Longtime Alamosa Resident, Shirley “Sissy” Jean Howrey Gilbert, 86, died December 18, 2021 at her home in Alamosa under Hospice care.

  Shirley’s life began on October 8, 1934 in Denver, Colorado to Ernest Eugene Howrey and Iris Verner Baxter.  Shirley was raised in Pueblo, Colorado by her paternal grandparents, Ernest Pierce and Virginia Lee Howrey. She graduated from Centennial High School and attended Pueblo Junior College (PJC).  Following her time at PJC, she worked as a Medical Lab Technician in Pueblo. This is where she met the love of her life, Arthur “Art” L. Gilbert Jr.  They were united in marriage in Rye, Colorado on June 13, 1954.  They welcomed their first daughter, Lori Luanne, in 1955, and moved to Alamosa three years later where they had their second daughter, Kristi Lee.   

  Shirley was involved in the First United Methodist Church as a Sunday school teacher and volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader while her girls were involved in scouting.  She was a member of the AEPEO Sisterhood Chapter, a charter member of DuBees Bridge Club, was active in Current Events Club, and was a member of Child Study Club. 

  She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, loved playing with and caring for her grandchildren whom she adored, and reading the Jan Karon “Mitford” series with her husband Art. Her cats and dogs were her best little pals.  In her spare time she liked to ski, practiced calligraphy, and enjoyed camping and being outdoors.  Shirley loved the San Luis Valley, her community, PEO philanthropy, playing bridge with the DuBees, and living in her little “shack” on the prairie.  She treasured her time there surrounded by her beloved mountains watching wild life and the changing seasons. 

  Shirley is survived by her daughters Lori Friddle of Alamosa, and Kristi (Michael) DuBay of Albuquerque, NM; her grandchildren Ivy (Phillip) Sunderland, Kylee (Matthew) Wells, Taylor Friddle, and Arthur DuBay; her great-grandchildren Allison, Mason, Logan, and Evelyn.  She is also survived by her siblings Jim (Shirley) Howrey and Pat (Mike) Kelly, all of Pueblo, CO; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

  Cremation was chosen and a Graveside Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Alamosa Cemetery.  Contributions in her memory are suggested to The Humane Society, the Fraternal Order of Police, the Alamosa Volunteer Fire Department, and the Valley Humane League or Hospice del Valle. 

  The family would like to extend a special Thank-You to Hospice del Valle, Elizabeth Ortega, Darlene Gallardo, and Melanie Salazar for their loving and dedicated care to Shirley over the years.

  Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements.  To leave online condolences, words of comfort or remembrances for Shirley’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com