Shirley Branson

Shirley A. Branson, age 82, passed away Monday afternoon, February 14, 2022, at the Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Missouri.

She was born February 7, 1940, at Winfield, Kansas, the daughter of Bill and Martha (Knowles) Guymon. As a young girl, she attended grade school in Healdton and Duncan, Oklahoma before moving to California, graduating from Whittier High School in 1958. After her graduation, she attended Oklahoma State University, where she met her future husband, William W. (Bill) Branson. On May 28, 1960, they were married at Duncan, Oklahoma. She later attended Fort Hays State University, receiving her Bachelor’s degree. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she furthered her education at Kansas State University, receiving her Masters degree. In June 1967, she moved to Meade and began her teaching career with Meade USD 226 until her retirement.

She was a member of the Church of Christ, the Meade Ladies Golf Club, the Meade Booster Club, the Meade Recreation Board, KNEA, and the Friends of the Meade Library. She enjoyed playing golf, reading, sewing, supporting Meade sporting events, working in her flower garden, and spending time with her family, friends, and most of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Bill Branson of Meade; four daughters, Debbie Little and husband Mitch of Meade, Cheree Cordes and husband Terry of Meade, Darla Branson (Dan LaPace) of Louisville, Kentucky, and Kristen Branson and of Olathe, Kansas; a brother, J Carl Guymon of Seminole, Oklahoma; a sister, Sharon George of San Jacinto, California; nine grandchildren, Dane, Tanner, Colton, Jett, Jayde, Whitney, Gunner, Jalen, and Harrison; six great-grandchildren, Huck, Briggs, Roscoe, Hank, Tripp, and Jasper; and four step-great-grandchildren, Parker, Paige, Gunner, and Cozette.

She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Lance Guymon.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2022, at the Meade Grade School Auditorium. There will be no public viewing, as cremation has taken place.

The family would welcome memorials to the Meade Golf Course or Meade Public Library in care of Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade.

Personal condolences may be given to the family at www.fidlerormebachmanmortuary.com