From “Coach” Chuck Godman:
Dale Clem's Memorial Service
Date: Thursday February 13th, 2025
Place: Inspired Life Memorial Summerlin
Address: 311 N. Buffalo Drive, 89145
Suite B
Viewing: 11:00am to 1:00pm
Service: 1pm
Shelly was born on August 13, 1953, in Baldwin Borough, PA. The McLane family moved to Scottsdale, AZ, in 1962, traveling via the original Route 66. After a short stay in Arizona, they moved to Las Vegas around 1969, where Shelly attended and graduated from Ed Clark High School. Shelly met Larry on a blind date, and they married shortly after, on October 4, 1975.
Shelly is survived by her daughter, Nicole; grandchildren Kennedy, Kamden, Serena, and Makenzie; her sister, Diane Sobol, and husband Tony, along with their family; her brother, Mark McLane, and wife Nancy; and her cousin, Sandi Johnson, and husband Michael, and their family. Shelly is also survived by her beloved extended family, including her twin brother-in-law, Harry Brown, and wife Gail, as well as brother-in-law Tom Brown and wife Patty, and sister-in-law Ann Humbird and husband Ed, all of whom shared in her life and cherished the memories they created together.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack T. and Dolly McLane; her husband, Larry Brown; her son, Christopher Brown; and her son-in-law, Ken Burke.
Shelly was a person whose life epitomized love, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to those around her. Her warmth and kindness drew people in, and her genuine smile and compassionate nature left a lasting impression. Shelly deeply cherished her family and friends, always putting their needs above her own and offering steadfast support through both joyous and difficult times. Her dedication was evident in the countless ways she showed up for those she loved—through small acts of kindness or by being a pillar of strength in challenging moments. Shelly’s presence in the lives of those close to her was a testament to the profound love she shared, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Shelly also had a deep love for softball, a passion that brought her immense joy and a sense of belonging. For Shelly, softball was more than just a game; it was a way to connect with friends and create lasting memories. Whether playing in a local league, participating in travel senior ball, or cheering on her teammates, Shelly’s enthusiasm was infectious. The camaraderie she shared with her friends during practices and games highlighted her appreciation for teamwork and friendship. Through softball, Shelly found a community that enriched her life and created bonds that will endure for years to come.
A memorial service will be held on March 1, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Palm Mortuary Downtown, with a reception to follow at the home of her daughter, Nicole Brown:
5611 Lusitano St.
Las Vegas, NV
As we navigate the profound loss of my beloved mother, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support we have received during this difficult time. Your presence, kind words, and shared memories have provided comfort and strength. We are deeply appreciative of the love and care surrounding us, reminding us that we are not alone in our grief. Thank you for honoring her memory and for being there for us as we cherish the moments we shared with her.
-Courtesy of Palm Mortuary
Our beloved dad, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend, Russell Spencer Curtis passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 8th, 2024. Russ was born May 9, 1945 to Spencer Howard Curtis and Hermine Hedwig Fehringer at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. His motto was "Once you start something you finish it," and that's how he lived his life.
Russ was a hard worker. Beginning at age 7, he got his first job selling newspapers. He would get the papers, put them in his wagon, and pull them to his corner of a busy city block to sell. From ages 13-16 he worked at the drugstore for Mr. Trosper counting pills, and from 16-20 he flipped burgers at Artic Circle. He was a manager when he left. He graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1963. At age 20, Russ honorably served 4 years in the Air Force as a Fuel Specialist. He fueled planes such as the top secret SR71. He served at Beale Air Force Base in Yuba City, California. In 1970 he took employment at the Chemical Lime Plant in Grantsville, Utah, as a hydrator operator. For 36 years he worked every job in the plant, the last 14 he spent as plant manager. One of his professional accomplishments included being a co-inventor of a waste tire burning system that created fuel for a lime burning rotary kiln. Additionally, he was a co-designer of a waste dust reclaim system. Kiln dust, which was normally discarded, was reclaimed and mixed back into the finished product at a controlled rate.
Around age 11, Russ was featured in an article about Soda Jerk Day in Life Magazine. Soda Jerk Day was when kids could go back behind the counter and make their own ice cream soda. Knowing that the magazine people were coming, Mr. Trosper gave Russ and a few other kids a gallon jug to make their soda. The people from Life magazine used the picture of Russ making his soda for their magazine. Russ said he made a pretty big soda but couldn’t finish it.
Russ enjoyed playing golf and bowling, but his passion was softball. As kids, his siblings and friends used to get together in the alley where they grew up and play baseball. They would use the porch on each side of the street as first and third base and then make second base. The funny thing was, they used a doll head for the ball. His sisters would donate their dolls and they would rip the heads off to play. They only used the dolls that had soft heads because they wouldn’t break windows and would go really far, so they could hit home runs. Kids would come from all over to play “doll head.” As they grew older they would play hardball at the school yard. They would use regular hardballs and when the cover wore off the ball due to wear and tear, they would wrap it in electrical tape. He was blessed to be able to play competitive softball well into his 70s. Some of his softball accomplishments included being inducted into the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame in July of 2008, the LVSSA Hall of Fame in 2009, and numerous World Championship awards. He was the field commissioner in Las Vegas from 2007-2024 for the under 64 men. He once hit 3 grand slams in one game and was often called "money" by his teammates because you could bet your money that he was going to get on base.
Russ was a family man who very much enjoyed spending time and making memories with those he cherished. He will be sorely missed by all those who love him. He is survived by his five children and their spouses, daughter Deborah Lynne (Delton) Pugh, son Russell Owen (Cynthia), son Kenneth Douglas (Camille), daughter Leslie Jeanette, and son Scott Bradley (Angela) Curtis, and their mother Juanita Curtis, his 13 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and his girlfriend Shelly Rubin.
The family would like to give special thanks to Metcalf Mortuary in St. George, Utah, for taking such good care of their dad. They would also like to thank all those who made his life more meaningful and happy. The family will be honoring him with a Celebration of Life on January 20th, 2025, at the Las Vegas National Golf Course at 1911 E. Desert Inn Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 from 4 pm to 7 pm. There will be a second Celebration of life in Utah on March 9th, 2025, at Lone Peak Park (indoor pavilion) at 10140 S. 700 E. Sandy, Utah 84070 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. A meal will be provided at both events. Please come celebrate the life of our dear dad with us.
The Russ Curtis Memorial Website:
Russell "Russ" Spencer Curtis's Memorial Website | Ever Loved