; sister Nelva (Deanie) Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews; and her devoted caregivers Ruth Chavez and Shirley Adamson.