Barbara Jean Branch

Born April 3, 1925, in Scottsbluff, Neb., Barbara Jean McKerrigan Branch departed her earthly bounds on May 20, 2011, in Midwest City, to rejoin her parents, John McKerrigan and Pauline Otilla Draube, and 11 siblings. She is survived by her husband, John W. Branch, Jr.; 3 children, Judith Ann McKnight, John Dennis Branch and Jean Rae Ratterman; 7 grandchildren, Melissa Warsaw, Amy Evers, Thomas, Patrick and Samuel McKnight, and Chelsea and Ian Ratterman; and 6 great grandchildren, Lauryn and Noah Evers; and Ryder, Finley, Caitlyn and Michael McKnight. Barbara married Oct. 3, 1945 in Alliance, Neb., beginning a 17-year adventure with John through his military career. During some years it was necessary for Barbara to move several times in a single year. With John’s Air Force retirement, the couple settled in Ada, Okla. in 1963, relocating to Midwest City in 1967 where she continued working to raise their children, keep house and help John start and build a successful business. Barbara had an inquisitive mind, and she instilled the quest for knowledge in her children. She also was a fantastic cook and loved to explore different cuisines. Throughout her life she had a love of reading – a gift which she gave all three of her children. People who knew her considered her kind and gentle with wisdom beyond her years and formal education. She also loved the small wildlife. She will be greatly missed! Services will be held at 2:00 PM on May 26 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Midwest City. Interment will take place shortly thereafter at Arlington Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Barbara’s name to the American Cancer Society or the National Audubon Society.