Shirley Ann Voita

Shirley Ann Voita, 79, died on May 15, 2023. She was born in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 3, 1944, to Elizabeth (Connelly) and William Bell. She grew up in Phoenix and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1962. In 1966, she graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Shirley married Michael Voita in 1966, and they had five children. The family moved to Farmington in 1976. After the children were in school, she began working as a school nurse, first at Sacred Heart School, and then at Kirtland and Ojo Amarillo. She enjoyed many activities including skiing trips, tennis, pickleball and trips to Lake Vallecito.

Shirley and Michael enjoyed traveling together. They especially loved visiting their children and grandchildren in Tucson, Albuquerque, and Huntsville, TX.

The Voita's have been members of Sacred Heart Church for the past 47 years. Shirley was so fond of each of the "Women in Faith" ladies and their families.

For many years, Shirley has been involved in volunteer services including Birthright, Daily Bread, and for the past twenty years as a tax preparer at Farmington Senior Center. She found great joy in helping and encouraging others.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Michael Voita; sons Michael M. Voita II and Jimmy Voita (Jamie); daughters Anne Grimes (Jonathan), Amy Hambright (Joel), and Clara Sais (David); sisters Linda Gorman (Dennis) and Carol Corona, brother William "Buddy" Bell (Nancy); Sister-in-laws Mary Voita and Lainey Voita Patterson; several beloved nephews and nieces; her grandchildren Sarah Lewis (Stephen), Caleb Grimes (Micaela), Seth Grimes, Josiah Grimes, Nathan Hambright, Gabe Hambright, Laney Hambright, Betty Voita, Charlie Voita, Maggie Voita, Annabelle Voita, Katie Sais, Jacob Sais, Aaron Sais; and great-granddaughter Joanie Lewis.

The world is a better place for the 79 years Shirley was with us. The family would like to thank all of the first responders and others who heroically rushed in to help during the tragic event.

Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Farmington on Wednesday May 24, with a rosary at 9:30am, Eulogy 9:50am, and Mass 10:00am. Lunch will follow at the Parish Hall.

When ordering floral arrangements, the Voita family has asked that they be delivered to the church for Shirley's services. If you would like to make a memorial/donation in her honor, please donate to Birthright, or Daily Bread.