Shirley McGowen

Shirley A. (Winder) McGowen, or Shan as she was always known, passed away on January 1, 2021 in Alamogordo, NM.  She was born on April 6, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to William S. and Thelma B. (Settlemire) Winder.

She married Ralph J. Humble on June 30, 1951 and together they had 5 children.  Denise, Brad, Vicki and twins Mike and Greg.  She spent 20 years as a US Air Force wife, traveling where ever the military sent them, which included  one year at Laon AFB, France and two years at RAF Upper Heyford, England.  These experiences helped contribute to her patriotism and great love of this country.   Shan had many friends all over the country from the military which she kept in touch with always.  Their final assignment was at Holloman AFB.  Because of the constant traveling in the military she always knew how to turn any place she lived in into a home.  

Shan married Ralph L. McGowen on August 31, 1981 and she continued to make her home here in Alamogordo.  Shan and Ralph loved to travel all across the country in their motor home.  They had many adventures with Traveling Elks, dear friends and on their own.  They were active members of the Elks Lodge and Does for many years.  

Her children and grandchildren remember her love of gardening, especially her beautiful rose bushes, family gatherings, and her great love of cooking.  Oh how she loved to find new recipes to try!  Any holiday was a reason to decorate her home, but she especially loved Christmas.  Her home was always decorated top to bottom.  

She was a travel agent in Alamogordo for many years and became the co-owner of Adventure Travels.

Shan loved “fur babies”.  She had a soft spot for rescue animals.  She and Ralph rescued two dogs, Lexi and Breezy who were great companions to them both.

Survivors included her two daughters, Denise L. Humble of Alamogordo, NM and Vicki J. Reed of Alamogordo, NM and three sons, Bradley W. Humble and partner Gail Ellison of Alamogordo, NM, Michael E. Humble and partner Heidi Windiate of Sierra Vista, Az and Gregory A. Humble of Alamogordo, NM; step- daughter, Barbara Morse of Plano, TX;, 7 grandchildren, Jason Giglio and partner Kuia Taiaroa, Jeff (Melissa) Reed, Heather Reed, Justin (Marianne) Munoz, Chelsea Munoz, Ashley (Brad) Dicus and Roary (Amy) McClain; 12 great grandchildren, Lauren, Megan, Jacob, Victoria, Gaven, Brooke, Kyla, Braden, Gracyn, Tristen, Juliana and Emerson and numerous cousins including her dear cousin Barbara (Ken) Quayle.

She was proceeded in death by her father, William S. Winder; mother, Thelma B Kasper; grandson, Braden M. Humble; husband, Ralph L. McGowen and her son-in-law, William W. (Billy) Reed 

She will always by remembered by her family and all who knew her for her warm heart and great smile.

A private memorial has already taken place.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dogbreath Express or Animal Village, both of Alamogordo, NM or a tree can be planted in her name through the Scenic Chapel website.

The McGowen family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the funeral services.  To sign the online register book, please visit https://www.scenicchapel.com/.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley McGowen, please visit our floral store.