Dr. Shirley Stretch-Stephenson

Dr. Shirley Stretch-Stephenson, 76, of Lubbock, passed from this life on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Shirley was born on May 6, 1949, in Wauneta, Chase County, Nebraska to the late Lloyd Ray Stretch and Roberta (Schroeder) Stretch.

She attended and graduated from Culbertson High School, in Culbertson, Nebraska in 1969. She furthered her education by attending the University of Nebraska, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Wanting to continue her education, she attended Ohio State University obtaining her Doctorate in Marketing.

Shirley worked at the University of Georgia, where she was the Department Head of Economics and then went to the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and was the Department Head of Marketing.

She loved to sew and crochet. She was also an antique buff and collector and enjoyed traveling and skiing. She was raised up in the Methodist faith.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory include one brother, James “Jamie” Stretch of Kenai, Alaska; two nieces: Shawn Stretch and Rochelle Sketch; two nephews: Scot Stretch and wife Jamie, and Stuart Stretch and wife McKenzie Taylor, as well as several great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Floyd Stretch.

The family of Shirley will be holding a memorial service later in Nebraska, where inurnment will be next to her parents.

Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Lubbock.

Should you wish to remember Dr. Stretch-Stephenson, the family asked that you donate, in Shirley’s memory, to the South Plains SPCA, 8901 US-87, Building 119, Lubbock, TX 79423. Shirley loved her family of cats and she would be so appreciative if you would consider remembering her by doing this.