Loranteen "Shirley" Burns Ritchie

Loranteen "Shirley" Burns Ritchie, age 91 years, 6 months, and 9 days, passed away, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Temple, Texas. Born on October 17, 1934, in San Antonio, Texas, to Wilson Joseph Burns, Sr. and Dorothy Felicia Robicheaux, Shirley was the fifth of seven children. She grew up in a lively, loving family that shaped her compassion, faith, and resilience. Shirley became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ at age 12, a decision that defined her life. She was known for her infectious laugh, her quick smile, and her deep desire to share the love of Jesus with everyone she met. Her faith was not merely something she professed, it was something she lived with joy, conviction, and tenderness. Throughout her life, Shirley served with several ministerial organizations. While she worked faithfully in clerical roles, her greatest impact came through her calling as a prayer intercessor and prayer team leader. She believed God had appointed her as a "watchman on the wall," praying diligently for leaders, nations, and the advancement of God's Kingdom. Shirley was a longtime resident of Azle, Texas, where she and her husband JW shared a rustic A-frame home he designed and built in the 1980s. In her later years, she moved to the Temple—Belton area and lived with her niece Roberta Lasly and Roberta's husband Rick, who lovingly cared for her until her passing. Among her most cherished memories were her missions trips to Russia and China, where she encouraged believers and shared Christ's love across cultures. She also treasured her trip to Washington, D.C., for the Million Women March, joining countless others in prayer and unity. Whether at home or abroad, she delighted in partnering with ministries and fellow believers to pray for the United States and for the nations of the world to know Christ. On August 23, 1952, Shirley married the love of her life, John William "JW" Ritchie. Their marriage, marked by devotion and shared faith, lasted 56 years until JW's passing on September 27, 2008. Together they raised two sons, Michael James and Sterlin John, both of whom preceded her in death. Though she endured profound loss, she carried her family in her heart with steadfast Love and prayer. Shirley is survived by her beloved grandchildren, CT, Lisa, Misty, and Doris; and her great-grandchildren, Tails, Zander, and Grace, each of whom brought her joy and pride. She is also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and even “great-great" and "great-great-great" nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving of the seven Burns siblings, carrying their stories, laughter, and love with her until the end. All who knew her loved her dearly and treasure her memory. If Shirley could speak one more time to her friends, her family, and even to strangers passing by on the street, her message would be simple and full of love: choose Jesus. She would urge you to as Him to forgive your sins, to walk with Him all the days of your life, and to know the peace and joy she carried so deeply. And she would want you to know that when your journey on this earth is finished, she will be there to greet you as you step onto the streets of gold.