Shirley Mae Lunceford Branagan, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, returned peacefully to her Heavenly Father on December 1, 2025, in Spanish Fork, Utah. She was 71 years old.
Shirley was born on May 4, 1954, in Springville, Utah, to Clarence and Irene Lunceford. From her earliest days, she carried a gentle spirit and a heart full of kindness. She graduated from Springville High School. She started her working life at Mountain Country Foods and Hickory Kist before later pursuing her nursing degree at Utah Valley Community College. She found her life calling in her career at the Utah State Hospital while also working in several surgical centers across the valley. Her career was marked by compassion and dedication, as she cared for countless patients with love and skill until her retirement.
On December 13, 1977, Shirley married her sweetheart, Ronnie Darrell Branagan, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they built a life rich in love, laughter, and family in Spanish Fork before moving to her dream home in Salem.
Shirley’s greatest joy was found in the simple, beautiful moments of life surrounded by family in the garden and her yard. She took pride in having a lush lawn, weeded flower beds and bushels of tomatoes. She also carried on her mother’s and sisters’ love for canning and baking from her mother’s recipe book. She crocheted and quilted blankets for family members. She loved taking family vacations along with weekend getaways to Wendover, Nevada with Ronnie. She also enjoyed shopping and decorating for the holidays. Most of all, she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren embracing their unique interests and serving as their biggest fan. They brought endless joy to her days as she did to theirs.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her faith was a guiding light to her family, and her gentle example touched everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ronnie; her children, Dirk Branagan of Lehi, Utah, Tiffany Branagan of Salem, Utah, and stepson Jeremy Branagan of Midvale, Utah; six treasured grandchildren; and her sister, Diann Powell.
She is preceded in death by her siblings Geniel Nielson, Coleen, Blaine Lunceford, Leon Lunceford, and Levon Lunceford.
Shirley’s legacy is one of love, warmth, hard work and devotion. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will forever cherish the warmth, kindness and love she brought to their lives.
Services
A viewing will be held Tuesday, December 16, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home located at 187 South Main St., Spanish Fork, Utah. An additional viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 17, from 9:30–10:45 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 25 West Appleblossom Way, Salem, Utah. Funeral services will immediately follow at the same location, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
2 Condolences for Shirley Mae Lunceford Branagan
Condolences(2)
Eilene says
December 11, 2025 at 5:29 amRon, Dirk, Tiffany, I am just heart broken about your sweet mom. She is an amazing lady. She was always so good to my family! We loved having Dirk and Tiffany over to our home. We hated when you decided to move to Salem. We missed your family in our neighborhood. I am sure your sweet mom is having a beautiful reunion with those that went before her. Sending hugs and Love your way.
paul whitehead says
December 17, 2025 at 2:42 amShirley was a favorite RN at the Utah State Hospital. As a new physician there she was very protective, personable, and professional towards me and the rest of the team; I had the wonderful opportunity to work with her for nearly two decades on our forensic unit. She had “no ego” and was always focused on a no nonsense approach to furthering patient care and was beloved by staff and patients; she was also prone to playing a practical joke or two on several of her favorite targets (such as me). Our condolences to the family; she will be sorely missed. After she retired it was a joy to send her a “May the Fourth” greeting on her birthday. Thank you Shirley for being such a wonderful person and team member.