Shirley Fortney

Shirley Jean Hagen-Bright-Fortney, 93, of the Williamson Valley near Prescott, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, with her husband holding her hand. She was sharp and in-charge and made her own decisions to the end.

Shirley was born on April 18, 1932, in Davis City, Iowa. As a child she moved to Leon, Iowa, where she attended school and met her first husband, Robert Bright. Over the course of her life, Shirley built a career marked by responsibility and service. She worked for the Iowa State Highway Commission, supporting construction of the early Interstate Highway System, served as Clerk of the County Court in Lincoln, Nebraska, and later managed financial operations for property management investors in California where she lived for 43 years.

Shirley was an avid golfer, earning trophies in numerous leagues, and she especially enjoyed playing bridge, often partnering with her first husband. After his passing in 1986, she later married James Thomas Fortney and joined the Fortney family. Together they recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.

Family was central to Shirley’s life. She recently became a great-grandmother and a great-great-grand aunt, roles she cherished. She lived a full life of professional engagement, personal interests, and civic involvement before retiring in Arizona.

Shirley is survived by her husband, James, and the family of his son William (Darlene), including grandchildren Anthony (Kamila), Kevin (Paige), and Lauren (Greggory Redman). She was the last surviving member of her Hagen family and is also survived by nieces Debra Stuart and Rhonda Perkins of Iowa; Virginia Graziano of Michigan; and a nephew, Paul Mustain, of Kansas.

She was predeceased by parents Gilbert and Grace Hagen; stepfather Walter Main; and sisters Betty Mustain and Delores Stuart.

Shirley will be interred at the Leon Iowa City Cemetery later in the season, with a memorial service to be held at that time.