Shirley Lola Melendez

Shirley Lola Melendez passed peacefully into Heaven on February 28, 2021 at age of 79 in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Shirley was born in Boyds, Washington on April 7, 1941 to Orville and Lola Turnbull and moved to Alamogordo in 1975 with her three children Julie, Bill and Ben to begin a new life. As per Shirley, the best thing about Alamogordo was, there was no snow! Alamogordo remained her home until her final days. 

Shirley was a devout Christian and was a member of the Church of God, where she met with her Bible study group, which she called the “Prayer Warriors”, on a regular basis.  Shirley’s whole life revolved around her Lord, her service to the Lord and her family.  

Some of her many accomplishments include graduating from Cosmetology School and Nursing Assistant classes, where she received top marks.  She later put her CNA certification to good use and worked at Betty Dare and Casa Arena Blanca until her retirement. Shirley was also a published poet and loved to write. Of course, what she considered her greatest accomplishment was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She will always be their Gma and GG. 

She is survived by her sister, Peggy Sutton; her children, Julie Glazier, Bill Thompson, Ben (Betty) Thompson; her grandchildren, Michael and Gina Vigil, John Avery Jr., Marie Glazier, Caitey and Brianna Thompson; and great-grandchildren, Rebecca Foreman, Jillian Sanders, Pipricka and Gabrel Vigil, Dezman Vigil, Xavier Hill, Angelique and Jade Avery, and Joseph “JD” Keelin.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Orville and Lola Turnbull;  her brother, Lue Turnbull; and her grandson, Benjamin Thompson.
Many lives were touched by Shirley, outside of her family, and many of those called her mom and grandma. Her door was always open and there was always a place at her table.  If needed, her last dollar would be yours. She will be greatly missed by all. 

The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Scenic Chapel. 

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