Evelyn "Rose" Brannan

Evelyn Rosalee (Begley) Brannan was born in Verdigris, Oklahoma on October 16, 1923, to parents, Sara Ellen Holden Begley and Ernest Hugene Begley. She met William Ernest Brannan (Bud) and was married in Sapulpa Oklahoma, in a union lasting almost 75 years.

Her life with Bud began with leaving Oklahoma during the dust bowl era landing in Central California's agricultural zone. Working alongside her husband, the children came, and the jobs improved. Mom and dad resided for nearly 30 years in Bakersfield, California where Mom raised her children enrolling them in private schools, playing chauffeur, tutor, cake/cookie baker, head gardener, and no stray cat went unfed. After 30 years Mom and dad returned to the Midwest where they farmed a few years until a business opportunity surfaced in Oklahoma. They sold the farm, finally moved home to Oklahoma and successfully operated a formally failing business for many years. Now experienced hoteliers, a better opportunity surfaced in Ponca City, and they took it. Bud and Rose successfully operated The Surrey Motel for 7 years and finally retired. Returning to the Big Cabin area, they purchased 30 acres and a home and began farming once again. Rose baked, canned, gardened, and sold fruit, vegetables and even wood all whilst rearing grandchildren. She was such a strong lady living to the ripe old age of 97+.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; daughters, Barbara Fiser and Linda Bradley.

She leaves behind son, Charles Brannan and wife, Dolly of Branson, Missouri; daughters, Dee Harper of Ojai, California, Ellen Donofrio and husband Jeffrey of Las Vegas, Nevada, Roberta Faulconer-Thomas and husband James of Wichita, Kansas; 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and 3 great greatgrandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 2:00 pm at the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home, Vinita, OK. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or on the Luginbuel Funeral Home Facebook page.