Shirley Ann Burringo

On January 25, 2022 at 3:30 am, our beautiful and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at her son’s home in Lake Point, Utah. She was lovingly & prayerfully surrounded by her children & grandchildren.

She will be immensely missed by all who knew her beautiful soul.

Shirley was born on July 10, 1942 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Guadalupe & Gertrude Mary Guerrero; they later divorced & her mother remarried and became known as Gertrude Mary Ahalt. They are both now deceased.

On July 12, 1960, just two days after her eighteenth birthday, she married the love of her life, Bobby. They were married at the courthouse in Elko, Nevada and their witnesses were her late uncle, Gilbert Sanchez and his then wife, Rose. Due to getting to the courthouse after hours, they had to stay the night. And because she didn’t want to wear the same dress twice, her and Rose swapped dresses. Shirley wore a blue & white polka dot dress on the day of her wedding and couldn’t be prouder to become his wife, Mrs. Joseph Robert Burringo. They were married 26 years at the time of Bobby’s death. She stayed faithful and true; she never remarried or dated anyone again. She always said “Bobby is the only one for me.”

Shirley enjoyed spending time with her family, she called this time “making lasting memories”. This was something she often said light heartedly to remind everyone that time with loved ones is a blessing but it held great meaning to all of those who knew her.

She was a woman of God. Not only did she express her love for God and his son Jesus, but more importantly she showed her love for righteousness by living her life according to Jesus’ teaching, “Love thy neighbor as thy self”, “Do unto others as you would have done unto you”, and “I am my brother’s keeper.” Shirley would offer prayer on behalf of those with burdens too heavy to carry. She was everyone’s go-to shoulder to lean or cry on. And she did so with great love and conviction to help see them through whatever they were going through.

Shirley loved seeing her family achieve goals, big and small. She celebrated so many milestones with them— child births, weddings, birthdays, graduations, promotions, home purchases, new experiences, recovery… she was there for every lasting memory.

Shirley is survived by four of her five children: Richard (Darla) Burringo, Pauline (Abelardo) Caraveo, Cathy Reynolds (Quincy Clinton) and Kristina Burringo.

Her grandchildren: Kim (Jose) Suaste, Eli Johnson, Tasha Johnson, Robert (Lindsey) Reynolds, Joshua Herrera, Jeremy Herrera, Justin Johnson, Alexandria Burringo, Jeffrey Hogan, Candace Reynolds, Monica (Mikey) Fabela, Jordan Burringo, Adrianna Adermann, Roberto Rios, & Abigail Caraveo.

Her great grandchildren: Dominic Suaste, Xavier Suaste, Lucas Suaste, Aliyah Castro-Hogan, Maddex Reynolds, Angelina Johnson, Zoey Reynolds, Roman Fabela, Sylvestre Suaste, Damian Fabela, LJ Reynolds, Elix Rios, Kyza Rios, Avalynn Johnson, & new baby Johnson coming soon.

Her siblings: Mary (Arthur) Valdez, Lupe (Bessie) Guerrero, Virginia Espinoza, Mary Helen Guerrero, Priscilla Castanuela (Lee Manzanares), Joe (Toney) Guerrero, and Hope Cervantez.

And many other extended family members, whom she loved dearly.

Shirley loved all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren deeply; there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. She prayed for them daily and had a personal relationship with each of them. The lasting memories she created with them has become the strength they’re all drawing from at this very difficult time. Even after death, she is their strength & comforter.

She was THE most dedicated mother & grandmother. Shirley was there through the good and the bad; no matter the trial or tribulation, she was there. This is her legacy that will live on and bless many generations to come.

Shirley was a fan of gospel & country music. She enjoyed listening to Elvis Presley, Freddy Fender, Dolly Parton, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Kenny Rogers as well as many others. One of her very favorite artists to listen to was her late uncle Gilbert Sanchez or as she lovingly called him uncle Gilly.

She enjoyed making her famously delicious open-face enchiladas with red chili and fresh handmade tortillas for her family. This meal was often made as their family Christmas dinner.

Bobby, Shirley’s husband was born in Walsenburg, Colorado. He was a huge Broncos fan and by way of marriage she became one too. Watching the Broncos play football was something Shirley enjoyed doing with her kids, as they are all Broncos fans too. She would hoot & holler, even on replays. These are lasting memories that will be cherished forever by her children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Robert “Bobby” Burringo, her oldest child Vicky Lynn Burringo, her sister Connie Payan, her mother Mary Gertrude Ahalt, her father Guadalupe Guerrero, her brothers Philip Ahalt, Toby Guerrero, Charlie Guerrero, and one of her favorite uncles Joe Rodriguez and her closest aunt Zelma Rodriquez. She loved them all so very much.

The family would like to share their gratitude for the love and support that many have shown at this very difficult time. And a very special “thank you” to all the healthcare providers who cared for her throughout her journey, especially her home health aid, Robin.

There will be a celebration of Shirley’s life on February 19, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Calvary Chapel of Salt Lake located at 460 West Century Drive, SLC, Utah 84123

Due to Covid, we will also make the service available via Zoom. (Link to be provided once available.) We ask that those who attend in person wear a face mask as per CDC guidelines.

Special note: There will be time given during the service to celebrate her daughter Vicky’s life and for those to share and pay their respects.

Following the service, Vicky and Shirley’s ashes will be placed with Bobby at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.