Cowder, Shirley A.

Shirley A. Cowder (English), age 80, a resident of Rio Rancho and Albuquerque since 1992, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2017.

She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Ashley Cowder of Albuquerque; children, Kevin English and wife, Lorie, of Kennesaw, GA, and Julie Morrison and husband, Robert, of Albuquerque; two grandchildren, Andrew Morrison and Carson English; four stepchildren, Debra, Lisa, Steven, and Ashley Jr.; step-grandchildren, Erynn, Jonathan, Ryan, and Aria; step-great-granddaughter, Morgan; and many friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her first husband, Garry English; brother, William Lough; and step-granddaughter, Jennifer.

She was born in 1936 in West Virginia, graduated from Martinsburg High School, and worked as a secretary for DuPont and Longwood Manufacturing for several years. After moving to Rio Rancho, Shirley was active in bridge, PEO, and Sandia Presbyterian Church. She had a very outgoing personality and quickly made friends with everyone she met. Shirley was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017, 10:30 a.m. at Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo Del Norte NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. A Private Interment will take place at a later date at Santa Fe National Cemetery where she will be placed with her first husband, Garry English. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s name to Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo del Norte, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. Please visit our online guest book for Shirley at

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