Shirley L. Branstetter, 92, of Bradenton, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025, at Blake Hospital with her family by her side.
Shirley was born on April 3, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Harold and Lillian Micheltree. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Walt Branstetter, and her sister Lauretta McGhee.
Shirley graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, class of 1950. She later moved to Ohio, where she enjoyed being a mother and teaching piano lessons, both privately and to students in the Dayton school system. In 1975, she joined the staff of Kettering Medical Center in Kettering, Ohio, as an administrative assistant. Shirley and Walt retired in 1987 and moved to Florida to enjoy many of their favorite activities, including running, golfing, biking, traveling, and kayaking.
Retirement was also a time for Shirley to grow deeper in her faith and to witness to others of God's goodness and love. She was licensed by the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida as a Eucharistic Minister and was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church. She especially loved her Daughters of the King group and serving with the Cursillo Ministry. Shirley found joy in sharing her gift of music with others through singing in the choir, playing her guitar or piano with the praise and worship team, or playing with the Manatee-Sarasota Dulcimer group. Music was her passion.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Karen (Robert) Bauer, John (Patty) Madsen, Lori (Mike) Maloney, and Stella (Warren) Assink; 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton, FL 34205.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Department at Christ Episcopal Church.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street, Bradenton, FL, is in charge of arrangements.
