Obituary of Ethel Ruby Branson

BRANSON, Ethel Ruby Altenburger 101 years old (1917 - 2018) Ethel was born February 2, 1917 to Henry and May Altenburger in Bolckow (St. Joseph, Missouri). She left us on Mother's Day, May 13, 2018 with her loving family at her side. Ethel was always noted for her kindness, her wonderful sense of humor and her sense of color and style. She was preceded in death by her brother, Earl Altenburger; sister, Hazel Duncan; daughters, Ellen Thornburg, Pamela Watkins and granddaughter, Dianne Pastore. She is survived by her daughter, Nancie (Sterling) Mahan; grandchildren, Stanley (Eva) Mahan, Sue (Byron) Branham, Christopher Mahan, Konreid (Anna) Muench, Kristen (Joe) Waskiewicz, Wendi (Dave) Kunz and Monica (Jason) Ehlen; 11 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great- grandchildren, nine great-great-great-grandchildren, and three great-great-great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to the pride of her family, she was proud to have received an Honorary HS Diploma in 2013 from Lafayette High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. She was also honored to receive numerous letters of congratulations from many of Arizona's dignitaries when she reached her 100th year. Ethel enjoyed her hobby of photography on may trips all over the world, the U.S., and especially the Southwest, that she took with her former husband Oscar Branson buying items sold in their shop, the Treasure House in Old Town, Albuquerque and in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Ethel lived in the Tucson mountains for over 50 years, during that time she and Oscar established Treasure Chest Publications and she co-authored their best selling books: Turquoise Gem of The Centuries, Indian Jewelry Making Vol. I & II and Fetishes and Carvings of the Southwest. She was also active in Beta Sigma Phi Sororiety. The family will celebrate her fascinating and interesting life privately. Donations can be made in her name to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.