Loranna Lois Branson

Loranna Lois Rittamel Branson of Knoxville passed away on November 5, 2015 after a short illness. She was surrounded by her family. Loranna was born on January 11, 1929 in Falls City, Nebraska where she lived on the family farm as a young child. Loranna later moved with her father, Arthur Rittamel, to Knoxville and attended First Lutheran School. She graduated from Central High School in 1946 and attended the University of Tennessee.

Ms. Branson savored life and had a wide variety of interests which she shared with others, bringing joy along the way. She was creative and artistically talented, particularly with hand craft: knitting, needlework, and creating original beaded Christmas ornaments cherished by family and friends. Loranna and her life-long friend Peachy Wallis often sewed together and they made the bridesmaids’ dresses for two of their daughters’ weddings. She was a devoted gardener and could often be found working in her yard. She had a curious nature and was interested in new people and experiences. She was an avid reader and tenacious solver of jigsaw and word puzzles. At a moment’s notice, Loranna was willing to jump in the car and take off for a road trip with her children: a trait that provided some of her family’s happiest memories. She kept ties with many of her Central High School class friends and looked forward to their frequent lunches together. In recent years, she renewed her interest in playing bridge where she met many new friends.

Loranna was a wonderful, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by daughters Debra A. Branson of Nashville, TN, Donna M. Brown (Tim) of Watertown, TN, Denise R. Workman (Larry) of Medford, OR, son Aubra David Branson of Knoxville, and son-in-law John A. Anderson; grandchildren Candice E. Anderson (Alsace), John D. Anderson (Johanna), McKenzie H. Workman, Thomas B. Workman, and Stacey N. Workman; great-granddaughter Eleanor E. Anderson.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution to the Animal Rescue Corps in her memory. (1380 Monroe St. NW #326, Washington, DC 20010-3452. animalrescuecorps.org) or Alive Hospice (1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203).

The family will receive friends Monday, November 9, 2015 from 5-7pm at Berry HIGHLAND MEMORIAL, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday at 10am in the Chapel of Berry HIGHLAND MEMORIAL. There will be a private family interment.