03/04/2010: Laurali Noteman
Shirley was born a Houston in Flagstaff, AZ. Her dad and mom are Bob and Emma Houston. She lived in Flagstaff for her first 12 years. They always pronounced their name Hous(e)ton but got tired of people correcting them, "My Grandma is a Hous(e)ton, but we’re Houston’s," quipped Shirley.
Shirley found Kanab like a lot of people did when Kaibab Industries was the major employer in the area. "Dad drove truck for Whiting Brothers of Kaibab Industries. He was transferred to Kanab in the mid 60's".
I asked what her favorite subject was in school. One word of course, "boys." She was a cheerleader in her freshman, junior and senior years. "We couldn’t be cheerleaders in our sophomore years so Carolyn Banks started a flag twirling team for sophomores." One of her more memorable "cheering" functions was when Kanab played against Dixie at the Sun Bowl. "Duel at Diablo was being filmed. James Garner and Sidney Poitier were in the stadium grandstands. They were rooting for Kanab and did all the cheers with us. It was especially fun because we won."
To this day one of Shirley’s favorite memories is the family Christmas celebration. "Every year mom fills a pinata. It is kind of a friendly combat zone. We have to have one for the little kids and one for us grown up kids." Shirley related that there have been several bumps and bruises over the years but the tradition continues and is a highlight of the holidays.
Shirley met Pete Smith while she was attending Southern Utah State University. "I fell in love with those brown eyes. I knew he would be the one I was going to marry." Pete, their four kids and grandchildren are the love of Shirley’s life. When asked about her hobbies and interests they almost all revolve around family. She loves, camping, four wheeling, crafts, woodworking and cooking.
The jewel part comes in when she spoke about her mother-in-law. "Pete’s mom has been living with us for 6 years. I have loved every minute of having her with us. She will be 90 this month."
Shirley came to Kane County Hospital in April, 2004. She has had the opportunity of working several areas and found her niche in accounts receivable. "I enjoy the people I work with. I hadn’t had a really close girlfriend in Kanab until Denise (Mackelprang) and I started working together. She makes my day." Shirley helps make our days, she is always willing to pitch in and help. Thanks Shirley.
