Shirley June Schroeder Branam July 6, 1941 – February 19, 2021

Heaven has another angel as our beloved Shirley was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior on February 19 ^th , 2021. Shirley was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Ron Branam of 33 years and her twin children Glenda and Joe who considered her both mom and dad. Shirley was also considered a mother by Glenda's lifelong friends, Tammy Gilster, Lynda Thomsen, and Joyce Fields-Keene whom she also loved unconditionally. Likewise, her own friendship with Caryl Charnow, which grew from a friendship between her daughter Anne and Glenda became a close bond between their mothers that lasted the rest of her life. Shirley was preceded by her dear brother Bob Schroeder and parents Thurman and Audrey Schroeder.  Shirley was especially fond of her sister-in-law, Cheryl Johnson, the "sister" she never had.

Shirley continued sharing her love for her son and daughter's respective spouses - Cinde Oliphant and Mike Lehfeldt. Shirley was a peerless mother-in-law to Joe's wife Cinde from the moment they met in late 1982 beginning a beautiful lifelong friendship. Shirley was so happy to not only have a wonderful daughter-in-law, but a son-in-law whom she adored, Mike Lehfeldt. Mike and Glenda's children, Michael (born on Shirley and Ron's wedding anniversary) and Haley were both very special and cherished by her. She also loved Michael's wife, Haley Bowen Lehfeldt, who she affectionately called, "Mrs. Haley". She loved her stepson Chris Branam and stepdaughter Julie Branam Adolph. Shirley and Ron married when Chris and Julie were both teenagers and they always considered her a second "mom."  Shirley loved Julie's husband Ron Adolph, and cherished her two wonderful step-granddaughters Lily Branam Adolph and Maggie Branam Adolph, who knew Shirley as Grandma. She also treasured memories with her cousin Warren Fox.

Ron and Shirley traveled far and wide. During their frequent travels – to 49 of our 50 US states, Canada, Mexico, and even parts of Europe – Shirley and Ron loved to stop along the way to see family and friends whenever they could, also welcoming them as guests in their own home. Shirley's life was accordingly centered on others, further enriched by friendships she and Ron nurtured.

Her love extended further through active involvement in her base of faith, Hope Lutheran Church and her book club. During her "second act" with Ron they made lifelong friends as part of a potluck club with other couples, neighbors and each other's friends. As a daughter of artists, Shirley blessed many with her thoughtful creativity. She had a beautifully welcoming home and garden not only for family and guests but open to all God's creatures – from birds nesting outside and an occasional squirrel, to a dog or two through the years, and almost always a devoted loving cat inside – most recently Tyler who now comforts Ron in her absence. Many of us are the appreciative recipients of Shirley's beautiful needlework, and she perhaps most loved cooking for one and all. During her time working for a telephone company in Southern California, then her career at California State University Fresno, Shirley's talent and skill with both people and communications equipment made her an asset wherever she was assigned and a joyful colleague to be fondly remembered. Shirley will be missed by many, yet warmly remain in the hearts of all whose lives she touched with her gentle kindness, sweet smile, and selfless love. Family and friends are extremely grateful for the compassionate care Shirley received at Clovis Community Medical Center and Hanford Post Acute Care. We are particularly grateful for all of the doctors and nurses who attended to her. At this time a service to place her remains at Hope Lutheran Church Columbarium is not yet scheduled, and a Celebration of Life is anticipated to follow, which will be announced through Yost & Webb who is handling cremation and related arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation, we are sure Shirley would appreciate donations to Hope Lutheran Church in her name.

Hope Lutheran Church

364 E. Barstow Avenue

Fresno, CA 93711