Shirley Ann Durfee Tranas

Jan. 7, 1951 - May 12, 2025

Tomorrow is never promised, and life is often too short.

Shirley Ann Durfee Tranas passed away on May 12 in Greybull, leaving behind her husband Donald and their four wonderful children, to go be with her loving Savior and Lord.  She was set free from this world after a courageous 6 1/2-year battle with lung cancer.  She finished her race with steadfast and unwavering faith and joy.

Shirley was born to Jay Russell Durfee and Mildred Landers-Durfee on Jan. 7, 1951, in Newcastle, Wyo.  She lived in Upton, Wyo. where her family owned and worked Durfee’s clothing store until 1959.  The family then moved to Sundance where her dad took over his uncle’s Durfee clothing store. Shirley was the eldest of five siblings.  She graduated from Sundance High School in 1969 and began attending the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo., that fall.

She met her husband Donald E. Tranas in Laramie.  They were married for 54 years having four children: Bob, Jennifer, Susan and Sharon.  Shirley loved volunteering for her children’s school and sports activities.  She was an active member of the Greybull First Baptist Church and later Basin First Baptist Church, where she made sure her kids were raised in a Christian church.  Shirley stayed very active teaching Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School, and church Bible studies for many years, teaching her last women’s Bible study on Dec. 2, 2024.

After all her children were in school, she re-enrolled at the University of Wyoming to earn her degree in elementary education.  Shirley taught third and fourth graders at Greybull Elementary School for 26 years.  After retiring, she substitute taught for nine years.  She loved her job and colleagues.  She was an honored member of Delta Kappa Gamma Key Women Educators and held several local and state offices for 15 years.  She enjoyed visiting places throughout the United States and Canada while attending Delta Kappa Gamma events.  She received the Alpha Zi State achievement award in 2019.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her twin sister Priscilla JoAnn Durfee and granddaughter Felicia Herrera 

She is survived by her husband Don; son Robert Jay Tranas (Shauna) of Greybull, daughters Jennifer Dawn Tranas of Sheridan, Wyo., Susan Ann Herrera (James) of Laramie, Wyo., Sharon Amanda Fackrell (Bradon) of Sheridan, Wyo., and seven grandchildren:  Kelby Tranas (Maggie), Karissa Tranas, Andrea Herrera, Joshua Fackrell, Diego Herrera, Kortney Fackrell and Nicolai Fackrell. She also leaves behind brothers Charles Jay Durfee (Loretta) of Sundance, Wyo., and Apache Junction, Ariz.   James Russell Durfee (Kimberly) of Sundance, Wyo., and Surprise, Ariz.; sisters Peggy Sue Hyatt (Gerald) of Bar Nunn, Wyo., and Judy Kay Moline (Brett) of Thermopolis, Wyo.; and many nieces and nephews.  

The funeral service will be held May 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Basin First Baptist Church, Basin, Wyo.

Undoubtedly the first thing Shirley heard in Heaven was “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  

In lieu of flowers, Shirley asked for her family and friends to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.