Obituary for Winona "Nokie" Oleta Branson
Winona Oleta Branson “Nokie” passed away January 31, 2021 at Ashley Manor in Hood River, Oregon. Nokie was born October 8, 1930 and was 90 years of age at the time of her passing.
Nokie was born in Miami, Oklahoma to Bert and Edna Meryl (Spicer) Ketcher. She grew up in Miami and graduated from Miami High School Class of 1949. Nokie’s first job was with Roy Rayon’s Sunset Café and her second job was with United Telephone Company, which she retired from after working for 35 years.
In 1949 she married Thomas Scraper, he passed away in 1984 after 35 years of marriage. In 1987, she married Floyd F. Branson who after 23 years of marriage passed away in 2010.
Nokie enjoyed cooking, collecting cook books, music, and played the organ. She collected Roy Rodgers memorabilia and went to the Roy Rodgers Museum in Victorville, California where she met him in person… this was a huge moment in her life. She loved traveling, Rook (the card game), was a member of the Birthday Club at Faith Bible Church and loved animals.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Nokie was preceded in death by two sisters, four brother-in-law’s, a niece, two nephews and stepdaughter. Nokie is survived by; step-daughter, Elizabeth June; step-son, Floyd Branson, III; sisters, Navaline Chapman and Juanita “Nita” Applegate; as well as too many nieces, nephews & friends to list.
Services are planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 13th, 2021 at Faith Bible Church (1889 Belmont Drive, Hood River, OR 97031). Family friend, Oscar Stenberg, III will officiate. Graveside rites will follow at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River. In consideration of the pandemic Nokie’s service will be live streamed and a link can be found on her web guestbook at www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.
A time of viewing is planned for Friday, February 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Family would like to extend a special thank you to Ashley Manor, Heart of Hospice, Providence Hood River Medical Center, Skyline Hospital and to Dr. Buser and all those that have helped with Nokie’s care.
Nokie always contributed to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Veterans’ and Police organizations and family suggests that any memorials be made to one of these charities she held dear in her name.
In closing here is a favorite of Nokie’s quotes “Heaven is a heartbeat away”
Nokie was born in Miami, Oklahoma to Bert and Edna Meryl (Spicer) Ketcher. She grew up in Miami and graduated from Miami High School Class of 1949. Nokie’s first job was with Roy Rayon’s Sunset Café and her second job was with United Telephone Company, which she retired from after working for 35 years.
In 1949 she married Thomas Scraper, he passed away in 1984 after 35 years of marriage. In 1987, she married Floyd F. Branson who after 23 years of marriage passed away in 2010.
Nokie enjoyed cooking, collecting cook books, music, and played the organ. She collected Roy Rodgers memorabilia and went to the Roy Rodgers Museum in Victorville, California where she met him in person… this was a huge moment in her life. She loved traveling, Rook (the card game), was a member of the Birthday Club at Faith Bible Church and loved animals.
In addition to her parents and husbands, Nokie was preceded in death by two sisters, four brother-in-law’s, a niece, two nephews and stepdaughter. Nokie is survived by; step-daughter, Elizabeth June; step-son, Floyd Branson, III; sisters, Navaline Chapman and Juanita “Nita” Applegate; as well as too many nieces, nephews & friends to list.
Services are planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 13th, 2021 at Faith Bible Church (1889 Belmont Drive, Hood River, OR 97031). Family friend, Oscar Stenberg, III will officiate. Graveside rites will follow at Idlewilde Cemetery of Hood River. In consideration of the pandemic Nokie’s service will be live streamed and a link can be found on her web guestbook at www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com.
A time of viewing is planned for Friday, February 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Family would like to extend a special thank you to Ashley Manor, Heart of Hospice, Providence Hood River Medical Center, Skyline Hospital and to Dr. Buser and all those that have helped with Nokie’s care.
Nokie always contributed to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Veterans’ and Police organizations and family suggests that any memorials be made to one of these charities she held dear in her name.
In closing here is a favorite of Nokie’s quotes “Heaven is a heartbeat away”